Equestrian Team Riders Excel at Georgia Tech

Mississippi College’s equestrian team turned in another solid performance at competition hosted by Georgia Tech.

Last weekend’s MC showing in the Peach State follows an impressive third-place finish for the university’s riders at an October event hosted by Berry College in north Georgia.

“We had another great weekend showing, with almost every team member returning with a ribbon,” says first-year coach Tina Davey. “Our team is still in third overall.”

With new riders elevating the team, MC’s squad is “very strong this season and we hope to return next semester even stronger,” Davey said.

Among the highlights from the October 27-28 event: senior Leah Katynski of Orlando finished in third place in the open over the fences class Saturday. “Leah rode beautifully in the highest level of competition in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association against other very successful riders,” Davey said.

Among other top MC riders:

--Sophomore Katherine Mooney of Jackson, who’s a Jackson Academy graduate, finished in 2^nd place in the intermediate flat competition.

--Jessica Drohan came in second in novice over the fences Saturday and first in the novice flat Sunday.

--Meredith Matthews finished first in novice over the fences on Saturday and first in novice flat on Sunday.

 --Laura Mirick landed in second place in the beginning walk, trot and canter on Sunday.

 --Susannah Glass came in second in the walk/trot on Saturday.

Only two other schools, the University of Alabama and Berry College, surpass Mississippi College in the IHSA region.

MC’s success in the standings “is a great accomplishment for our young team,” says Jim Turcotte, vice president for enrollment services and dean of students. “Tina Davey brings a wealth of experience and management skill to the team.”

Turcotte oversees the equestrian, bass fishing and clay shooting teams.

This fall, MC’s equestrian team includes more than 25 riders and expects more students signing up next August.

The equestrian team hopes to attract more students at a Providence Hill Farm open house on Saturday November 3 from 1 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. The event is also designed for MC students interested in the bass fishing and clay shooting squads. The open house is part of the Christian university’s Fall Preview Day.

For more information, go to http://www.mcequestrianteam.com or contact Tina Davey at davey_christina@yahoo.com.