ECAC Announces Riders of the Month for September
DANBURY, Conn. – The Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) has announced the Equestrian Riders of the Week for the month of September.
Dual Discipline
Fences: Melissa Acker - Delaware State
Sophomore Melissa Acker delivered a strong month of competition over fences, beginning with a score of 79 against Texas A&M. Acker narrowly fell short to Logan Thomas, who earned an 82. While she did not secure the point, Acker recorded the highest fences score for the Delaware State team in the meet, showcasing a strong performance against a competitive opponent. Acker followed up with an outstanding performance against Minnesota Crookston, earning an impressive score of 90 to defeat her opponent Julianne Lurie, by eight points. Acker recorded the highest fences score of the meet and earned MOP honors for her exceptional ride. Over the course of the month, Acker established herself as a strong competitor over fences, recording the highest score for Delaware State in both meets.
Flat: Daicey Richardson - Delaware State
Freshman Daicey made an impressive start to her NCEA career in the flat, competing twice throughout the month and remaining undefeated. In her NCEA debut, Daicey posted an impressive score of 87 to defeat her Texas A&M opponent, junior Londyn Samlaska, by six points. She recorded the highest flat score of the day and earned Flat MOP honors for the against Texas A&M. Daicey followed up with an even stronger performance against Minnesota Crookston, raising her score to 88 and defeating sophomore Maggie Lawler by five points. Once again, Daicey recorded the highest flat score of the meet, earning her second consecutive MOP honor. Over the course of the month, Daicey went undefeated in both of her flat appearances, earning two points while recording the highest score in each meet. Her back-to-back victories, top scores, and two MOP honors highlighted an exceptional first month of NCEA competition.
Horsemanship: Cheyenne Brand - Delaware State
Cheyenne Brand made an impressive start to her NCEA career in horsemanship, competing twice throughout the month and remaining undefeated. In her NCEA debut, Brand earned a score of 70 to defeat her Texas A&M opponent by 1.5 points. Brand followed up with an even stronger performance against Minnesota Crookston, posting a score of 73 to defeat junior Siara Mosby by half a point. Her outstanding ride earned her MOP honors for the Delaware State vs. Minnesota Crookston competition. Over the course of the month, Brand went undefeated in both of her horsemanship appearances, earning two points and an MOP honor. Her consistent performances and ability to raise her score in her second competition marked an impressive first month of NCEA competition.
Reining: Raegan Rapier - Delaware State
In her NCEA debut, Rapier earned a score of 57 to defeat her Texas A&M opponent, senior Anna Harris, by half a point. Rapier followed up with an even stronger performance against Minnesota Crookston, posting a score of 70 to defeat freshman Micah Fohrman by 1.5 points. Her score tied for the highest reining score of the meet, earning her MOP honors fagainst Minnesota Crookston. Over the course of the month, Rapier went undefeated in both of her reining appearances, earning two points and an MOP honor while establishing herself as a strong competitor in her first month of NCEA competition.
Standout Student-Athlete of the Month: Kaylynn Berry - Delaware State
Kaylynn Berry embodies what it means to be a standout student-athlete. As a Jump Seat Captain for the Delaware State Equestrian Team, Kaylynn serves as a leader, mentor, and true backbone of the program. She consistently leads by example, bringing a strong work ethic and willingness to help, both in and out of the barn. Kaylynn is the kind of teammate who is always willing to lend a hand, whether that means helping in the barn, supporting her teammates, or stepping up wherever she is needed. Her dedication and reliability make her an invaluable part of the Delaware State Equestrian Team. Beyond her commitment to the team, Kaylynn is also excelling academically in Delaware State University’s nursing program. She has demonstrated that her drive and determination extend far beyond the arena, balancing the demands of collegiate athletics with the rigorous pursuit of her academic goals. Kaylynn represents the qualities every coach hopes to see in a student-athlete: hardworking, dependable, selfless, driven, and committed to the success of those around her. She is not only a leader on our team, but someone who makes the entire program better simply by being a part of it.
Horse of the Month: Wally aka Weekend at Wallys - Delaware State University - Western Reining - Donated by Leonard Truck and Trailer
While Wally is a strong, consistent, and hardworking athlete for the Delaware State Equestrian Team, his impact on the team extends far beyond his performances in the arena. Throughout the month, Wally contributed some of the highest scores for Delaware State during competition and earned an MOP honor, showcasing his talent and reliability as a reining partner. Beyond his accomplishments in the arena, Wally is one of the most willing, sweet, and genuine horses you could ask for. His kind personality and dependable nature make him a true asset to the team. He is not only one of our strongest and most beloved reining horses, but a favorite among the entire team. Wally’s combination of athletic ability, work ethic, and exceptional personality makes him a special part of Delaware State Equestrian. He is the kind of horse who gives his best every time he steps into the arena—and leaves an impression on everyone who has the opportunity to work with him.
ABOUT THE ECAC
The ECAC (Eastern College Athletic Conference) is an eighty-five-year-old organization with well over 200 member schools across all three NCAA Divisions - I, II and III. The ECAC exists to enhance the experience of student-athletes participating in intercollegiate athletics and provides great value for universities and colleges by sponsoring championships, leagues, bowl games, tournaments and other competitions throughout the Northeast. The ECAC's esports platform is growing and now totals more than sixty colleges and universities and is expanding the geographic footprint for the conference nationally. The ECAC is also sponsoring competitions and leagues involving other varsity and club sports that do not fall under the umbrella of the NCAA.
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