July 14, 2003

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Equestrian team announced their 2003 signing class as nine equestrian riders will be joining the Gamecock Equestrian team in the fall of 2003. South Carolina is one of three Southeastern Conference schools that field a varsity equestrian team, along with Auburn and Georgia.

“I am very pleased with the incoming class of 2003,” said Carolina Head Coach Boo Duncan. “We filled some holes we had in both disciplines (hunt seat and western). We will be much more competitive this year in the upper levels of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) as well as in varsity competitions. We have a strong group of reiners and horsemanship riders as well as hunt seat riders with a variety of backgrounds. We are building our program to be more competitive in the varsity competitions, especially in western. With this recruiting class, we will be closer to reaching our goal of being a top contender at our national finals.”

Listed below are the signees and walk-ons entering in the fall of 2003 and Coach Duncan’s comments on each newcomer.

Signees

Laura O’Sullivan – Caledon East, Ontario, Canada “Laura is a very soft, natural rider with experience in hunters, equitation and dressage. Her wide range of experiences on horses will make the adjustment to collegiate competition easier and I look for her to contribute immediately to our team.”

Dana Hancock – Wayne, Ill. “Dana has had extensive experience on the USAEq ‘A’ circuit. Pony Club and fox hunting along with her how mileage make her a well rounded competitor.

Ellen Hogate – St. Charles, Ill. “Ellen and Dana are friends and share many of the same riding experiences. I feel very fortunate to have signed both of them and believe that their experiences will put them in a position to help our team as freshmen.”

Carly Johns – Woodstock, Ga. “Carly has spent a lot of time working with young horses. Her experiences in hunters, equitation and jumpers on the Georgia show circuit will add in her ability to contribute to our team as an open rider.”

Caitlin Sands – Lebanon, Pa. “Caitlin also brings a lot of experience riding different horses to our team which is key to being successful at the collegiate level. Her USAEq “A” experience in equitation and jumpers make her a good fit.”

Kelley Campbell – Keyesville, Va. “Kelley’s experience showing junior and, currently, amateur hunters in Virginia add a different facet to our team. We have had a lot of success with student-athletes with strong hunter backgrounds and we think Kelley will be one of those success stories.”

Sarah Lowe – August, Ga. “Sarah has done a lot of competing in South Carolina on the Progressive Show Jumping Circuit in equitation. She will be an asset to our team in Intermediate flat and fences.”

Elizabeth Briley – Greenville, N.C. “Elizabeth has had extensive AQHA experience in pleasure, horsemanship and reining. Her experiences with the NCQHA youth teams at Youth Worlds and Quarter Horse Congress will help her excel as a member of our team and a competitor.”

Rachel Sternoff – Redmond, Wash. “Rachel is a multiple time World and National Champion with Appaloosas. Her competition experiences in horsemanship and reining as well as her ability to work with young horses will be an asset to our team.”

Walk-ons

Brooke Southgate – Antioch, Ill. “Brooke is a talented reiner that brings NRHA experience to our team. Her high academic standards and her equestrian experiences will be beneficial.”

Julia Johnson – Georgetown, S.C. “Julia has competed throughout the state with Quarter Horses and Paints winning numerous year end awards. I look for Julia to contribute immediately in western horsemanship.”

Jessica Boll – Grand Rapids, Mich. “Jess’ show mileage combined with her natural ability to equitate will make her very competitive in the IHSA.”