NMSU Equestrian Team's National Invitational a Success
Date: March 18, 1997
Editor: D'Lyn Ford (505) 646-6528, dlford@nmsu.edu
LAS CRUCES -- With a reserve champion team ribbon in hand and 17 other teams newly-enchanted with Las Cruces, New Mexico State University's equestrian team declared its weekend National Invitational a success.
NMSU had three teams competing with some of the best intercollegiate horse show teams from around the nation March 15. The crimson team, with riders Cathy Cumberworth, Tammy Greeman, Kirsten Hoover, Jennifer Lowder and Sabrina Measday, ended the day in a three-way tie for top honors. The crimson team emerged as the Reserve Champion team, after a tie-breaker class. Champion team honors went to The Ohio State University.
"I think we performed well," said Larry Sanchez, team coach. "I was happy with the results. It was a good learning experience in preparation for nationals."
The 17 other teams from around the nation were very happy with the show, facilities and weather, Sanchez said. "They had nothing but compliments. This really put New Mexico and Las Cruces on the map," he said.
Only the best teams were invited to compete in the Western exhibition-style "Tournament of Champions," a competition that showcased the best talent from former national champions and teams currently leading their regions.
Lowder and Patrick Pirtle both won their Intermediate-division classes. Lowder beat out Pirtle for the Intermediate Championship. Cumberworth won her Advanced-division class and took home the Advanced Championship as well.
Other NMSU riders scored points for their respective teams. Heather Armstrong placed fourth in Advanced, Holly Armstrong sixth in Open Reining, Tammy Greeman fourth in Open Reining, Kirsten Hoover third in Open Rail, Sabrina Maesday fourth in Beginning, Shannon Salazar third in Intermediate, and Jessica Sorenson second in Beginning.
"It was a success," Sanchez said. "Some of the toughest riders in the nation were at this show, and we proved that NMSU can out-ride just about any team."