2012-13 Cowgirl Equestrian Media Guide

Oklahoma State EQUESTRIAN Ali Rose

Jenna Blumer

Taylor New

2012-2013 Media Guide

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TABLE OF CONTENTS GENERAL INFORMATION Table of Contents 1 Quick Facts 1 Credits 1 2012-13 PREVIEW Season Outlook

UNIVERSITY INFORMATION

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COACHING STAFF/ COWGIRLS Roster 3 Head Coach Larry Sanchez 4 Assistant Coaches 5 Support Staff 6 Cowgirl Bios 7-16 2011-12 REVIEW Season in Review 2011-12 Results

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OPPONENTS 2012-13 Opponent Information

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EQUESTRIAN INFORMATION VENC History Judging Guide

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CREDITS

The 2012-13 equestrian media guide is a production of Oklahoma State Athletic Media Relations. This guide was written and edited by Kyle Dziadula, Sara Legarsky and Blake Zimmerman.

Cover design and interior layout and design by Sean Maguire.

Editorial and other assistance provided by Head Coach Larry Sanchez, Associate Head Coach Suzanne Flaig, assistant Coach Kayla Elmenhorst, Director of Operations Erin Ambrose, Associate Athletics Director Kevin Klintworth, Media Coordinators Mike Noteware, Gavin Lang, Ryan Cameron, and Wade McWhorter; and Unit Assistant Roxanne Cantrell. Action photos

by Ostatephoto.com, and headshots by Party Pix.

QUICK FACTS School Oklahoma State University Location Stillwater, Okla.

Founded Dec. 25, 1890 Enrollment 35,073 Colors Orange and Black Nickname Cowgirls Mascot Pistol Pete Conference Big 12 Affiliation NCAA Division I Home Facility Animal Science Arena President Burns Hargis Athletic Director Mike Holder Web site www.okstate.edu TEAM INFORMATION Coach Larry Sanchez Equestrian Office Phone (405) 372-1819 Assistant Coach Suzanne Flaig Director of Operations Erin Ambrose 2011-12 Regular Season Record 9-5 Last year at the Big 12 Tournament 1st 2010-11 VENC Final Ranking Western- 2nd

Hunter seat- 3rd round Competitors Returning/Lost 22/6 Newcomers 11 VENC Appearances 11 Latest Appearance 2011-12 ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS Associate AD/Media Relations Kevin Klintworth Coordinators Mike Noteware

Wade McWhorter

Ryan Cameron

Gavin Lang Administration Assistant RoxAnne Cantrell Kyle Dziadula

EQUESTRIAN CONTACTS

Student Assistant kyle.dziadula@okstate.edu 918.706-9784

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2012-13 SEASON PREVIEW The Oklahoma State equestrian team had a successful 2011-12 season, capped off by another impressive performance at the Varsity Equestrian National Championship.

The Cowgirls finished 8-4 on the season, including a 6-2 mark at home. The Pokes earned another Big 12 Championships and a reserve National Championship in western.

Oklahoma State is eager to ride in the 2012-13 season with many returning competitors accompanied by a cast of new talent. The 2012 recruiting class brought in another highly touted group of student-athletes from across the country.

Head coach Larry Sanchez, now in his 14th year at the helm of the Cowgirls equestrian program, will have plenty of talent to work with, both young and veteran, to help him bring back another Big 12 Championship to Stillwater and make another run at the Varsity Equestrian National Championship.

The future looks especially promising for the Cowgirls’ Western team, who wrapped up last year with a 10-2-4 record and a reserve National Championship after falling to Texas A&M in a tie breaker.

In the reining discipline, OSU has two returning student-athletes that combined for 19 head-to-head wins last year and were both All-Americans. Jenna Blumer picked up 10 wins last season while then Freshman Katy Krshka had 9. Both of these riders are back this season, but they have big shoes to fill as graduates Caroline Daniels who was an All-American, Rachel Houchin and Christy McElreath combined for 26 victories last season.

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The horsemanship riders also expect plenty of success in 201213, as All-Americans Krshka and Lauren Halvorson return after claiming a total of 24 wins combined a year ago. Marissa Dalton and Lindsey McMullen are also back this season after strong seasons last year.

The hunter seat team will look to fill a big hole in 2012-13 after the departure of All-American Jordan White as she combined for a team high 11 wins in equitation on the flat.

Equitation on the flat will be led by Ali Rose and Ellie Sparks, who combined to win 20 of their head-to-head meets last season.

Losing White will be difficult to overcome but up and coming junior Samantha Harrison might have what it takes to fill in those shoes.

Equitation over fences will be led by both Samantha Harrison and Allison Joyce this season after the two combined for 16 head-tohead victories last season.

Oklahoma State will compete in six matches during the fall portion of the schedule, hosting Baylor, TCU and Kansas State and traveling to face Auburn, South Carolina and South Dakota State.

On the spring slate, OSU will compete in eight meets including match ups against Big 12 rivals Baylor, TCU and Kansas State. The Cowgirls then look to defend their Big 12 Championship in Stillwater, Okla. on March 29-30 in Stillwater, followed by the VENC in Waco, Texas.

The 2012-13 season should be an exciting one with stout competition, as well as one with many high expectations.

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ROSTER NAME

Bernstein, Leighona Blumer, Jenna Botkin, Margaret Buchanan, Rebecca Butchard, Emma Callahan, Andrea

Clason, Max

Dalton, Marissa

Dooman, Allison

Elser, Sammy

Foody, Kylie

Fugitt, Mackenzie

Gampfer, Maggie

Gesick, Sarah

Halvorson, Lauren

Harris, Caitlin

Harrison, Samantha

Hartley, Emily

Henschel, Aisling

Hopkins, Carol

Hupy, Olivia

Hurlbut, Allison

Joyce, Allison

Krshka, Katy

Malone, Mackenzie

McMullen, Lindsey

Morris, Lindsey

New, Taylor

Nottingham, Paris

O’Rourke, Kaci

Paris, Jessica

Peters, Justine

Ralph, Katie

Robbins, Andrea

Rose, Ali

Skog, Kaitlyn

Sparks, Ellie

Townsend, Katilin

Trueb, Olivia

Vosburgh, Haydan

White, Amy

Willoughby, Erin

CLASS

SOPHOMORE JUNIOR FRESHMAN FRESHMAN FRESHMAN SENIOR JUNIOR SENIOR

JUNIOR JUNIOR JUNIOR

JUNIOR SOPHOMORE

SENIOR JUNIOR SENIOR JUNIOR FRESHMAN SENIOR

SENIOR

FRESHMAN SOPHOMORE

SOPHOMORE SOPHOMORE SOPHOMORE SOPHOMORE SOPHOMORE

SENIOR FRESHMAN FRESHMAN

FRESHMAN FRESHMAN JUNIOR JUNIOR

JUNIOR JUNIOR SENIOR SOPHOMORE SOPHOMORE SENIOR FRESHMAN FRESHMAN

HOMETOWN/HIGH SCHOOL

Golden, CO/Wheat Ridge High School Spring Brook, PA/North Pocono Fort Lauderdale, FL/Westminster Academy Edmond, OK/Edmond North High School Wellington, FL/Saint Andrews Orlando, FL/The First Academy Medina, OH/Medina Wooster, OH/Central Christian High School Tulsa, OK/Jenks

Hopewell, Junction, N.Y./Ethel Walker San Antonio, TX/Tom C. Clark High School Bates City, MO/Oak Grove Lake Worth, FL/Palm Beach Central High School

Haddam-Killingworth/Killingworth,CT

Guthrie, OK/Alpha Omega Academy

Houston, TX/MB Lamar High School La Canada, CA./La Canada Norco, CA/Norco High School Washington, OK/Washington High School Southlake, TX/Carroll Senior High School

Ridgefield, CT/Ridgefield High School Lincoln, NE/Lincoln Southwest High School Medway, MA/Dana Hall School Yukon, OK/Yukon High School

Stillwater, OK/Stillwater High School

Norris, TN/Abeka Christian Academy Brush Prairie, WA/Hockinson High School Anna, TX/Anna High School

Baldwin City, KS/Baldwin High School Castleton,VT/Fair Haven Union High School

Delta,OH Dalton, NE/Leyton High School

Hutchinson, KS/Buhler Rehoboth, MA/Providence Country Day Wakefield, RI/South Kingstown West Chester, PA/Bishop Shanahan

Glencoe, IL/Glencoe High School Argyle, TX/Argyle High School Ellington, CT/Watkinson School

Topeka, KS/Topeka High School Wamego, KS/Wamego High School Murrieta,CA/Park City High School

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COACHING STAFF

Head Coach// Colorado State, 1992 Leading the Oklahoma State Equestrian program is head coach Larry Sanchez. Entering his 14th season at Oklahoma State, Sanchez continues to bring national titles home to Stillwater year after year. Under the guidance of Sanchez, Oklahoma State Equestrian has made its presence known at the Varsity Equestrian National Championships every year, winning National Championships in 2003, 2004 and 2006, and a reserve national championship in 2005 and 2012. Sanchez has had several riders win an individual championship or a reserve title. Sanchez also led the 2011-12 Cowgirl team to another Big 12 Championship. Last season, Sanchez guided his squad to receive 6 total All-America honors.

As one of the most respected and successful equestrian coaches in the country, Sanchez has been essential in the move toward varsity recognition in the sport of equestrian. He has served as the spokesperson for the Varsity Equestrian Steering Committee, which is responsible for the development, organization and implementation of all aspects involved with assembling varsity equestrian as an emerging NCAA sport.

A native of Colorado, Sanchez began his intercollegiate coaching career at New Mexico State in 1993 and quickly organized one of the nation’s top programs in the IHSA. Under his leadership, NMSU won national titles in 1995, 1997 and 1998.

Sanchez moved to Stillwater to launch Oklahoma State’s team in 1999. In his 18-year coaching career, 15 of his qualifying teams have placed in the top four at the national level. Additionally, he has coached an impressive 23 riders to individual national championships and 13 riders to reserve championships.

Coach Sanchez completed the coursework for his M.A. in agricultural education at NMSU and received his B.S. in equine science from Colorado State.

He is a carded judge, breeder and competitor within the American Quarter Horse Association.

Larry and his wife, Julie, who is a registered nurse, have two children. Their son, Colton, is 17 years old, and their daughter, Caitlyn, is 15 years old.

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COACHING STAFF

Assistant Head Coach// Miami (OH), 1993 No stranger to coaching at the collegiate level, Suzanne Flaig brings experience in the Hunter Seat classes to Oklahoma State’s equestrian program.

During her coaching career, Flaig has coached four individual national champions. Her 2008 team earned a number one seed in the Varsity National Equestrian Tournament. In 2007, she led her team to the second overall seed at the Varsity National Tournament by compiling the second-best overall record. In her career, she has coached 18 regional champions, 12 zone champions, four national champions and two reserve national champions. In 2008, Flaig led her Hunt Seat team to a fourth place finish at the Varsity National Championship as well as a victory in the Central Championships, the Big 12 tournament equivalent.

Flaig has coached at both Penn State and her alma mater, Miami of Ohio, where she took all of her teams to nationals and had several top-five finishes. Flaig has also helped coach three individuals to national championships and one to a reserve national championship.

In addition to coaching, Flaig was an intercollegiate rider at Miami. She won several regional and zone championships and was an IHSA national champion in 1991. While she was most successful in the hunt seat, she also competed in the western and reining divisions. She has trained and shown horses extensively outside of the intercollegiate ranks.

Flaig and her husband, Michael, have an eight-year-old daughter, Grace, and a four-year-old son, Jacob.

Assistant Coach// Oklahoma State, 2006 Kayla Elmenhorst, a veteran of varsity equestrian, is starting her sixth year as assistant coach. She served as the herd supervisor during the 2006-2007 season. As a recent graduate of Oklahoma State, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in agribusiness.

Elmenhorst is no stranger to OSU Equestrian, as she joined the team as a freshman in the fall of 2001. Her accomplishments throughout her collegiate riding career are numerous and impressive. Kayla was a member of both the 2003 and 2004 Varsity Equestrian National Championship teams, as well as the 2002 IHSA Reserve National Championship Team.

In 2005, Elmenhorst wrapped up her collegiate career in style. She was the Zone 7 Region 2 Open Horsemanship Champion as well as the Zone 7 Open Horsemanship Champion and finished in the top five at the IHSA National Championships.

In 2009,Elmenhorst helped head coach Larry Sanchez take the Western team to a third place finish, as well as leading Bri Parnell to the Reining Reserve National Championship. Elmenhorst also helped lead the Cowgirls to a Central Championship victory in 2008 and the Big 12 Championship in 2009.

Although Kayla was extremely successful within the collegiate arena, she also made her mark in AQHA. While training with Jackie Krshka, Elmenhorst was a five-time qualifier for the AQHYA World Show and placed in the top 5 and top 10 in the horsemanship, showmanship and western riding.

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SUPPORT STAFF

Director of Operations// Iowa State, 2007 Erin Ambrose is entering her second year as the director of operations for the OSU equestrian team. After serving five years as the team’s intern athletic trainer, she was asked to remain with the OSU equestrian team in her current capacity.

Josh Bible is in his third season on the equestrian staff at OSU ... He graduated from OSU in December 2005 with a degree in Agriculture Leadership ... He also attended Northeast Oklahoma A&M, where he took care of more than 20 head of brood mares.

Ambrose started her career at OSU as a graduate assistant athletic trainer while also earning her masters in health promotion. She earned her undergraduate degree from Iowa State in 2007.

Josh is married to the former Megan Stuckey, who is getting her masters at OSU in food microbiology ... The couple has two sons, Jayden, 6, and Wyatt, 4.

Erin is married to Joel and they have one daughter, Avery, 1.

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Herd Manager// Oklahoma State, 2005

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MEET THE COWGIRLS

Sophomore// Golden, CO Personal: Leighona is the daughter of Teri and Ross Bernstein ... Majoring in agricultural business ... Earned the Freshman Social Studies Achievement Award and the Sharon Stevenson Memorial Scholarship ... Attended the Capital Challenge for two years ... Qualified for the ASPCA McClay Finals ... Competed at the USEF Pesoa Final.

Junior// Spring Brook, PA Sophomore: Compiled a 10-5-1 record in reining, including a spotless 3-0 record at NCEA National Championships ...

Earned MVP honors in the first event of the season, taking a 75.5-74 victory over her Baylor counterpart ... Led the Pokes with a 139 scoring average at the national championship ...

Big 12 Championship and NCEA squad member ... Became the third Cowgirl in school history to win the Collegiate Reining Challenge at the National Reining Horse Association Derby.

Freshman// Fort Lauderdale Personal: Maggie is the daughter of Steve and Sally Botkin ...

Majoring in business ... Qualified for USEF Medal... Competed at Winter Equestrian Festival In Equitation Low Junior Jumpers... Qualified Emerging Athlete Level 2.

Freshman// Edmond, Okla.

Personal: Becca is the daughter of Christy and Bryan Buchanan... Majoring in wildlife ecology... Ran cross country and track in high school...Member of the Kappa Alpha Theta.

Freshman: Participated in all 11 regular season events for the Cowgirls in reining, earning a 6-4-1 record ... Competed in Big 12 Championship event ... Won her only VENC event against TCU. Personal: Jenna is the daughter of Jim and Sandi Blumer ... Has two siblings, Whitney and James ... Born May 16, 1992... Majoring in elementary education ... 2010 graduate of North Pocono High School... Two time world champion ...

One reserve world title ... Two time Congress Champion ...

Has shown horses for 10 years ...Several-time Lawson bronze trophy winner.

Freshman//Wellington, Fla. Personal: Emma is the daughter of Robin and Jamie Butchard ... Majoring in animal science ... Qualified for all the equitation finals.

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MEET THE COWGIRLS

Senior// Orlando, FL Personal: Andrea is the daughter of Phillip and Dinah Callahan ... Has one sibling, Christine ... Born December 16, 1990 ... Majoring in nutrition ... Was a 2009, graduate of The First Academy ... Top ribbons in HITS Ocala 2009 riding a variety of horses ... Reserve champion of 15-17 equitation 2008 NFHTA.

Junior// Medina, OH Sophomore: Competed three times, earning her first career victory with a 66.5-55.5 win against Baylor.

Freshman: Rode in two reining events for the Cowgirls at Texas A&M and at home against Kansas State ... Recorded a tie against KSU. Personal: Max is the daughter of Dawn and Hank Clason ... Has two siblings, Cade and Reece ... Born September 12, 1991 ... 2010 graduate of Medina High School ... Currently undecided on a major ... Was an eight-time Congress Champion and Reserve Champion ... Was the Reserve World Champion in 2007 ... Nine-time top ten AQHYA World Show.

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Senior// Kidron, OH Junior: Competed in all 16 events, compiling an 8-7-1 record ...

Earned MVP honors with a 74-73 head-to-head victory against Georgia ... Big 12 Championship and NCEA squad member.

Sophomore: Rode in all 11 regular season events, finishing with a 6-4-1 record in horsemanship ... Won three MVP’s (at Texas A&M, at TCU and in Stillwater against Kansas State) ... Competed in both Big 12 Championship events and registered one victory ... Won all three of her VENC events ... Earned MVP honors at VENC in horsemanship.

Freshman: Competed in all 10 regular season events, going 7-2-1 and earning a team-high three MVPs in horsemanship ...

She won both of her head-to-head events at the Big 12 Tournament and went 2-1 at the VENC ... Dalton also represented the Cowgirls as the number five seed in the Horsemanship Individual Bracket at the VENC. Personal: Marissa is the daughter of David and Pamela Dalton...

Has two siblings, Brianna and Summer ... Born October 19, 1990 ... Majoring in fashion merchandising ... Was a 2009 graduate of Central Christian High School ... Member of the volleyball team for three years ... Lettered two years in volleyball ... 2008 placed fifth in horsemanship, fifth in equitation and seventh in the Nyatt Horsemanship at the Congress ... 2008 Team USA member ... Placed in the top ten at the congress several times ... Won the congress seven times in western pleasure ... Placed sixth at the youth world in equitation in 2006.

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MEET THE COWGIRLS

Junior// Tulsa, OK Sophomore: Competed in 11 events in the regular season ...

Earned wins over SMU, Baylor and South Carolina.

Junior// San Antonio, TX Personal: Kylie is the daughter of Jim and Patti Foody ... Has two siblings, Connor and Julianne ... Born April 12, 1991 ... Majoring in equine sciences ... Was a 2009 graduate of Tom C. Clark High School ... Member of the Presidents Leadership Council ...

2008 area V sixth place training rider ... 2008 training reserve champion ... 2007 Central Texas Eventing Association training champion.

Junior// Hopewell Junction, NY Sophomore: Competed in 11 regular season events, earning five victories... Earned MVP honors against SMU and Kansas State...

Recorded a win in both Big 12 Championship and NCEA National Championship competition.

Freshman: Rode primarily in fences competition, going 7-2-2 during the regular season in fences ... Picked up one tie in two regular season flat events ... Earned an MVP against TennesseeMartin ... Won one of two Big 12 Championship events in fences ... Competed in all three VENC events in fences and recorded one victory.

Personal: Sammy is the daughter of Gilda and Steve Elser ...

Has five siblings, Brian, Danny, Doug, Jimmy and Drew ... Born May 25, 1991 ... 2010 graduate of Ethel Walker High School ...

Majoring in business ... Qualified and competed in USET, Medal, Maclay and NEHC Finals ... Placed seventh at Maclay Regionals in 2008 ... Placed ninth at Maclay Regionals in 2009 ... Placed fifth at NEHC Finals in 2009.

Junior// Bates City, MO Sophomore: Was a dual-event athlete, competing in both horsemanship and reining for the Pokes ... Earned a 77.5-77 victory against Baylor to help the Cowgirls win 5-1 in horsemanship.

Freshman: Rode in one horsemanship event for the Cowgirls on the road against Texas A&M. Personal: Mackenzie is the daughter of Darin and Danielle Fugitt ... Has one sibling, Ethan ... Born May 13, 1992 ... Majoring in animal science/pre-vet ... 2010 graduate of Dan Grove High School ... Was a Youth Superior in horsemanship and equitation ... 2009 All American Quarter Horse Congress ... Top 10 in NYATT Horsemanship ... Top 10 in NYATT reigning ... She was a 2009 finalist at the AQHYA World Show ... Semi-finalist in Equitation and Horsemanship ... 2008 Reserve High Point All-Around Youth Champion.

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MEET THE COWGIRLS

Sophomore// Lake Worth, FL Freshman: Rode in 11 hunterseat events for the cowgirls, all in the fences discipline... Went 6-5 during the regular season.

Personal: Maggie is the daughter of Diane and Chip Gampfer ...

Majoring in business ... Layout editor of high school newspaper.

Senior// Haddam-Killingworth, CT

Junior// Guthrie, OK Sophomore: Competed in every event for the Cowgirls ...

Compiled a 10-6 record in horsemanship ... Earned an MVP with an 80-73.5 against Baylor ... honorable mention All-American in horsemanship.

Red shirt Freshman: Competed in all 11 events during the regular season, finishing with a 10-1 record... Turned in one MVP performance at New Mexico ... Rode in both events in the Big 12 championship and recorded a tie ... Picked up a win in three VENC events... Horsemanship All-American.

Personal: Lauren is the daughter of Wayne and Rebecca Halvorson ... Has two siblings, Austin and Calyn ... Born February 19, 1991 ... Majoring in sports media ... Was a 2009 graduate of Alpha Omega Academy ... Member of the National Honor Society ... Was a national champion cheerleader ... Won the all around youth 15-18 at the All American Quarter Horse Congress.

Junior: Rode in six hunterseat events for the Cowgirls, all in the flat discipline ... Went 2-4 during her six regular season appearances, recording victories in Stillwater against Kansas State and Texas A&M. Personal: Sarah is the daughter of Lisa and David Gesick ... Has two siblings, Cameron and Haley ... Born April 16, 1990 ... Majoring in business... 2008 graduate of Haddam-Killingworth High School ... Lettered four years in varsity lacrosse ... Competed at the Vermont Summer Festival and the Eastern States Exposition ... Competed in the New England Equitation Championship ...

Rides under trainer Sarah Weaver.

Senior// Houston, TX Personal: Caitlin is the daughter of Joseph and Donna Harris ... Has one sibling, Nick ... Born October 31, 1990 ... Majoring in agricultural business ... Was a 2009 graduate of MB Lamar High School ... Personal trainers Jessica Law and Christian Rogge of Topline Sport horse Int’l ... 2008 seventh place overall West Coast Junior Hunter finals large junior 16-17.

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MEET THE COWGIRLS

Junior// La Canada, CA Sophomore: Competed 20 times in the 2011-12 season, earning 11 head-to-head wins ... Compiled an 8-4 record in equitation over fences, including a win in the Big 12 Championship and a spotless 3-0 record at the NCEA National Championships ...

Earned an average score of 86.17 per judge at the National Championships, higher than any previous score that season.

Freshman// Norco, CA Personal: Emily is the daughter of Beth and Bruce Hartley...

Majoring in biochemistry ... Ben Gonzales Scholar Athlete Award with a 4.5 GPA ... USEF Medal, USEF Talent Search and WIHS Equitation Finals... Was a reserve champion in the 15-17 equestrian St. Louis Winter Series.

Freshman: Competed primarily in fences, but rode in one flat event ... Went 3-1 in flat competition ... Notched two MVP performances (at Kansas State and at home against Delaware State).

Personal: Samantha is the daughter of Johnny and La Shawne Harrison ... Has two siblings, Haley and Chris ... Born February 14, 1992 ... 2010 graduate of La Canada High School ... Majoring in environmental sciences ... Qualified for all medal finals in 2010 ... Was fourth in the Maclay Nationals in 2009 ... Was a gold and silver medalist at the Young Riders in 2009 ... Was The West Coast Equestrian Medal Finals Champion in 2009.

Senior// Washington, OK Personal: Aisling is the daughter of Mary Beth Henschel ... Has one sibling, Rhett ... Born July 5, 1991 ... Majoring in psychology ... 2009 graduate of Washington High School ... Member of AFROTC ... Was a regional champion three times ... Academic state champion in 2007 ... Born and raised in Ireland until she was 11 years old, moved to Oklahoma in 2002.

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MEET THE COWGIRLS

Senior// Southlake, TX Personal: Caroline is the daughter of Mike and Sue Hopkins ...

Has three siblings, Anne, Jake and Matt ... Born February 23, 1991 ... Majoring in sociology ... Was a 2009 graduate of Carroll Senior High School ... Member of the honors college ... Has been riding for 11 years ... Rides under Chris Nelson at Grand Prix stable.

Sophomore// Medway, MA Freshman: Competed in fences and finished the season with an 8-4 record.

Personal: Allison is the daughter of Pamela Williamson and Mark Joyce ... Undecided on a major... Participated in chamber and gospel choir, Blue Key Club and was a Big Sister volunteer in high school.

Freshman//Ridgefield, CT Personal: Olivia is the daughter of Jerry and Jeanene Hupy ...

Majoring in marketing ... Qualified for Maclay finals 2008-11, qualified for USEF Medal Finals and USEF Talent Search Finals 2009-11... 4th place finish at the 2011 New England Finals.

Sophomore/ Yukon, OK Freshman: Earned All-American honors in both horsemanship and reining ‌ finished the season 14-2 in horsemanship and 9-6 in reining.

Personal: Katy is the daughter of Jackie and Tom Krshka ... Majoring in animal science with an option in business ... Member of the National Honor Society.

Sophomore// Lincoln, NE Personal: Allison is the daughter of Jill and Patrick Hurlbut ... Undecided on a major ... Participated in cross country, basketball, soccer, choir and National Honor Society in high school ... Threetime AQHYA World Show Qualifier ... 2008 Congress Champion.

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MEET THE COWGIRLS

Sophomore// Stillwater, OK Personal: Mackenzie is the daughter of Janelle and James Malone ... Majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology ...

Participated in golf, Beta Club, FCCLA, FFA and 4-H in high school.

Senior// Anna, TX Junior: Competed three times in 2011-12 ... Earned a 70.5-66.5 victory against Baylor.

Sophomore: Rode in two reining events during the regular season, both against Texas A&M ... Recorded a tie against the Aggies in Stillwater.

Personal: Taylor is the daughter of Rick and Rosie New ... Born December 28, 1990 ... Majoring in industrial engineering ... Was a 2009 graduate of Anna High School ... Was a valedictorian ...

2005-2009 lettered in track and cross country ... 2008 SWRHA 14-18 year-old high point ... 2007 top 5 AQHYA world showreining.

Sophomore// Norris, TN Freshman: Competed in horsemanship ‌ finished the season with a 6-7-2 record.

Personal: Lindsey is the daughter of Carla and Patrick McMullen ... Undecided on a major.

Freshman// Baldwin City, KS Personal: Paris is the daughter of David and Jeanne Nottingham ... Majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology ... In high school, was president of National Honor Society and a Kansas Honor Scholar... Kansas Quarter Horse Youth Association Sportsmanship Award Recipient.

Sophomore// Brush Prairie, WA Personal: Lindsey is the daughter of Mardi and David Morris ...

Member of the equestrian team and cheerleading squad in high school ... Participated in the Pinto World Championships ...Several top 10 finishes in Pinto and Paint World Championships.

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MEET THE COWGIRLS

Freshman// Castleton, VT Personal: Kaci is the daughter of Harry O’Rourke and Linda Balestra ... Majoring in animal science ... NRHIA novice horse non pro II affiliate champion... Member of the National Honor Society.

Junior// Hutchinson, KS Sophomore: Competed three times for the Cowgirls in 2011-12.

Freshman: Won her only event of the season in horsemanship in Stillwater against Texas A&M. Personal: Katie is the daughter of Cindy Mills and Lloyd Ralph...

Has one sibling, Joey ... Born May 25, 1992 ... 2010 graduate of Buhler High School ... Majoring in psychology ... 2007 NSBA Novice Youthword Championship Trail ... 2007 Novice Youthword Western Riding ... Was eighth in the AQHA Congress ... Was the 2008 Reserve World Champion Youthword Trail NSBA ... 20082009 Horesmanship Finalist of Congress ... 2009 Youthword Superior in Horsemanship and Showmanship ... 2009 AQHYA Trail World Show Finalist ... Received ninth place at the 2009 Trail at Congress.

Freshman// Delta, OH Personal: Jessica is the daughter of Joe Paris and Beckey Schooler ... Majoring in human resource management with a minor in marketing... Member of the National Honor Society.

Junior// Rehoboth, MA Sophomore: Competed nine times in equitation on the flat and three times in equitation over fences ... Earned MVP honors for her performances against Kansas State and Baylor.

Freshman// Dalton, NE Personal: Justine is the daughter of Dennis and Renee Peters ... Majoring in nutritional sciences/allied health ... An Omaha World Herald 2nd team and Western Nebraska All-Star... Member of NHS and high school valedictorian.

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Freshman: Competed in flat and fences during the regular season, going 1-3-2 in flat and 0-1-1 in fences ... Recorded an MVP performance in Stillwater against Texas A&M in flat.

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MEET THE COWGIRLS Personal: Andrea is the daughter of Joanna and Thomas Robbins ...Has one sibling, Brett ... Born November 10, 1991 ... 2010 graduate of Providence Country Day ... Majoring in Business and Advertising ... Was shown in the Big EQ and Low Junior Jumpers ... Won the MHC and MHJ Junior Finals ... Won RI Horsemanship Test ... Was eighth at the NE Finals ... Went to USEF Medal Finals, Maclay Regional, and USET Talent Search.

Junior// West Chester, PA Personal: Kaitlyn is the daughter of Russell & Kathleen Skog ...

Has three siblings, Jen, Sarah and Erin ... Born February 4, 1992 ... 2010 graduate of Bishop Shanahan ... Majoring in business ...

Has show experience in Washington ... Won a USEF 15-17 medal.

Junior// Wakefield, RI Sophomore: Competed 27 times for the Pokes, earning a 10-7 record in equitation on the flat and a 4-6 record over fences ...

Was a perfect 2-0 in flat at the Big 12 Championships and 3-0 at the NCEA National Championships.

Freshman: Rode in flat and fences events during the regular season, going 6-3 in flat and 0-3 in fences ... Turned in one MVP performance at SMU ... Competed in both Big 12 Championship events in flat ... Participated in two of the three VENC events in flat... Earned All-America Honorable Mention in equitation on the flat.

Personal: Ali is the daughter of Jennifer and Eric Rose ... Has two siblings, Abbie and Chris ... Born September 26, 1992 ... Currently undecided on a major ... 2010 graduate of South Kingstown High School ... Began showing at the age of three ... Qualified for USET Talent Search finals and received the bronze medal ...

Qualified for Maclay Regional and USEF Hunt Seat medal finals for the last four years ... Has received numerous ribbons at prestigious shows from Wellington, Saratoga, New York and Lake Placid horse shows.

Senior// Glencoe, IL Junior: Tallied a 10-7 record in equitation on the flat and a 1-3-1 record in equitation over fences ... Earned a spotless 3-0 record on the flat at the NCEA National Championships.

Sophomore: Rode on a regular basis in flat and fences ...

Went 5-5 during the regular season in fences competition and recorded a 5-4 regular season in flat competition ... Registered one MVP performance at TCU in fences ... Competed in both events for flat and fences during the Big 12 Championship, winning both flat events and winning one and tying one in fences ...

Participated in all three events in both disciplines at the VENC, recording a victory against Texas A&M in flat competition.

Freshman: Competed seven times in the regular season for the Cowgirls and picked up three wins ... She represented the Cowgirls at the Varsity Equestrian National Championship in three events, picking up a win against Kansas State in the second round.

Personal: Ellie is the daughter of Tom and Ginny Sparks ... Has two siblings, Charlotte and Mac ... Was born March 14, 1991 ... 2009 graduate of Newtrier High School ... Majoring in allied health ... Member of the Dean’s Honor Roll every semester at OSU.

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2012

2013

MEET THE COWGIRLS Personal: Haydan is the daughter of Craig and Kim Vosburgh ...

Has two siblings, Joe and Gabrielle ... Born July 11, 1991 ... Majoring in history ... Was a 2009 graduate of Topeka High School ...

Captain during her senior year ... Member of the basketball team for four years.

Sophomore// Argyle, TX Personal: Kaitlin is the daughter of Susan and Steve Townsend ...

Member of NHS, Student Council and UNICEF in high school ...

Two top 10 finishes in reining at AQHYA.

Freshman// Wamego, KS Personal: Amy is the daughter of Mike and Ann White ... Majoring in agribusiness... Member of the National Honor Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters and FFA... Was her senior class Student Council President.

Sophomore// Ellington, CT Personal: Olivia is the daughter of Steven and Mary Ellen Trueb ... Undecided on a major ... Qualified for all Equitation Finals.

Freshman// Murrieta, CA Personal: Erin is the daughter of Barry and Ellie Willoughby...

Major is undecided.

Senior// Topeka, KS Junior: Competed in six events in equitation over fences ...

Picked up head-to-head wins over Baylor and Texas A&M ...

Earned her first career MVP against Baylor.

Sophomore: Competed in the first event of the year for the Cowgirls in flat.

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2013

2012

Season In Review 2011-12 The Oklahoma State equestrian team entered the 2011-12 season looking to improve on its finishes in both the Big 12 and NCEA national championships from the prior season. Consider it mission accomplished.

“I could not be more proud of the effort the girls gave this entire weekend,” Sanchez said. “They not only represented OSU in the arena with quality rides, but maintained a high level of sportsmanship and integrity throughout the event.”

The Cowgirls stumbled out of the gates, losing four of their first six matches. However, after that, OSU went on a tear, winning seven consecutive matches, all against top-10 opponents, including a huge 13-10 win over No. 1 Georgia. It was the final competition in Stillwater for the seniors, and they made it one to remember, winning four head-to-head points and two MVPs.

OSU finished with a 9-5 overall record, going 4-8-5 in hunter seat and 9-4-3 in western. In 2012-13, the Cowgirls will look to win their third Big 12 Championship, and will have the opportunity to do so at home, with the championships being in Stillwater. After that, they hope to get another shot at an NCEA national title.

“I am very proud of the way we rode today, especially our seniors,” head coach Larry Sanchez said. “Georgia is a very good team and are well coached. I look forward to seeing them again at Nationals.”

Two weeks after the regular season finale, an 11-9 win over Kansas State, the Cowgirls headed to Manhattan, Kan. To compete at the Big 12 Championships.

The Big 12 semis featured the Cowgirls in a rematch against the host, Kansas State. OSU took down the Wildcats again, 9-7.

In the Big 12 Championship, the Cowgirls faced the Texas A&M Aggies, who beat them, 14-8, earlier in the season. It was a tightly contested match, ending in an 8-8 deadlock. When the raw scores were calculated, OSU came out on top, 3329-3326.

The Cowgirls became the first team in Big 12 history with multiple conference titles.

“This win is a good end to a lot of hard work,” Sanchez said. “I could not be more proud of the way that our ladies rode this weekend and where they are mentally at this point in the season.”

At the NCEA National Championships in Waco, Texas, the hunter seat team came up just short of a major upset in the quarterfinals, falling to Georgia in raw scores.

As for the western squad, they bounced TCU in the quarters and took down Georgia in the semis to set up a national championship match against familiar foe Texas A&M. As is custom between these two teams, it was another close match, coming down to the final ride. A video review on OSU’s final ride determined they did not get the points necessary to win, and fell to the Aggies, 1,116.5-975.5, on raw scores. It was the fifth time since 2003 that the Cowgirls either won the national title or reserve national title on the western side.

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2011-12 SEASON Results 2011-12

10/1 SMU Stillwater, OK 10/15 Baylor Stillwater, OK 11/5 Texas A&M College Station, TX 11/6 TCU Fort Worth, TX 11/19 Kansas State Stillwater, OK 1/28 Auburn Stillwater, OK 1/29 South Carolina Stillwater, OK 2/4 NMSU Stillwater, OK 2/25 Texas A&M Stillwater, OK 3/10 Georgia Stillwater, OK 3/17 Kansas State Manhattan, KS #3/30 Kansas State Manhattan, KS #3/31 Texas A&M Manhattan, KS #4/2 Texas A&M College Station, TX $4/12 NMSU Waco, TX $4/13 Georgia Waco, TX $4/13 South Carolina Waco, TX $4/13 TCU Waco, TX $4/14 Georgia Waco, TX $4/14 Texas A&M Waco, TX $4/12-14 VENC Waco, TX # Big 12 Tournament | $ VENC

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Overall (9-5) W 9-1 W 13-10 L 8-14 L 8-10 L 10-12 L 8-11 W 10-9 W 12-6 W 13-10 W 13-10 W 11-9 W 9-7 W 2404-2386 L 11-4 - - - - - - - - - - - - 4th

Hunter Seat (4-8-5) Western (9-4-3) W 9-1 - L 4-7 W 9-3 L 4-7 L 4-7 L 3-7 W 5-3 L 5-7 T 5-5 L 4-6 L 4-5 T 5-5 W 5-4 T 5-5 W 7-1 T 6-6 W 7-4 L 5-7 W 8-3 T 5-5 W 6-4 W 5-3 T 4-4 T 4-4 T 4-4 W 4-3 L 8-0 W 7-1 - L 1212-1229 - L 3-5 - - - W 5-3 - - W 5-3 - L 975.5-1116.5 6th 2nd

2013

2012

OPPONENTS Auburn Location: Auburn, Ala. Enrollment: 24,137 Nickname: Tigers Conference: SEC Website: www.auburntigers.com Head Coach: Greg Williams Phone: (334) 844-9426 Email: willimg@auburn.edu South Carolina Location: Columbia, SC Enrollment: 28,481 Nickname: Gamecocks Conference: SEC Website: www.gamecocksonline.com Head Coach: Boo Major Phone: (803) 777-3829 Email: fsmajor0@mailbox.sc.edu

Baylor Location: Waco, Texas Enrollment: 14,769 Nickname: Bears Conference: Big 12 Website: www.baylorbears.com Head Coach: Ellen White Phone: (254) 715-2935 Email: Ellen_white@baylor.edu South Dakota State Location: Brookings, S.D. Enrollment: 12,583 Nickname: JackRabbits Conference: Summit League Website: www.gojacks.com Head Coach: Megan Rossiter Phone: (605) 688-4506 E-mail: Megan.Rossiter@sdstate.edu

Texas A&M Location: College Station, Texas Enrollment: 48, 702 Nickname: Aggies Conference: SEC Website: www.aggieathletics.com Head Coach: Tana McKay Phone: (979) 845-1094 E-mail: tmckay@athletics.tamu.com

TCU Location: Fort Worth, Texas Enrollment: 8,696 Nickname: Horned Frogs Conference: Big 12 Website: www.gofrogs.com Head Coach: Gary Reynolds Phone: (817) 257-7969 E-mail: g.reynolds@tcu.edu

Kansas State Location: Manhattan, Kansas Enrollment: 21,570 Nickname: Wildcats Conference: Big 12 Website: www.kstatesports.com Head Coach: Casie Lisabeth Phone: (785) 532-1210 E-mail: lisabeth@k-state.edu

Delaware State Location: Dover, Delaware Enrollment: 4,400 Nickname: Hornet Conference: Mid-Eastern Website: www.dsuhornets.com Head Coach: Jennifer Ridgely Phone: (302) 359-2277 E-mail: jridgely@desu.edu Tennessee-Martin Location: Martin, Tennessee Enrollment: 7,559 Nickname: Skyhawks Conference: Ohio Valley Website: www.utmsports.com Head Coach: Meghan Corvin Phone: (731) 881-7273 E-mail: meghanc@utm.edu Fresno State Location: Athens, Ga. Enrollment: 19,245 Nickname: Bulldogs Conference: Big West Website: www.gobulldogs.com Head Coach: Collins Daye

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Varsity Equestrian History In 1998 the NCAA declared equestrian as an emerging sport. As of September of 2007, there are nineteen (19) Division 1 and four (4) Division II colleges and universities who participate at the varsity level with new programs being added every year. The average size of current women’s equestrian teams is 46 with a range from 20 to 100 athletes.

From the Kentucky Derby, to the Olympics, to the Varsity Equestrian National Championship, equestrian sports are already in the American spotlight. Major national, satellite, and cable corporations already host the sport of equestrian. You can watch horses on NBC, ESPN, Outdoor Life Network, TVG, and College Sports TV to name a few. There are already weekly programs dedicated to the horse, one of which, the American Quarter Horse Association’s “America’s Horse” televises the Varsity Equestrian National Championship, the precursor to the NCAA Championship. To assist in promotion of Varsity Equestrian and to provide a media outlet for disbursement of the current news regarding equestrian, we are proud to announce the development of www.varsityequestrian.com, ‘The Official Web site of NCAA Varsity Equestrian’. Lastly, there are roughly 250 magazines, newspapers and newsletters devoted to horses; many of which already cover collegiate equestrian.

In previous years, all collegiate equestrian competitions were conducted under the auspices of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).

Since its inaugural year in 2000, Varsity Equestrian has implemented a dual-meet format in competitions. Teams compete in four events: Hunter Seat Equitation Over Fences, Hunter Seat Equitation on the Flat, Western Horsemanship, and Reining. An equal number of riders from each team compete head-to-head on each event on the same set of horses. The lowest score is dropped before computing the team score.

Post-season competition:

The Varsity Equestrian National Championships has become an annual competition since 2002.

This competition will become the NCAA Championship. There are three titles at stake each year: the Overall Team Championship, the Hunt Seat Team Championship, and the Western Team Championship. Our past title holders include:

Overall Champions:

2012: Baylor University 2011: Auburn University 2010: University of Georgia 2009: University of Georgia 2008: University of Georgia 2007: University of South Carolina 2006: Auburn University 2005: University of South Carolina 2004: University of Georgia

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2003: University of Georgia 2002: Texas A&M University

Hunt Seat Team Champions: 2012: Baylor University 2011: Auburn University 2010: University of Georgia 2009: University of Georgia 2008: Auburn University 2007: University of South Carolina 2006: University of South Carolina 2005: University of South Carolina 2004: University of Georgia 2003: University of Georgia 2002: University of Georgia

Western Team Champions:

2012: Texas A&M University 2011: Texas A&M University 2010: Texas A&M University 2009: Texas A&M University 2008: Texas Christian University 2007: Texas A&M University 2006: Oklahoma State University 2005: Texas A&M University 2004: Oklahoma State University 2003: Oklahoma State University 2002: West Texas A&M University

Governance of the Sport

Varsity Equestrian Steering Committee: The heart of any organization is its people. Besides the outstanding athletes, Equestrian is fortunate to have coaches who give of their time to serve as leaders for the sport. Teamed with athletic administrators, these coaches comprise the Varsity Equestrian Steering Committee. The committee’s charge is to develop procedures, legislation, and advance the sport via promotion and corporate sponsors. An annual meeting of the entire steering committee is held annually at the USEF Headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky.

United State Equestrian Federation (USEF): As the National Governing Body for equestrian sport in the United States and of Varsity Equestrian, USEF shares the sport with the world while advocating fairness, excellence and equine welfare in all aspects of horsemanship and competition.

USEF sends athletes and teams of the highest caliber to represent our country at home and abroad.

Through more than 2,800 recognized competitions in 27 breeds and disciplines, and with 86,000 members USEF continues to grow and acknowledge equestrian athletes at every level. Learn more about USEF at www.usef.org.

American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA): With more than 350,000 worldwide members and 4.5 million registered American Quarter Horses in 80 different countries, the American Quarter Horse Association is the world’s largest equine association and a strong supporter of Varsity Eques-

trian. AQHA offers diverse programs for all types and levels of horse owners, from competitive to recreation. Annually, AQHA approves around 2,900 horse shows and special events that culminate at three different World Championships: the AQHA Youth World Show, the AQHA Open/ Amateur World Show and the AQHA Select World Show. In all, over 927,000 entries compete yearround at the AQHA approved shows. Visit www. aqha.com for more information.

The Varsity Equestrian Steering Committee is working diligently to advance equestrian from emerging to full championship status. The horse industry stands firmly behind the sport and is working hand-in-hand to lay a solid foundation on which the sport can continue to grow and expand.

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Judging & Jumping Guide In hunt seat equitation and horsemanship events, it is the rider and not the horse that is being judged. The actions of the horse are important only as they reflect on the horsemanship of the rider. Thus it is possible for a rider whose horse “acts up” to be placed among the winners because in the judges’ opinion she met the problem skillfully and solved it. Conversely, a seemingly good ride may mean nothing more than a placed horse carrying an unwitting passenger. The rider is always being judged in horsemanship classes, whether the class calls for jumping or whether it is run “on the flat” without jumps.

Judging equitation classes is not done by a mathematical formula. Judges are usually looking for style of riding, accuracy and judgment in the use of the aids (hands, seat and legs), suppleness and lightness of hands and a general impression of complete, quiet control. The program description of equitation classes makes reference to tests for riders in the different classes. This refers to the test of horsemanship that has been established by the American Horse Shows Association for all recognized shows and is published in the annual rulebook. Equitation judges must choose from these individual tests in judging horsemanship.

The common criteria are: Posture: The position of the body, the legs, the hands, the head and eyes are all indicators of good horsemanship.

The rider’s back should be straight, chest out, head and eyes ahead in an alert, relaxed position. The appearance of the rider should give the impression of alert buoyancy.

The movements of her body should be those that derive naturally from the horse’s movements. Correct posture at all gaits and in all movements is a basic element that judges look for in horsemanship.

Hands: A rider’s hands should keep a light but certain contact with the mouth of the horse. Reins should be on a straight line from the horse’s mouth to the rider’s elbow.

Wrong lead: In a canter, the horse leading with the wrong leg is “on the wrong lead”. Moving clockwise a horse should be leading with his right front leg. Moving counterclockwise, he should lead with the left.

Legs: Heels should be down. No excessive weight should be carried on the stirrup irons. Legs should be quiet under the rider at all times.

Diagonals: This fault may appear while a rider is posting (rising and sinking back in the saddle in rhythm with the horse’s trot) at the trot. The rider’s movement in posting should be impelled by the forward movement of the horse’s inside rear leg; that is, the rear leg that is closest to the center of the ring.

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2012-2013 COWGIRL EQUESTRIAN SCHEDULE Date

Opponent

09/28/12

auburn

09/29/12

south carolina

10/06/12

baylor

10/13/12

south dakota st.

11/03/12

tcu

stillwater, okla.

11/17/12

kansas state

stillwater, okla.

01/25/13

delaware state

martin, tenn.

01/26/13

tennessee-martin

martin, tenn.

02/02/13

Texas A&M

Stillwater, Okla.

02/16/13

Fresno State

stillwater, okla.

02/23/13

baylor

02/24/13

tcu

03/09/13

south carolina

03/16/13

kansas state

03/29-30/13 BIG 12 championships 04/17-20/13 NCEA championships

Location auburn, ala. blythewood, s.c. stillwater, okla. brookings, s,d.

waco, texas fort worth, texas stillwater, okla. manhattan, kan. stillwater, okla. waco, texas.