Oct. 1, 2008
COLLEGE STATION - The Texas A&M equestrian team is ranked fourth in the nation according to the first-ever Women's Intercollegiate Equestrian National Coaches Poll released this week.
The Aggies (1-0), who finished second at each of the last two Varsity Equestrian National Championships (VENC), are ranked behind an SEC triumvirate of Georgia, Auburn, and South Carolina, respectively. A&M heads the list of four Big 12 schools in the poll with Oklahoma State, Baylor, and Kansas State ranked in that order in the No. 5 through No. 7 slots.
A&M's first opponent, Fresno State (0-3), is ranked No. 8 in the poll thanks in part to facing the toughest opening schedule of any team in the country. The Bulldogs gave No. 1 Georgia a scare at home 10 days ago while losing handily both at Auburn, 13-3, and to the Aggies, 15-5, last Friday in Bryan.
TCU, who currently boasts the national championship western team, is ranked No. 9 in the poll while New Mexico State closes out the rankings at No. 10. Delaware State, SMU, and Sacred Heart are also receiving votes.
The poll will be released bi-monthly with the next announcement coming on Oct. 14.
A&M will drive to Manhattan, Kan., on Thursday to fulfill a 9 a.m. Friday date with the Kansas State Wildcats at Fox Creek Farm.
Women's Intercollegiate Equestrian National Coaches Poll 1. Georgia (63) 2. Auburn (61) 3. South Carolina (56) 4. Texas A&M (45) 5. Oklahoma State (40) 6. Baylor (31) 7. Kansas State (29) 8. Fresno State (15) 9. TCU (14) 10. New Mexico State (13)
Also receiving votes: Delaware State (11), SMU (5), Sacred Heart (5)