Aug. 2, 2011

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The start times for South Carolina’s first two competitions of the 2011-2012 season have been set, it was announced today.

“The start of the season is in just a few weeks. It always amazes me how the summer flies by,” South Carolina head coach Boo Major said. “We are all looking forward to the return of our student athletes and can’t wait to welcome our freshman class. We are sorry our seniors from last year won’t be back but can’t wait to see the how the dynamics of our new team unfolds. We have some great senior leaders that I am sure will help guide the rest of the team in the right direction.”

The Gamecocks’ season opener against Fresno State on Fri., Sept. 23 will start at 2 p.m. South Carolina dropped a 7-5 decision at Fresno State on Feb. 27 in the two teams previous meeting.

“We are looking forward to hosting Fresno state as our opener in September,” Major said. “Coach Reeves and Coach Scrivani always have their student-athletes well prepared so it will be a good test for us.”

South Carolina returns to action one week later, on Fri., Sept. 30 against TCU. The competition will start at 2 p.m. The Gamecocks picked up a 9-3 victory over the Horned Frogs in the teams’ most recent meeting, held on Feb. 27 in a neutral site competition at Fresno State.

“TCU has had some coaching changes this year that will help improve their team,” Major said. “They have always been very competitive in western and with the addition of Logan Fiorentino to their staff, I think we will see an improvement in the hunter seat squad.”

The Gamecocks’ third and final home competition of the fall semester will take place on Fri., Nov. 4 at 1 p.m.

Admission is free to all South Carolina equestrian competitions.