Oct. 22, 2004

By Katie Graham Daily Collegian

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA (U-WIRE) -- Freshmen.

Just hearing the word can make some upperclassmen shudder. Freshmen are often regarded as lost, ignorant youngsters that can get in the way. Times seem to be changing, however, as more and more freshmen are making an impact on the playing field.

The Equestrian team, along with other teams at Penn State, is following that trend.

"The team is maturing," Lauren Dowler, team president said. "We are using a lot of young girls, as they learn how to ride at the intercollegiate level, we will only get better."

This past weekend the team tied, for the second time this season, with West Virginia University. The show was held at Pittsburgh because IUP lacks the proper facilities. Even though the team tied, it is still in first place by nine points for the region.

The team's freshman sensation Jackie Geewax performed well and was backed by Alyssa Srock, Lauren Klutchka, Becky Daily and Denise Liu.

Don't think that the team is overrun with freshman, though. There were two fervent appearances by veterans Lindsey Passaic, the team's vice president, and Dowler, who placed second and third, respectively.

"I've been accurate and consistent with my skills," Passaic said.

Passaic placed seventh at Nationals last year and is a contender for the Cacchione Cup this year. The cup is the highest award that an individual can win.

The team travels to West Virginia for its last show of the season. It has been in close standings with West Virginia throughout the fall and this will be the defining show of who is the best in the region.

"We are putting it all out on the table since the standings from fall carry over from spring," Dowler said. "We've been more consistent than they have been. We have been in the high 40's every week, while they fluctuate from the 20's to the 30's. We have to depend on our consistency."

This young but strong team is just another reason to add to the list of why freshmen this year should not be counted out from making a strong impact.

(C) 2004 Daily Collegian via U-WIRE