Alumni Memories Caitlin Flathers ‘09 My goal as a freshman entering Lynchburg College’s IHSA riding program was to progress from the Novice Division to Open. Intercollegiate riding is different from any other form, and I had no idea what I was getting my- self into. But sure enough, in only three years I climbed up all three divisions, qualifying for Regionals and Zones every time. I can only thank the program’s individual- ized attention and great coaching for my success. What I didn’t know at the time, however, was just how far those experiences would take me. Now, as an alum, I am directly employing the skills I learned at school as I train for the Olympics in the Modern Pentathlon - the only other sport that involves a similar “catch-riding” style as in IHSA. For me, Lynchburg College has been more than just a school, it’s a launching pad for the rest of my athletic career and life. Matt Arrigon Head Coach Matt Arrigon finished his first year as the head coach of the Lynchburg College equestrian program. In his first year as the head coach, Arrigon had one rider earn reserve champion at the national championship show, had several players earn top three placements, and on several occasions a player was named the high point rider or reserve champion for an entire show. An Oxford, Ohio, native, he attended Miami Univer- sity (OH) where he received his undergraduate degree in operations management with a minor in supply chain management and business statistics in 2007. As a rider on the RedHawk equestrian team, he finished the 2005- 06 IHSA show season with a third-place finish at IHSA nationals in intermediate on the flat rider. Arrigon has recently served as the assistant riding coach for Ohio State and Xavier Universities and worked at Beckett Run Farm and the David Beisel Stables. 2009 Season Review The 2009 rendition of the equestrian season proved to be one of the most historic seasons in the history of the program. The team won its first show in recent memory, tak- ing the crown at Sweet Briar College on February 8. In the winning effort, Lynchburg defeated 2007 and 2009 ODAC Champions Bridgewater College, 2008 ODAC Champions Hollins University, 2005 ODAC Champions Randolph College, Washington & Lee, and the host Sweet Briar College. Additionally, three riders qualified for the Zone IV Championship show. Caitlin Flathers qualified in novice fences, Sarah Ridgeway earned qualification in advanced walk/trot/canter, and Kelly Gerland made it to the Zone Championships in novice flat and intermediate fences. Gerland took her riding to a new level thereaf- ter. At the Zone Finals, she was named the reserve champion in intermediate fences to earn a chance to win a national championship in Nashville, Tennessee. Kelly continued her tear through the equine ranks in Nash- ville while also reaching heights never seen in the history of the team. Kelly narrowly missed out on being crowned the national champion in intermediate fences, finishing two points behind a University of Kentucky rider en route to earning the title of reserve champion. Her finish in the national competi- tion is the highest ever for any LC rider in history. Several other riders had strong seasons for LC. Char- lotte Harris had three top three finishes, including winning open fences at Hollins University. Caitlin Flathers placed in the top three in intermediate flat five times and won the competition on three instances. She also competed in novice fences, winning the award in the event twice. Jamie Carille posted several strong performances in novice flat as she won the event at Hollins and had four more top three performances. Sarah Ridgeway proved to be one of the better walk/trot/canter riders in the region, taking top billing at Bridgewater while also earning second place on two other occasions. Mallory Williams was a steady performer in walk/trot, posting four top three performances. History & Information The Lynchburg College equestrian team began compet- ing in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) in 1987 and produced one All-ODAC rider in the inaugural season. The 1989 team produced two All-ODAC riders, including two-time All-ODAC performer Suzette Sims. The equestrian team in 1990 posted its highest finish ever at the ODAC Championship show, tying for second place. From 1992-1993, the Hornets placed third at the ODACs and had five All-ODAC riders in the stretch. With the turn of the calendar to 1994, Lynchburg College and the ODAC became witness to one of the best riders in the history of the conference as Erica Koch earned All-Conference accolades four straight years. That year, head coach Janet McBrien earned ODAC Coach of the Year honors, the first Coach of the Year award in LC history. The 2002 team narrowly missed out on winning the ODAC Championship, finishing with 13 points, just two points behind first place. History was made in 2009 - current rider Kelly Gerland advanced to national competition and earned the highest finish in program history, taking reserve champion honors in intermediate fences, finish- ing just two points behind the winner. The Lynchburg College riders hone their skills at the Randolph College stables across town. It is a 100 acre facility in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It includes a 360’ x 250’ jumping amphitheater, a 250’ x 150’ schooling ring, and a 120’ x 300’ indoor arena. Additional amenities include Hunter trial course and out- side schooling jumps, a modern 40-stall barn, and two outdoor rings. It also acts as the home location for LC shows, often pairing up with Randolph College to co-host IHSA sanctioned shows.