Sept. 23, 2010

The Baylor equestrian team will open its 2010-11 season by hosting the third-annual Willis Invitational on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 24 and 25 at the Willis Family Equestrian Center. The Bears are two-time defending champions, and look to make it three in-a-row.

"We want to keep the trophy right here at Baylor," head coach Ellen White said. "The teams we are facing are going to be tough competition, but I know we are very well prepared and excited to compete at home."

The competition will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, as Baylor takes on Delaware State, while New Mexico State faces the squad combined of Miami (Ohio) and Ohio State. Each matchup will complete reining, flat and horsemanship before beginning the second round of matches at approximately 4:00 p.m. The Bears will then face Miami/Ohio State, while New Mexico State will compete against Delaware State. Following the completion of reining, flat and horsemanship, fences will be completed for all four competitions.

Saturday's events will begin at 9:00 a.m., as Baylor faces New Mexico State and Delaware State takes on Miami/OSU.

The competition format will feature a series of head-to-head match ups. The team accumulating the most head-to-head victories will win the overall match. In the event of a tie, the victor will be determined by total points. In addition, there will be an individual award for the most valuable rider in each event.

Baylor is coming off its first Big 12 Championship, beating Texas A&M for the title, and will open up at home for the fourth-consecutive season.

The event is open to the public and no admission is charged.