By Liz Shepard
The run for a state title is on yet again for the Oxford High School Equestrian Team.
After dominating the District II competition and earning the championship, Oxford’s riders made their way to the Michigan Interscholastic Horsemanship Association’s region C championship this past weekend and added another win to its list.
Competing in the A division, teams compete based on size in the MIHA, Oxford rode against Manchester High School, Marine City High School and Milford High School at the Shiawassee County Fairgrounds.
After coming in second to Milford at last year’s regional competition and fifth at the state finals, Oxford beat the 2006 state champs by 37 points to secure the division A regional championship.
The team’s win with 618 points qualified it for the MIHA State Championship Oct. 11-14 at the Midland County Fairgrounds. The champions and reserve champions from five other regions will be joining Oxford and Milford in Midland.
Oxford will be riding against teams including Coopersville, Cedar Springs, Sturgis and St. John.
‘I’m very proud of everyone on the team,? said coach Dee Shepard of her 11 riders. ‘They all put forth the extra effort…I’m very hopeful with this kind of continued dedication our efforts at the State Championship will be rewarded.? Shepard said the team stepped up their efforts, winning more points than any other team in 12 of 17 classes.
Oxford senior and co-captain Kellie Roth was the high point earner of the weekend, bringing in 104 points in fitting and showing, western and huntseat classes.
She said it was a ‘relief? to win regionals as well as a boost of confidence to beat Milford.
This will be the eighth year in a row the teams attempted to take home the state championship. Oxford has earned four MIHA Reserve State Championships since 2000.