May 8, 2008
BURBANK, CALIF. - Hartwick equestrian rider
Aileen McCarthy (Rumson, NJ) once again made program history by winning a national title at the IHSA National Championships, Thursday morning.
McCarthy qualified for nationals by placing second in intermediate fences at the IHSA Zone II competition in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., April 12. The sophomore becomes the first-ever national title holder in the program's history.
"This is now the happiest day of my coaching career," said Hartwick head coach Betsey Smith-Price, who has directed the program since its inaugural season back in 1998-99. "Aileen went in the ring to win her class and never missed a step. It's was absolutely amazing to just get this far, but winning a national title now is just icing on the cake."
McCarthy was the eighth rider out of 18 entrants in the Show's first class. The top two contestants from each of the nine zones qualified for nationals.
Hartwick's second national qualifier,
Ariana Bray (Torrington, CT), will compete Friday afternoon in walk trot.
