AUBURN, Ala. – The three-time defending SEC champion Auburn equestrian team kicks off the 2021-22 season ranked No. 1 according to the National Collegiate Equestrian Association Preseason Poll, the selection committee announced Tuesday.
"The coaches and athletes work hard every year to earn that top spot," head coach Greg Williams said. "We're thankful that the committee sees that we're deserving of it. However, our focus is to be No. 1 at the end of the year and we're going to battle hard to make sure that happens when we get to April."
Auburn returned to the top despite an early exit from the 2021 NCEA Championships. Defending national champion Georgia comes in at second, while Texas A&M and South Carolina are fifth and ninth, respectively.
The Tigers kick off the 2021-22 season hosting the rival Bulldogs at the Auburn University Equestrian Center, Oct. 8. The Tigers will then travel to Big 12 champion Oklahoma State (No. 4) and NCEA runner-up SMU (No. 3) before hosting Lynchburg and Fresno State (No. 7) at home. The final home meet of the fall will come against South Carolina (Oct. 29) before the squad faces Texas A&M and Baylor (No. 8) in November in Texas.
Auburn tabbed No. 1 in NCEA Preseason Poll
