TCU Equestrian's Western Team: At a Glance
11/11/2008 12:00:00 AM | Equestrian
Nov. 11, 2008
FORT WORTH, Texas - TCU equestrian's western team is 4-1 on the season and looks to defend its 2007-08 national championship title against Georgia on Nov. 22. The Horned Frogs upended the Lady Bulldogs to capture the Western National Championship title.
The western unit is led by veteran senior, Carrie von Uhlit, who holds a 4-1 record in reining. Von Uhlit is the only rider for TCU to compete in both divisions. In the match against South Carolina, the California native won both her points in horsemanship and reining as she defeated her reining opponent, 77-76.
Fellow senior Chloe Baker also competes in both western events. Baker is 4-1 in horsemanship and is looking for her fifth victory in Saturday's match against Texas A&M.
Freshman Courtney Chown already has three wins in horsemanship while also earning tournament MVP honors at the Willis Invitational Tournament at Baylor.
Against West Texas A&M, sophomore Kelsey Huffman scored a 77.5 over her opponent in horsemanship, while also grabbing MVP honors. Against the Gamecocks, Huffman led all scores in reining as she took home the event's MVP crown after scoring a 78.
Junior Ashton Mickunas competes in reining and has brought home two victories for the Frogs. In last year's western finals, Mickunas scored a crucial point for TCU to help lead them to victory over the Lady Bulldogs.
Kelly Morris and Ashley Aikman who both compete in horsemanship will start against Texas A&M on Saturday. In the 2007-08 season, Morris scored a career-high 71.5 against Auburn, while Aikman scored a 74.5 to earn a point against Delaware State.
Sophomore Jennifer Neel who competes in reining, and went 6-6 during the 2007-08 season. She was one of six riders to compete at the national championships this past April.
Junior Sara Pedersen and freshmen Ryann Bluhm, Sally Dulaney, Lyndsi Hardin add much needed depth to the western squad. Bluhm holds six world championships, including titles in western pleasure, showmanship and equitation.
TCU looks to continue its dominance this weekend when they take on the Aggies. The Frogs head to College Station, Texas with a match start time scheduled for 10 a.m.
