Allen and Hammack Advance to IHSA Regionals

Bethany, Okla.—Southern Nazarene University played host to the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association’s regular-season Western Show finale on Feb. 23-24 for Zone 7 Region 2. Nine Aggie riders competed in the event for Panhandle State, with two advancing to the regional show held Sunday, Feb. 25.

Juniors Kristin Allen and Hannah Hammack put in strong performances in their last show. Both riders were promoted to higher ranking divisions, and each qualified for regionals. During the regional show on Sunday, the first and second place riders in each class earned spots in the national semi-final competition which is held at Black Hawk College in Illinois March 15-18. Hammack placed in the top of her field with a Reserve Champion finish to draw a berth in the IHSA Western Semi Final event in Galva, Ill. Head Coach Lisa Drumhiller will accompany Hammack as they represent Panhandle State on the national stage.

Freshmen Sarah Atha and Mackenzie Leach, sophomore Reilly Shore, junior Cassie Alcorn and seniors Kayla Hook, Jesslin Lamont and Tyler Myeres each had good showings over the weekend, helping the team mark high enough to earn the Reserve High-Point team title, to rank second among all schools in their region. Drumhiller commented on the impressive feat, “This is a huge deal for these girls, as it is the best OPSU has done all year.”

Summing up the season, Drumhiller added, “I am just floored that these girls rallied together with some great rides and patterns to allow the team to place reserve high point for the show. Such a great way to finish off the year for our seniors, as well as a great ending note for the year to pick up on next fall.”