Equestrian Celebrates 2019-20 Squad
Columbia, S.C. – The South Carolina equestrian team came together, in a socially distanced Zoom gathering, to celebrate the accomplishments and honor the 2019-20 team on Sunday.
“We knew we had to put an ending to our year in some way and decided to hold our banquet virtually,” head coach Boo Major said. “Everyone dressed in ‘Zoom dressy’ attire and were wearing everything from togas to high school graduation cap and gown to hockey outfits. It was a wonderful celebration of all the accomplishments this team made during the year. I sure do wish we could have had a crack at the national championship with us being ranked third in the country this year, but it just wasn’t meant to be. I am so proud of the resilience of this team during such difficult times. All of them should be congratulated for a job well done.”
Senior Jordan Scott was named the overall team MVP for the season, capping off an outstanding four year run where she finished tied for eighth all-time with 25 reining wins.
Junior Taylor Kellam snagged a pair of awards, winning MVP for horsemanship and the most improved awards. Kellam notched the highest horsemanship score of the season with her 78.5 against Georgia in South Carolina’s 14-5 senior day win on Feb. 22.
Fellow junior McKenzie Duncan brought home the MVP award for reining after a breakout season that saw her post an 8-3-1 record and earn NCEA First Team All-America honors to go along with her three M.O.P. wins.
Senior Madison Sellman went out in style by earning the team’s flat MVP honor. Sellman finished her career with NCEA Second Team All-America honors, and 24 career wins on the flat, good for eighth place in program history.
Fences MVP went to freshman Madeline Schaefer after her outstanding debut season where she finished with a 7-2-0 record and NCEA First Team All-America distinction.
Most Outstanding Freshman went to Cora Wyers. The Milan, Ohio native quickly entrenched herself as a starter for the horsemanship squad, appearing in nine of the 12 meets this season.
Junior Addie Cromer received this year’s Spirit Award, while senior Bailey Imbus won this year’s Most Dedicated award.
For the grooming honors junior Tyler Petrie won for her efforts with Redford on the jumping seat side, and senior Quinn Brandt took the western honors for the work she did with Frosty.
Finally, junior Rawleigh Harris won this year’s Coaches Award.
The Gamecocks finished the season ranked third in the nation, while six Gamecocks earned NCEA All-America Honors.
