Western Semi Finals Day One

We have representatives from 29 schools competing at Western Semi Finals this weekend. As of this evening St. Andrews leads by 2 points ahead of Clemson with 50% of the team competition left to go so it is still a very open race for the 8 competing teams.

The team effort to put on an outstanding show is paying off. Jeremy, Matt and the stall cleaning crew started around 2:00 a.m. this morning to prepare the facility. The barn staff, team members, work study and students doing their work days for class began at 5:00 a.m. The draw for team reining with the legendary duck pond was at 7:30 to kick off the show at 8:00 a.m.

Other administrative/behind the scenes people that make this possible include Alum Mike Krysczak who is announcing both days. Multiple alums and friends of the program including Leah, Blake and Hillary worked hard all day long helping with horses, team clothes and overall show organization. Rob and Jameson serving as Ring Stewards, Heather and Audrey organizing the Pig Pickin’, Pebbles taking photos to post on facebook, Liz working the draw table, Matt running the paddock, Kellie G overseeing the barn staff and updating on twitter and myself posting results online and assisting with the draw table. It is very likely that I forgot several people who donated their time and energy to make the show successful and I apologize. Overseeing everything is Peggy who could be found organizing any and all areas of the show.

Tomorrow we get to do it all again to finish up individual classes and learn which of the 8 schools will advance to the National Championships. Top three teams and top four individuals move forward.

Competing Schools
Arcadia University
Ball State University
California State Polytechnic Pomona
Clarion University Verango
Delaware Valley College
Florida State University
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Martin Community College
Arizona State University
California University of Pennsylvania
Cazenovia College
Clemson University
Georgia Southern University
Indiana University
Lander University
Mt. San Antonio College
North Carolina State University
Purdue University
Slippery Rock University
St. Andrews University
University of Central Florida
University of North Florida
West Virginia University
Pennsylvania State University Berks
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
State University of New York at Oswego
University of Arizona
University of Florida
Virginia Tech