Deckerville HighÕs Julia Grelle, a German exchange student, guides her horse over a jump in SaturdayÕs MIHA District 15 equestrian competition. (Photo by Dale Ball)

A total of 23 teams, in four divisions, competed in three of the four meets over the last two weekends, concluding at the Sanilac County Fairgrounds in Sandusky this past Saturday and Sunday.

The Deckerville Eagles continued their strong recent tradition by taking first in ÔC' Division with 303 points, holding off second place Sandusky (248) and six other schools. It was Deckerville's sixth District win in the last seven years. The team has been Reserve State Champion the past two seasons.

"The girls are real excited," said Coach Deann Asher on the upcoming trip to Midland for the Regional competition on Oct. 6-7. "They work hard at it, and they'll be working harder. We have three weeks (to the Regionals) and we have a lot of little things to clean up."

The Eagles had a very balanced effort from their four team members - seniors Kristen Asher, Nicole York, exchange student Julia Grelle, and freshman Rose Pierson.

The Cros-Lex ÔA' team was the only school competing in the ÔA' Division but had a fine finishing total of 342 points. Junior Amber Burch, the District #14 2006 overall points champion, again led the Pioneers this fall. Katie Scheeres and Katie Miller, both juniors, were also among the team point leaders.

"We did very well. I'm very proud of the tam," praised Lynn Koppel, C-L coach. Looking ahead to the Regionals at Midland, she added, "We hope to put our best face forward at Regionals. There's a huge amount of competition. It's the best-of-the-best, a lot of competition. We'll do our best and take our chances."

Brown City captured the title in ÔD'" Division, claiming the school's first District crown in seven years. The two Green Devil riders - junior Alecia Martus and sophomore Lisa Young - combined to score 137 points, just two points ahead of CPS.

"I expected a lot from the girls this year, with Regionals in mind, and they did it. They worked hard and it showed off," stated Amanda Smith, BC coach. "We are looking forward to Regionals. We are looking to have a lot of fun and take whatever we can and try to head for States."

Regional winners will advance to the MIHA State Finals at the Midland County Fairgrounds on Oct. 11-14.