Equestrian | 2/23/2025 10:06:00 PM
FARGO, N.D. - The University of Minnesota Crookston western equestrian team was named the Zone 7, Region 3 Western High Point Team. The Golden Eagles amassed 233 points, and took the title by a huge margin of 34 points. Minnesota Crookston claimed four High Point Team and three Reserve High Point Team accolades during the 2024-25 season.
The Golden Eagles were aided by a host of riders throughout the season. Emma Mutnansky (Fr., Cass Lake, Minn.) had seven-straight Open Horsemanship class victories and earned 49 points during the season. Madison Wojcek (So., Bremerton, Wash.) contributed 36 points from her placings in Open Reining. Kassidy Kalka (Jr., Cottage Grove, Minn.) earned 32 points in Level II Horsemanship, while Siara Mosby (Fr., Bremerton, Wash.) picked up 24 points in her first season of IHSA, serving as the team's point rider in Level I Horsemanship. Jayci Lawrence (Fr., West Fargo, N.D.) stepped in the middle of the season to compete in Beginner Horsemanship. She tallied 19 points.
The Golden Eagle equestrian team moves on to compete at the IHSA Semifinals March 15 and 16 at West Texas A&M University.
Wojcek was named the Zone 7, Region 3 Back on Track High Point Rider. It is awarded to the Open Western rider who accumulated the most points during the regular season. She will have the opportunity to compete in the Back on Track High Point Rider Horsemanship and Reining phases at the IHSA Semifinals.
The Golden Eagles had nine riders compete in a total of 12 classes in the Zone 7, Region 3 Finals. Minnesota Crookston sends four riders in seven classes to compete as individuals at the IHSA Semifinals.
Wojcek was named the Regional Champion in Open Reining, qualifying for Semifinals. Samantha Lyons (Fr., Lisbon, N.D.) placed third.
Hailey Hanson (Fr., Inver Grove Heights, Minn.) was the Regional Champion in Open Horsemanship, and also qualified for the Semifinals. Wojcek was the Reserve Regional Champion and made Semifinals in Open Horsemanship. Mutnansky took third.
Brooke Hoven (Jr., Ankeny, Iowa) was the Regional Champion in Level II Ranch Riding, and qualified for Semifinals. Kalka earned Regional Champion in Level II Horsemanship and moves on to Semifinals. Hoven took sixth.
Eliza Freund (Sr., Cando, N.D.) placed third in Level I Horsemanship. Jenna Seibert (Jr., Sebeka, Minn.) took fifth in Rookie Horsemanship, while Kianna Dolezal (So., Silver Lake, Minn.) was a finalist.
Alexis Heaton took third in Beginner Horsemanship
