April 25, 2005

Columbia, S.C. – The national champion USC equestrian team hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday evening at Williams-Brice Stadium, recognizing the team’s top riders, as well as supporters of USC equestrian. Sophomore western rider Rachel Sternoff and junior hunt seat rider Tara Brothers were named the 2005 MVPs.

Sternoff, of Redmond, W.A., led the Gamecocks in the first day of national competition in Santa Fe, N.M. with a fifth place finish in the first section of reining, followed with a sixth place finish in horsemanship. The western team finished fifth overall. Hunt seat MVP junior Tara Brothers, who won the 2004 Hunt Seat national title, wrapped up the 2005 season with a win in equitation on the flat on day one and finished as runner-up on day two. Brothers and freshman Kristen Terebesi, who won both of her sections in hunt seat, led the Gamecocks to a first place finish in hunt seat and the national equestrian title.

USC head coach Boo Duncan and assistant coach Joe Humphrey also recognized seniors Kerrie Reeves, of Greer, S.C., and Lindsey Weathers, of McDonough, Ga. Junior Ashleigh Collins, from Blacksburg, S.C., was named Most Well-Rounded, while Glenmore, Pa. native Terebesi was named Most Dedicated. The rider with the most team spirit was given to sophomore Carly Johns, of Woodstock, Ga. and 2005 team captain Laura Pipkin was awarded Most Improved.

Terebesi was also recognized for being selected to represent USC student athletes at the NCAA Leadership Conference in Orlando, Fla. in May, while Brothers was recognized for being named the president of SAAC for the 2005-06 year.

The team also gave a special thanks to sponsors, the Gamecock equestrian support staff and Scott and Katie Peterson for their tireless efforts as the owners of OneWood Farm, the home of USC equestrian.