Fresno State welcomes South Carolina, Georgia and hosts IHSA Region Championships this weekend on campus.
March 8, 2005
FRESNO, Calif. -
In what Fresno State head coach Becky Malmo calls the "most exciting" home weekend of the season, the Bulldog equestrian team will host their final three home events beginning Friday afternoon.
The Bulldogs, which have won 11 of 13 shows this season, including all 10 Western shows entered, begin the weekend hosting perennial power South Carolina of the Southeaster Conference. The Bulldogs and Gamecocks will compete in the new NCAA format or pattern, which will be performed for the first time at Fresno State and on the West Coast. The South Carolina dual will begin Friday at 1 p.m.
The NCAA format is more challenging and fan friendly according to Malmo and consists of the top four riders from each school in each event.
"This is an exciting experience," said Malmo. "Our student-athletes have been working very hard and we are thrilled to host two of the nation's outstanding programs in South Carolina and Georgia. The NCAA format will be a change for those familiar with equestrian and I think it's an excellent format and will keep the crowd entertained."
Fresno State and Georgia will battle beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Fresno State Horse Center also using the NCAA pattern.
Sunday's IHSA Regional Championship will feature all nine teams from the region. That show begins at 8 a.m. The only Bulldogs competing in that show will be those who have yet to qualify for the upcoming Zone Finals.
"It's going to be a great weekend," said Malmo. "The ladies are very excited about this weekend and I think we will see some excellent competition and horsemanship."
