Auburn finishes on top NCEA rankings

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AUBURN, Ala. – The National Collegiate Equestrian Association announced the final set of event rankings for the 2019-20 season Wednesday and the Auburn equestrian team finished first in all five possible categories.

"We always talk about controlling what we are able to and putting yourself in a position to win," head coach Greg Williams said. "This team did that and more. They will go down in Auburn history as one of the greatest sports teams ever assembled. They took the hard news of not being able to compete in the post season, truly as champions. The focus shifted to a larger cause. When we get to the other side of these tough times, we will reflect back and recognize this group for their perfect season and the champions that they are."

The Tigers finished the season No. 1 in the overall team rankings following another perfect season. Auburn, who hasn't lost in almost two years, finished with a 13-0 mark and an unblemished 6-0 record in the Southeastern Conference. Of the team's 13 wins, 12 came against opponents ranked in the Top 10.

In Jumping Seat competition, Auburn finished first in both Flat and Fences. The Flat corps concluded the year with 50-19-4 mark, having four Tigers earn All-America. Junior Taylor St. Jacques went 12-1-0 in the event, while sophomores McKayla Langmeier and Emma Kurtz finished 12-3-0 and 11-3-1, respectively. Freshman Ava Stearns finished 7-1-1 for the Tigers.

The Fences crew put together a 51-22 record on the season, including three sweeps. Among those was the group's 5-0 win over Georgia to close out November. Langmeier (11-3-0) and Kurtz (10-4-0) earned First Team All-America, while Stearns was placed on the second team (8-3-0).

Auburn's Western corps finished first in both Horsemanship and Reining behind big rides all season. Horsemanship went 43-18-4 overall, including a 5-0 sweep of Baylor in February. Junior Deanna Green and freshman Olivia Tordoff earned First Team All-America recognition behind solid campaigns. Green went 11-1-1 on the season, while Tordoff finished 11-2-0 overall. Junior Taylor Searles also was an All-American with a 9-4-0 record.

The Auburn Reining group was successful for the squad, going 39-23-3 with a pair of sweeps. Junior Terri-June Granger was a First Team All-American, having a 11-2-0 record on the season with four MOPs. Freshman Kayla Shelnutt picked up second team recognition with a 6-1-1 mark.