By Liz Shepard

Special to the Leader

The Oxford High School Equestrian Team capped off its hunt for a state championship in a whirl of blue and gold Sunday.

The eight riders didn’t walk to accept their trophy, they ran, and flipped and cheered before hoisting the Michigan Interscholastic Horsemanship Association Division B championship trophy above their heads.

The Wildcats competed in 17 classes over four days at the Midland County Fairgrounds, facing intense competition from nine of the top teams in the state.

And the new scrappy nature they showcased to win the regional competition in September came in hand at the state showdown that ran Thursday through Sunday.

They ended the first day of showing in second place, before falling to third place Friday.

Saturday, the riders rallied and jumped to the top of the scoreboard, however it wasn’t a comfortable lead.

Entering Sunday, with two classes left, the Wildcats had a slim 28 point lead ahead of Grand Haven.

“Our competition was probably some of the best I have seen in the last 17 years and we consistently outrode them,” said Dee Shepard, Oxford’s head coach.

While Grand Haven made a final run at the championship, the Wildcats kept their composure and consistent riding, earning the state championship with 313 points, to Grand Haven’s 291.

“The thing that makes this team so good is our bond and friendship ,” said co-captain and sophomore Hannah Buday. “The fact that we all support each other helps us become better riders.”

This is the third state championship earned by the Wildcats in the past 17 years. Oxford also brought back the title in 2012 and 2008.

In 2015, the Wildcats were third in the state in the B division. Teams compete in divisions based on the number of riders, not school size.

“I admire our team for all the effort and hard work (we’ve put in) throughout the season by making practices each week to prepare for competitions and always working hard to be better riders,” said Reagan Holloway, team co-captain and junior.

“Looking at the trophy made me realize how hard we worked and we are the best in the state! Going into next year we will work on our weaknesses and continue to push ourselves to improve to get into the state finals again.”

With no seniors leaving the team, the same eight riders are expected to return.

“For next year, I hope that we can all become even stronger riders and make even more memories,” Hannah said. “In the off-season we will keep practicing hard and working with our coaches continuously so that we can be as great, if not better, for the season next year.”

Shepard said she couldn’t be happier with the riders, coaches and families who have supported the team throughout the season – and off-season.

“Before we left states we started planning for next year,” Shepard said. “Every year the competition gets better and we need to improve and start training new riders ASAP. So any high school riders interested in joining the team should contact us now. The new season has begun.”

The team consists of riders Hannah Buday, Jessica Garrett, Makayla Haywood, Reagan Holloway, Emerson Lantz, Katie Main, Tristin Mederiros and Hannah Suddeth.