It's the second time in team history that Notre Dame has advanced to state competition, which will be held in two weeks in Midland.
The Notre Dame equestrian team emerged from a long weekend of competition as regional reserve champions for their division. Throughout two and a half days at the Ingham County Fairgrounds and enduring more than 20 hours of outdoor competition in the rain, cold and dark, the Irish riders earned 383 points for the team, which placed them only 14 points behind the eventual regional champion from Mason High School.
Every rider on the Irish team earned points in the competition, taking multiple top-three placings. Sophomores Colette Bockrath and Cara DeFelice each earned double firsts, meaning that both judges for the event ranked them best in the class in the equitation over fences and trail events, respectively. Junior and team co-captain Maegan Fitzgerald was the team’s high point rider of the regionals with 108 points earned throughout nine events and DeFelice was a close reserve with 107 points for the nine events.
“The team’s hard work and perseverance really showed throughout the entire weekend,” said head coach and Notre Dame alum Theresa Schmid ('13). “Everyone on the team gave all they had, and we are determined to learn from the couple of faults we had and exceed our past performances at states.”
Schmid said the team also has worked hard to train their two new riders for the year and overcome horse and rider injuries leading up to the competitions to stay in the top rankings. She added that a significant factor in the team’s recent success is the growth of the competitive program to include several educational events in the off-season, including riding clinics, trips to national equestrian expos, and judging workshops as well as a practice show a couple of weeks before their first competition of the season.
Another important part of the team’s success, according to Schmid, are the comradery and support they all show for their teammates.
“I love the way we all get along and work together to be our best, and have fun doing it,” said junior and co-captain Olivia Urban. “I think we all make great memories when we’re together.”
The team’s performance at the regional championships earned them a spot at the MIHA (Michigan Interscholastic Horsemanship Association) state championships next weekend, where the Irish will compete as one of the top-ten high school teams in the state for their division.
"Last year’s state championship was among the largest horse shows in Michigan," Schmid said. "This is the second time in team history they have advanced to states and this year’s team is excited to prove themselves."
Junior captain Fitzgerald can't wait.
“Looking ahead to states, I’m extremely nervous but totally confident in the team’s ability to do well,” she said.
Fans can cheer on the Fighting Irish October 11-14 at the Midland County Fairgrounds located at 6905 Eastman Ave., Midland, MI 48642.
From left to right, ready for the speed events, are junior Olivia Urban and her horse Pandora; freshman Grace Parker and her horse Moseley; sophomore Cara DeFelice and her horse Oreo; and sophomore Colette Bockrath and her horse Ferro. Sophomore Colette Bockrath and her horse Ferro are racing in the two-person relay. NDP sophomore Kendall Lance and her horse Scotty in the western horsemanship class. Junior Fitzgerald and her horse Santa Fe in the western horsemanship class. Team co-captain Fitzgerald and her horse Santa Fe are competing in the hunt seat equitation class.
Comments or questions? mkelly@ndpma.org.
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About Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy
Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County. The school's upper division enrolls students in grades nine through twelve and has been named one of the nation's best 50 Catholic high schools (Acton Institute) four times since 2005. Notre Dame's middle and lower divisions enroll students in jr. kindergarten through grade eight. All three divisions are International Baccalaureate "World Schools." NDPMA is conducted by the Marist Fathers and Brothers and is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. For more on Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, visit the school's home page at www.ndpma.org