Equestrian: Schaefer Raposa Invited to Wellington WEF

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

Congratulations, Schaefer and good luck!

The SMU representative has done well in this competition recently, with Juliana Fischer named reserve champion of the consolation bracket in 2012 and All-American Jordyn Pettersen advancing to the second round in 2011.

http://www.smumustangs.com/sports/w-equest/spec-rel/013113aaa.html

WELLINGTON, Fla. (SMU) - SMU freshman Schaefer Raposa has been invited to compete at the Winter Equestrian Festival on Feb. 8 in Wellington, Fla. at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Raposa was one of 16 riders across the country chosen to participate.

Raposa is currently 4-1 in fence events this season. She has earned MVP honors in three of the four events she has won, including against No. 1 South Carolina in November. As a team, SMU is currently ranked No. 10 in the country.

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

Here is the complete list of riders. I imagine they will draw for the bracket on Friday.

Alyssa Berfield, Delaware State
Kimberly HewsonBudnik, Fresno State
Olivia Dorey, Georgia
Amber Henter, South Carolina
Allison Joyce, Oklahoma State
Katie Miranda, UT-Martin
Catherine Sarosy, Miami (Ohio)
Rachel Webster, Kansas State
Emily McConnell, New Mexico State
Schaefer Raposa, SMU
Samantha Schaefer, Baylor
Demi Stiegler, TCU
Jennifer Waxman, Auburn
Emily Williams, Texas A&M
Santana Wright, South Dakota State
Caroline Woods, Florida Atlantic

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

Well, they just did the draw.

Schaefer will face Santana Wright of South Dakota State in the first round.

If she advances she would face the winner of Alyssa Berfield (Delaware State) and Jennifer Waxman (Auburn).

[PonyFan]

South Dakota State?
Didn't even realize that school existed.

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

South Dakota State?
Didn't even realize that school existed.

The Jackrabbits!

The funny thing is they always list them as SDSU.

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

Schaefer Raposa advances to the second round with the highest first round score of 90!

Raposa will face Jennifer Waxman of Auburn in the next round tonight starting at 6pm Dallas time (the consolation bracket was completed this afternoon).

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

Schaefer advances to the semifinals with a 85-74 win!!!!

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

Schaefer is in the finals after a huge 89-86 win over Kimberly Hewson Rudnik of Fresno State!

This must be some incredible riding. Semifinal scores were 89, 87, 86, and 85.

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

Ha. Schaefer Raposa will face Samantha Schaefer from Baylor in the final.

Go Schaefer (Raposa)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

What a clutch ride from Schaefer too, as Hewson Rudnik already had her 86 posted first.

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

Schaefer Raposa wins 92-87!!!!!!!!!

What an amazing day for SMU Equestrian!

Another huge ride as the other Schaefer had already posted her 87.

Congratulations, Schaefer, and thanks for making today such a memorable day for all SMU Equestrian fans!

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

SMU release:

http://www.smumustangs.com/sports/w-equest/spec-rel/020813aab.html

Obviously, Equestrian is a team sport but it is a very individual team sport. Having a rider win a national spotlight competition of select riders (especially a freshman!) is huge for the program.

I would say yesterday was definitely a top five moment in SMU Equestrian history.

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

OK, here it is. My Top 5 All-Time SMU Equestrian Moments:

1. (4/12/2012) SMU seeded No. 5 and advances to second round of NCEA Hunter Seat National Championships
2. (11/18/2012) SMU defeats No. 1 South Carolina 5-4
3. (2/8/2013) Schaefer Raposa wins Wellington Winter Equestrian Festival
4. (3/31/2011 and 3/29/2012) Jordyn Pettersen and Emma Roberts named All-American in back-to-back seasons
5. (11/23/2008) SMU defeats No. 2 Georgia 7-5

Just missing the cut was Emily Gardner winning the Pin Oak Invitational in April 2011.

In a few years, we will probably be looking at some more big picture things like SMU adding a Western team, the opening of the new Equestrian Center, and likely the hiring of Haley Schoolfield itself.

Any other thoughts or suggestions?

[SMU Pony Mom]

Congratulations to Schaefer! Hoping the team will be competing at Delaware State this fall so I can get a chance to see them in person.

[lwjr]

Congratulations to Shaefer and her horse. Got to show some love towards the horse.