Three make regionals as Western opens new season strong

MOREHEAD, Ky. - Three Midway riders qualified for the Intercollegiate Horse Show Regional Championships as new coach Caitlin Halliwell got the western equestrian team off to a strong start at the Morehead State Shows on Saturday and Sunday.

Stacey Geissler and Sofia Getty both made regionals in rookie horsemanship to lead the Eagles to a reserve high point team finish Saturday, then Alana Utlak made in it level-two horsemanship Sunday, with the Eagles taking third.

SATURDAY

Geissler and Getty clinched their postseason spots after finishing first and second in rookie horsemanship competition Saturday.

Geissler was one of three Midway riders to earn a first-place finish. She was joined by Utlak in level-two horsemanship and Emily Sue Watts in beginner horsemanship.

Sadie Tullock, a reserve national champion in level-one horsemanship last season, was reserve high point rider on Saturday, thanks to a second-place finish in ranch riding and a third-place finish in level-two horsemanship.

Also getting a second-place was Kaitlyn Burns, who earned the honor in level-one horsemanship.

SUNDAY

Utlak, the defending level-two horsemanship national champion, continued her dominance by winning that event for a second-straight day Sunday, while securing her regional spot.

Tullock had another strong day, finishing right behind Utlak in the level-two standings.

That was one of five victories for Midway on the second day of competition, with Amelia Lee (ranch riding), Kaylee Klein (level-one horsemanship), Burns (level-one horsemanship) and Hannah Mullins (rookie horsemanship) all taking first-place in their respective events.

The Eagles will be off the next two weekends before they travel to Ohio for the Miami University Shows on Nov. 23-24.