Third time’s a charm.

Michael Lenard, president of the NIU equestrian team, achieved his goal by finishing in 10th place at this past weekend’s Intercollegiate Horse Show Association Nationals. This was Lenard’s third appearance at nationals, but only his first time placing.

“My goal was to be in the top 10 and that’s exactly what I did so I am extremely pleased,” Lenard said.

During regionals, there was a high point rider awarded in each of the 31 regions and those riders competed in the Cacchione Cup at nationals.

Lenard trailed the 10th place rider by three points following Phase 1, which was the over the fences section of the competition. Lenard tied for the third best score of Phase 2, the on the flat round. After both phases, Lenard was in seventh with 162 points.

Before the end of the competition, the judges took a final look at the top 10 riders with an additional test. This year the additional test was an over the fences session. With a final look at Lenard, the judges placed him 10th.

Even though Lenard dropped, he was already excited about finally getting the coveted ribbon.

“It didn’t bother me because my goal was just to get a ribbon and at that point I was so happy to be in the top 10,” Lenard said.

Fellow Huskie Matt Davis also competed at nationals in the walk-trot division, which is the lowest of the five divisions. Davis did not place, but for a first-year rider did very well.

“Matt didn’t have a bad ride,” said Lenard. “It’s just that when you get up to the national level, there’s really tough competition. He still rode excellently. To be someone who never rode until they started here at school and then be one of the top 18 walk-trot riders in the country and even just qualifying for nationals it’s still really impressive.”

Men’s Rugby

The Huskies struggled in the 3rd Annual Condors Collegiate Tournament in Chicago.

NIU lost its first match 31-10 to eventual tournament champion Notre Dame and its second match 7-3 to fourth place Marquette.

The Huskies were resting about seven or eight players for this Friday’s match against Northwestern, said NIU Rugby President Al Collins.

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