AU Equestrian looks for 3rd title

By Holly Hereth/Staff Writer | July 23

When an Auburn fan thinks of sports, football comes to mind, though it has been 52 years since the team has won a national title.After football, fans think of basketball and baseball, two teams who have never won a national championship.What most fans don't realize is aside from the swim team, the Auburn Equestrian team is arguably the most successful team in recent years, with two National Championships in the past three seasons.With an overall National Championship in 2006 and a Hunt Seat National Championship in 2008, the equestrian team is preparing for the fall, with hopes for its third national title, said Chelsea Anheuser, senior hunt seat rider majoring in marketing."I think the main goal is always to strive to be National Champions again," Anheuser said.

Auburn Equestrian Team Hosts Camps and Prepares for '09 Season

Between camps and individual workouts, the Auburn Equestrian team is staying busy this summer.Three camps are being offered to riders of all experience levels, said Greg Williams, head coach.

Coach's Feature: Greg Williams

The Auburn Equestrian team has been one of the most successful teams at the university over the last seven years.Such success is often attributed to the hard work of a head coach like Greg Williams, but Williams is quick to note that coaching is a two-way relationship. "Much of our success comes from the team's ability to buy into the coaching and the program." Williams saidWilliams was born in Paragould, Arkansas.He has been around horses for the better part of his life, competing in rodeos and showcasing horses since he was young.Competing and caring for horses was a family affair in the Williams household."I grew up around horses," Williams said.

Equestrian headed to championship

The Auburn equestrian team's scheduled March 28 meet against Tennessee-Martin was cancelled because of expected severe weather.This was the Tigers' final home meet of the season, and it will not be made up.The team is 6-4 on the season going into the Southern Equestrian Championships this weekend."I actually feel very, very good about how we're going to be able to perform in the postseason," said equestrian head coach Greg Williams.Auburn's equestrian team started its 2008-2009 season strongly, remaining the top-ranked team and undefeated in its first four matches.The Tigers' first loss came in its Feb.