Gamecocks Set To Open Season With Clemson
Sept. 21, 2017
Equestrian vs. Clemson (Exhibition)
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The University of South Carolina equestrian program opens the 2017-18 season Friday, Sept. 22, when it plays host to Clemson in an exhibition contest starting at 2 p.m. ET at One Wood Farm in Blythewood, S.C. Admission is free. As an exhibition, Friday’s meet will not count toward South Carolina’s official 2017-18 record.
This will be Carolina’s first and only tune-up before hitting the road next Friday when the Gamecocks travel to College Station, Texas, to open the regular season against No. 1 Texas A&M.
QUOTING HEAD COACH Boo Major
“This never gets old. But it’s always a ‘hurry up and get there situation,’ but when you get there you say ‘slow down a bit’ because we’re not quite ready yet. And I’m sure all the other coaches feel the same way. I think it will be a good challenge. We’re very excited to have Clemson come in. It is their club team, but we’ve never had them come in. They’re a great group of people. I think it will be a very friendly competition.”
ONE WOOD FARM RULES
– For the safety of the riders and horses, pets are not allowed at One Wood Farm. This rule does not apply to service animals.
– Noisemakers (spirit sticks, spirit clappers, spirit cowbells, stadium horns, megaphones, speakers, and bullhorns, are prohibited from being used at One Wood Farm.
SCOUTING THE GAMECOCKS
– Carolina returns 25 student-athletes from last season’s team, while the squad welcomes 11 freshmen to the family.
– SEC Reining Rider of the Year Caroline Gute returns to help lead the Gamecocks after a 10-3-2 year in 2016-17.
– Senior All-American Chloe Schmidt returns on the hunt seat side, looking to build off her 11-5 season on Equitation on the Flat.
– On the western side, All-American Bridgett White returns coming off a 3-1 year in reining.
– Madison Sellman is Carolina’s top returner on the equitation over fences squad, where she Was an All-SEC selection in 2016 after going 10-4.
– Senior Bailey Walters led the Gamecocks with four MOP wins last season and posted a 7-7-2 reining record
– Jordan Scott was an SEC All-Freshman honoree after winning five points in reining as a rookie last year.
SCOUTING THE GAMECOCKS
– 2016-17: vs. Baylor ââ’¬” W, 12-6
– 2015-16: at South Dakota State ââ’¬” W, 9-7
– 2014-15: at Kansas State ââ’¬” L, 10-8
– 2013-14: vs. Kansas State ââ’¬” W, 15-5
– 2012-13: vs. Oklahoma State ââ’¬” W, 13-7
– 2011-12: vs. Fresno State ââ’¬” W, 16-3
– 2010-11: vs. SMU ââ’¬” W, 8-4 (Hunt seat-only meet)
– 2009-10: vs. TCU ââ’¬” L, 10-9
– 2008-09: vs. Kansas State ââ’¬” W, 13-4
– 2007-08: vs. TCU ââ’¬” W, 11-8
– 2006-07: vs. Baylor ââ’¬” W, 11-9
– 2005-06: vs. Kentucky ââ’¬” W, 1,224.5-1,148.5
– 2004-05: at Georgia ââ’¬” L, 1,097-1,166
– 2003-04: at Georgia ââ’¬” L, 1,072-1,053,25
GAMECOCK PROGRAM HISTORY
– The 2017-18 season marks the 22nd year of the Gamecock equestrian program, as well as head coach Boo Major’s 21st season at the helm.
– The Gamecocks have won three national championships (2005, 2007, 2015).
– South Carolina has two runner-up finishes (2006, 2014).
– The Gamecocks have won two SEC Conference championships (2013, 2014).
– Carolina won the 2012 Southern Equestrian Championship, the precursor to the SEC Championship, which was added for the 2012-13 season
MEET THE COACHES
– The 2017-18 campaign will be the 21st season for head coach Boo Major, as Major celebrated the milestone mark of 20 years last year.
– In those 20 years at the helm, Major has piled up three NCEA National Championships, two SEC Championships and two National Coach of the Year awards (2014, 2015).
– Associate head coach Ruth Sorrel is in her 13th year with the Gamecocks as the leader of Carolina’s western team.
– South Carolina welcomes home Kristen Terebesi this season, as the former Gamecock equestrian standout returns to lead the hunt seat squad.
UP NEXT
South Carolina competes in its first regular season meet of the 2017-18 season on Friday, Sept. 29, when they travel to No. 1 Texas A&M in College Station, Texas. The season opener start time will be determined at a later date.
