University of Georgia Athletics
Reflection On Perfection: Georgia Equestrian Finishes Regular Season Undefeated
November 21, 2006 | Equestrian
The Bulldogs closed out their fourth consecutive undefeated fall season (21-0) with the win against Berry College on Sunday. In addition, Georgia boasts an unblemished record of 21-0 in home meets since riding under the NCAA format during the 2003-04 year.
“I don’t know that there are many, if any, sports that can rival our record at home,” said head coach Meghan Boenig. “That certainly shows the dedication of our athletes. They take a great deal of pride with that..”
At the start of the ’06 season a host of newcomers was welcomed to fill in the gap left by last year’s seniors. These fresh faces are wasting no time making an impression on the program.
“We have 25 new members who are all contributing well,” said Boenig. “Every sport has its years of rebuilding and, we’re not doing that yet. You would expect a little bit of a recycling process to go on. A lot of schools were expecting less of us. We are happy to keep dishing it out, in particular in the post season.”
The Bulldogs were responsible for delivering both South Carolina and Stephen F. Austin their first and only losses of the fall. Georgia beat the Gamecocks 9-6 and the Ladyjacks 15-5.
Throughout the course of the season Georgia equestrian collected an impressive 24 MVP honors, including a sweep of the aforementioned awards against South Carolina, New Mexico State and Berry. There were five multiple MVP award winners in Michelle Blair in equitation on the flat, Kelley Mundrick in horsemanship, Cordy Allsopp in equitation over fences and on the flat, Megan Darby in reining and Sarah Locker in horsemanship and reining.
Of the riders competing in four or more meets, nine finished with one loss. In addition, Junior Kelly Bonau and sophomore Kate Stewart both finished undefeated in their respective events. Bonau posted a record of 4-0 in equitation over fences where she averages a 74, while Stewart tallied a season record of 5-0 in reining averaging a 72.
Particularly impressive following the first half of the 2006-07 season were the solid wins put forth by the western riders. Of the 82 points allotted in horsemanship and reining combined, the Bulldogs scooped up 59 points allowing just 23 over six meets.
“I feel like all through the fall we kept getting better and better,” said assistant coach Carly Veldman. “I hope that continues throughout the spring and into SECs and Nationals.”
In addition to the strong performances of all the Georgia riders, Coach Boenig is extremely pleased with the new members of her staff in barn manager Amber Bradley and assistant coach Carly Veldman.
“We have to thank our new staff members who have both taken that step up,” said Boenig. “Barn manager Amber Bradley has had her share of horse-related issues dished out at her and handled it all so well. I appreciate her hard work. She takes the initiative to get the job done. Carly is making, what I think, is a tough transition from student athlete to coach and doing beautifully at it.”
The Bulldogs will resume competition on Feb. 17 when they host the Auburn Tigers starting at 2:00 p.m. (ET).
