Eagles ride to three-peat - Hartland equestrian team

Over the weekend, the Eagles rode to their third straight state title, with each of their 13 riders contributing to the 344 points scored.

"We had a very deep team," coach Jennifer Groehn said. "We had a lot of riders that were able to do different disciplines, so it truly was a team effort."

Milford finished second at the competition in Midland with 303 points. Oxford finished third with 234 points and Williamston was fourth with 225.

According to Groehn, there wasn't much drama left by the final day.

The Eagles began to build their lead on Thursday, the first day of the meet. After Friday, they led by just eight points, but did enough Saturday that Sunday became almost a formality.

"We went into it not really knowing what to expect," Groehn said. "We won the district and regionals comfortably, but we heard Oxford had beaten Milford at regionals, so we expected there would be some good competition."

Hartland finished as the state runner-up in 2006, and until 2007, had never won the state title in 33 years of competition.

Now the Eagles have won three in a row.

"It's quite a run we have going now," Groehn said. "It gives us something to work hard for next year."

Groehn credits a junior program that prepares riders for the varsity level, as well as a competitive C team that allows riders to get valuable experience before moving up to the A team.

"We also have great coaching and parental involvement," Groehn said, "and a pretty intense riding program that helps our kids and horses become very disciplined and well-trained. We're prepared, going into shows, to be competitive."

At the state meet, sophomore Kendra Hull scored a team-high 63 points to lead Hartland. Junior Taylor Sturtevant was right behind her with 62 points, and junior Skylar Welti scored 55 points.

"We were all pretty excited," Hull said. "Last year, it was really close at the end. This year, we were really surprised at how well the team worked together."

Over 2,000 riders competed at the state meet and there are 353 high school equestrian teams in Michigan.

"No other state has a program as extensive as Michigan," Groehn said.

Certainly, once a program starts winning at the rate Hartland has, it becomes expected.

Hull understands that, but makes sure to stay focused on the bigger picture.

"At some points there was some pressure from people," Hull said, "but in the end we had to remember to have fun. That's what it was all about. We are competing, but it's not our only goal."

The Howell equestrian C Division team placed third overall at the state finals over the weekend.

"We lost the reserve by three points, 240-237," Howell coach Brittany Mathes said. "It was a really fun weekend. All the girls had a blast. We had some high placings, but the competition was good."

North Pointe won the state title with a score of 329. Providence Christian was the reserve champ with 240 points and Howell placed third with 237.

Contact Daily Press & Argus sports reporter Rick Shepich at (517) 552-2861 or by e-mail at rshepich@gannett.com.