March 1, 2006

WACO, Texas - Baylor's women's equestrian team was invited yesterday to participate in the Varsity Equestrian National Championships in April held in New Mexico. Only 10 Western and 12 English schools are invited annually to compete in the prestigious tournament.

Along with the Bears, Auburn, Fresno State, Georgia, Kansas State, New Mexico State, Oklahoma State, South Carolina, Texas A&M and West Texas A&M were all invited to ride in both English and Western events. Sacred Heart and SMU are the 11th and 12th schools to ride in the English events.

The Varsity Championship is an invitational-only tournament whose participants are decided upon by the Selection Committee. Seeding for the tournament will be determined and released soon.

"It's a win just to be invited to even go. Some other first year programs didn't get chosen but we did. It's great for us to just go regardless of how we do. It's exciting because we have a really good team with talented riders. And our program is being recognized in its first year so that already feels like success," said assistant coach Trista Armstrong.

Before the championship tournament, the Bears have one last show for the Western team. The riders will compete in College Station, Texas, this weekend for Texas A&M's Western IHSA show on March 4-5. Baylor's results from the show will be available at www.baylorbears.com.