The Oxford High School Equestrian team headed to state championships, held in Midland from Oct. 14-17, with one goal in mind ? top their fourth place finish from last year.
And improve they did.
When the dust settled, the Wildcats found themselves as the third best team in the state, behind state champion Milford and runner up Hartland.
Milford, who captured the state title for the fifth consecutive year, finished with 342 points. Hartford had 330 and Oxford finished with 247.
‘We were a little bit nervous going up against the state champs from the last four years,? Head Coach Dee Shepard said. ‘After our first couple of classes, we settled down and started to focus.?
The Wildcats were able to capture first place in four of the 17 events, and juniors Jenny Fifield, Mandi Moore and Maria Vitucci led the team in points during the meet.
‘There was great camaraderie and teamwork the whole weekend,? Shepard said.
Oxford is already anticipating a return to the state finals next year. ‘We’re looking forward to a rematch next year,? she added.