Tiffin University's Western Equestrian team finished the season strong in
two competitions on Sunday. Eight colleges participated in Sunday's
competition including Ohio State University, Ohio University, University of
Akron, Lake Erie College, College of Wooster, Kent State University and
Oberlin College. Despite only filling three of the six divisions, the team's
hard work and dedication paid off, earning a tie with Akron University for
3rd Place overall in the morning competition and took 2nd Place Reserve
Champion as a team behind Ohio State University in the afternoon
competition.

During the competitions on Sunday team members earned enough individual
competition points to qualify them in the Regional Competitions on March 8,
2009. Elizabeth Buskey qualified in Intermediate Horsemanship II, moving her
up to Novice Horsemanship. Amanda Hoile qualified in Beginner Horsemanship,
moving her up to Intermediate Horsemanship I. Melissa Cassidy also qualified
in Beginner Horsemanship, moving her up to Intermediate Horsemanship I.
Other members of the team who qualified throughout the season include: Megan
Bates, Alison Ditman, Trisha Hellein and Eric Pettigrew.

Individual Participants included:
Megan Bates, Elizabeth Buskey, Melissa Cassidy, Sarah Crosswhite, Alison
Ditman, April Fruitnicht, Trisha Hellein, Amanda Hoile, Danielle Holland,
Ashley Lewellen, Eric Pettigrew, Tyler Riddle, Robyn Robertson, Jenna
Trillet, Rachel Zwayer.

Placings: (first number first competition, second number second
competition)

Beginning Horsemanship
Melissa Cassidy- 4th, 4rd
Amanda Hoile- 3rd
Ashley Lewellen- 3rd, 3rd
Tyler Riddle- 5th, 5th
Jenna Trillet- 1st
Rachel Zwayer- 6th, 4th

Intermediate Horsemanship I
Megan Bates- 3rd, 6th
Trisha Hellein- 1st, 2nd
Amanda Hoile- 5th
Eric Pettigrew- 5th

Intermediate Horsemanship II
Elizabeth Buskey- 1st
Sarah Crosswhite- 1st, 3rd
April Fruitnicht- 5th,
Danielle Holland- 6th

Novice Horsemanship
Elizabeth Buskey- 5th
Alison Dittman- 3rd, 1st


Not only did Tiffin University's Equestrian team prove their skill in the
competition ring, but the team's overwhelming support for one another caused
the announcer to recognize the team as taking the 1st Place in Clapping and
Cheering. The team has most certainly proved themselves in and outside of
the competition ring as great horsewomen and horseman.