By Jim Fenton, The Enterprise (Brockton)
BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- Bridgewater State University will be adding a 22nd varsity athletic program in the 2018-19 academic year.
The school is moving the women's equestrian program from a club sport to the varsity level with Geraldine Burnet of Reunion Farm in Plympton continuing to coach the squad.
"Equestrian represents a sport that is rising in popularity in college athletics throughout both New England and the nation,″ said BSU director of athletics Dr. Marybeth Lamb in a statement. "As our athletics program continues to grow, BSU is committed to finding new and innovative opportunities for our student-athletes to challenge themselves personally and competitively.
"Our equestrian club is very strong both in membership and talent. After our recent athletic program review completed in the spring of 2017, it became apparent that equestrian was the obvious choice for elevation to varsity status.″
This marks the first time BSU has added to its programs since the men's and women's indoor track & field teams were formed in 1995. There are now 12 varsity women's programs at the school.
Burnet has been coaching the club team since January 2014 with her Reunion Farm serving as the home for Bridgewater State. The team was founded 11 years ago by Diane Nicol, who continues as an advisor.
The Bears will stay in the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association and compete against varsity and club teams in Region Four of Zone 1.
"This should help a lot,″ said Burnet of moving to varsity. "We should be able to attract some pretty good riders. Where they might not have joined the club team, they might be more likely to join the varsity team.
"It's exciting to get a lot more exposure. I have a lot of faith in the girls with their determination and how hard they work. The level they have competed on won't change much. We'll be going against the same schools, but it will give them a shot in the arm and a stronger foundation.″
BSU, which has eight riders on this year's team, competes in about seven shows during the season, which starts in October, and the national championships take place in May.
There are 54 women's teams in New England with 12 at the varsity level, including Stonehill College. Mount Ida, which is closing at the end of the school year, also has a varsity program. Club teams include Boston College, Boston University, Tufts University, Wheaton College, Worcester State University and Curry College.
Anyone interested in riding for BSU next season can contact Burnet at reunionfrm@comcast.net.
Heller earns honor: Bridgewater-Raynham graduate Jenny Heller, a junior second baseman at Bridgewater State University, was named the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference player of the week in softball.
In four games, Heller went 6 for 14 with two doubles and a triple and drove in five runs. For the season, Heller is hitting .379 with five doubles, a triple and a homer with 13 RBI.
The Bears host Wheaton College Wednesday in a non-conference doubleheader and then entertain Framingham State in a pair of MASCAC games on Saturday.
Wysong top runner: BSU sophomore Trevor Wysong of Taunton was picked as the MASCAC men's outdoor track athlete of the week.
Wysong posted a career-best time of 14:55.66 in the 5,000-meter race, placing fourth at the Silfen Invitational in New London, Conn. That time ranks sixth in New England this season.