CLUB SPORTS REPORT: Equestrian riders bring home titles
Special to The Observer
Fourteen members of the Equestrian Club competed at Taylor University this weekend. Although the club did not claim High Point or Reserve honors, it was a strong showing in the IHSA meet as several members claimed first place in their events. Kristen Jones and Jennifer Pojunas each captured first place in their respective classes in open fences, while Quin Swiney claimed first in novice fences. Kelly Gentine and Molly Kopacz both garnered firsts in intermediate flats.
Mary Barter placed second in intermediate flats and third in intermediate fences, while Meganne Hoffman took third in intermediate flats and fifth in open fences, as both women placed twice for the Irish. Sabrina Badger, Lauren Ball, Quin Swiney and Callie Willis all placed in the top six in their first competition, boding well for future events. Lauren White is well after taking a tough fall. It is hoped she will be back soon for the Irish.
Cycling
Sean Flynn placed 35th at the Midwest Collegiate Cycling Association Regional championships this weekend in Albany, Ohio. Flynn, the strongest cyclist on the Irish squad the past three years in fall cross country competition, qualified for the nationals, which will be held in Plattikill, NY in two weeks.
Men's rowing
First year coach Kurt Butler's Men's Rowing Club performed well in all events this weekend in the Head of the Rock at Rockford, Ill. The Irish entered five boats in the event, with a solid showing by both the varsity and the novice squads. The novice 8 placed third among fifteen boats, while the novice 4 finished 15th among 22 boats. In the varsity events, the lightweight 4's claimed fifth of eight boats and the heavyweight 8's claimed a strong fifth among nineteen entries.
The highlight of the day was the varsity heavyweight 4's third place finish among 23 boats. The Irish crew of Brendan Mackay, Chris Szefc, Ryan Carlson and Kevin Sibernsen crossed the finish line just five seconds behind Minnesota, and two seconds behind Michigan.
Coming events
This weekend, the Men's Rowing Club will again compete in one of the most prestigious events in all of rowing, Boston's The Head of the Charles. The Equestrian Club will travel to Indianapolis on Saturday for the season's second IHSA meet. Notre Dame's Field Hockey club will play again on Nov. 4, at Riehle Field, when it hosts the University of Chicago.
All Sports Stories for Wednesday, October 17, 2001
