UGA

By Chip Towers

April 21, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

First! … Just thought I’d do that for the fun of it.

By GAeqRider

April 21, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

Go DOGS Equestrians!!

By junglejim

April 21, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

I think any team that wins a national sporting championship deserves more than one line in the Sunday Etc. column. I for one completely missed it.

A national championship in a team event should be worth a picture of the team at least and a brief story about their accomplishment(s) that year, and that’s part of the reason the AJC’s sports pages are seen as weak when compared to other major market papers.

It isn’t that it’s UGA’s Equestrian team - if it were Tech’s or Ga. State’s that would be welcome also- it is that the team should get some ink and at least a picture for winning a national championship, not just a byline. This paper continually under-estimates the sporting community and loses the fact that it has a duty, in this market at least, of bringing us together. This is a great way, and usually the only way, to reach the entire city in print.

A National Championship in any sport is usually a very, very tough achievement. Don’t sell our teams short, we’re proud of them all.

By Aus

April 21, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

This is the first year during the football offseason that I paid attention and really got into the gymnastics team. You can not say enough about Georgia Gymnastics! Those girls are phenominal. I also went to the SEC Championship meet in Duluth to see them and the crowd was electric. I enjoyed it very much and the tickets are crazy cheap to see such amazing athletes and terrific entertainment. We should be very proud of what we have at UGA in women’s gymnastics.

By P Dawg

April 21, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

Right on equestrians! I didn’t know either. All UGA’s champions are special to the Bulldog Nation and we are proud! Thanks!!!

By P Dawg

April 21, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

By the way Chip, you’re gonna catch hell from a few folks for that “FIRST” thing.

By Mr. Ed

April 21, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

Hey Wilbur, Good job! A National championship in equestrian is a good a gold! Go Dawgs!

By Drew

April 21, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

I love reading about Georgia baseball, and I also like reading coverage of other times like gynamicstics, golf, and tennis if they are chasing national championships. However, equestrian is probably the one I care the least about, only because it’s not even recognized by the NCAA as a real sport. As far as I know, the national championships that UGA wins in equestrian don’t even count.

By P Dawg

April 21, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

Go HORSIES! Thanks for giving the equestrians some kudos.

Hey, Chip, good read on Macon.com about Herschal.

By NCDawg

April 21, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

I did see the notice that the UGA Equestrian team won the national championship. Hooray! I’m glad for any honor in that regard. However, I don’t know much about the sport and therefore don’t have a lot of interest.

If UGA is up for the national championship in football this year, I won’t be attending the game. I’ll be content to see it on the LCD.

By matt

April 21, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

Its football stupid!!!

By Lane

April 21, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

Chip,quiet honestly get my tennis info. from Georgiadogs.com. The dogs have great men’s/women’s teams. However, “ink” from the ajc, would be nice. For those who are unaware the women won the SEC Championship.

Off topic, have always wondered why Georgia does not have a wrestling team, a truly great individual sport.

By Left to Right

April 21, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

The equestrian championship deserved at least a small article. It is a great achievement to win 3 national championships in such a short time.
As to whether Tech fans or pro-sports fans want to read it, they probably aren’t interested in articles on any UGA team, because they are Teck and pro-sports fans. It doesn’t matter if the article is on the equestrian team or the basketball team; their interests lie elsewhere.

Besides, it’s April 21st, what else is there to cover? Not much. The NFL draft? The Falcons are taking either Jake Long, Glen Dorsey or Matt Ryan—it just depends on which one is available. Baseball? Too early in the season. Basketball? Yesterday’s AJC ran a front page story in the sports section on Josh Smith’s favorite places to hand out in Atlanta. What did that have to do with anything? The Hawks are the worst team to ever make the playoffs. At least the equestrian team features a top quality team and good coaching. (Notice I don’t even mention the poor Thrashers.)

Also, while the number of people in metro Atlanta who follow equestrian events may not be that great, their income levels make them very desirous as readers. What they lack in numbers they make up for in purchasing power. Just the sort of reader the AJC should want to sell to advertisers. Perhaps a feature article on the team might increase the readership and interest of these “high end” readers. Heck, make the article part of a special supplement on horse-related sporting events and charge top dollar to advertise in it.

By Call it Like it is

April 21, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

WHO CARES!!!

By ole timerbrave

April 21, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

I had no idea what the sport was until I looked it up! Those kids need to have really alot of recongnition. They deserve more than just a small one line.

By godawg

April 21, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

Lane, two words, Title Nine. Maybe we should have a ladies wrestling team. I’d watch that…:-)

By Kendall

April 21, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

My opinion is this: If it helps us win the SEC All Sports Trophy, then I want to know about it. UF has dominated the SECAS for years and these spring sports will help us wrestle, no pun intended, it away from them. Go Dawgs!

By Chip Towers

April 21, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

P Dawg: I know I’m gonna “catch it” about that First thing. I just couldn’t resist doing it once to see what all the fuss is about. And, of course, to prove that I could win at that little game EVERY time (just kidding). And from my first-person experience — overrated. I won’t do it again!

By DeacinGA

April 21, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

Any collegiate national championship won by a school deserves more than a one-line mention, so IMO the AJC dropped the ball on passing by the chance to give these student-athletes some much deserved recognition. For comparison, the News & Observer out of Raleigh, NC had an article back in 2006 when NC State won a national championship in bass fishing: http://www.newsobserver.com/752/story/501953.html And that paper has 3 local major universities to cover, as opposed to the 2 in the AJC’s readership.

By Fort Worth Dawgs

April 21, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

The funny thing is, you had to be a detective to find out anything about Varsity Equestrian anywhere, not just the AJC. As of this morning the NCAA equestrian Website had zero results. As the event went along, I pulled bits and pieces of the results from the Waco Tribune Website, UGA’s Website, TCU’s Website, Baylor’s Website, and Oklahoma State’s Website. If I am not mistaken this is UGA’s first NCAA Equestrian National Championship — the first two were before NCAA recognition. I believe this is 3 in a a row for the SEC, with South Carolina and Auburn winning the last two. I checked the Equestrian team Website and UGA’s team is loaded with freshmen and sophomores, so you’d think the future is bright. The NCAA limits the team to 15 scholarships, so recruiting is limited. I am surprised that Ivy League schools do not participate in this event. Private schools may start jumping in as witnessed by participation by Baylor and TCU (with strong showings). I am also surprised that UK does not have a team (Kentucky, horses, duh). Schools with strong veterinary medicine programs (UGA, Auburn, Texas A&M) should also be on board. Collegiate equestrian should grow in popularity as the program expands to more colleges - also, kids should love to see the horses.

By Bob Sacamano

April 21, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

Chip,

I want you to seriously look at what I have to say, because no one else at your chosen place of employment seems to care. We, the fans of any sports in this state know EXACTLY what drives the AJC and their “news” and their headlines: Number of readers. And by that I mean (in this new business of cyber-news) number of web page hits, which they can then show their advertisers in order to glean more money.

It’s all about the benjamins, Chip. News doesn’t matter anymore. Fairness doesn’t matter anymore. Honor doesn’t matter anymore. Hell, facts and truth don’t matter anymore at the AJC, where uninformed opinion seems to run rampant and so horribly out of touch with it’s readers. How else, Chip, can you explain the horrendous, libelous piece of garbage that one Terence Moore was allowed to write about Herschel Walker this past weekend? Oh, I’m sure that your bosses at Cox were salivating over the number of page hits that Moore’s inane ramblings produced by the sheer audacity of his prose alone.

I bet that Lou Sobh or whomever was advertising on that particular page will love the next month’s reports on the amount of eyeballs which saw their adds attached to Moore’s reprehensible column. But you know who didn’t like it, Chip? I bet Furman Bisher didn’t like it. I bet Jeff Schultz, as much as a cynic as he is, didn’t like it. I know I, and the vast majority of the people who read that filth didn’t like it. And I bet that you, though you probably wouldn’t admit to it, didn’t like it. Why is that? Because you, and Bisher, and Schultz are actual, ethical, and responsible journalists. I, and most of us, can tell you care about your job and you want to do it well. Reporting the truth is a great trust we put in you, and I know you honor that calling, as Mr. Bisher has probably done since before your parents were born.

But why is that Chip? Why is this allowed to continue? Instead of being a sensible, logical column of civilized dissent and difference of opinion on Mr. Moore’s part, it was a vicious attack on Walker’s character, full of conjecture not backed with any fact. It wasn’t news. It wasn’t ethical journalism. It was yellow journalism at its worst.

Is Mr. Moore a licensed mental health specialist; someone qualified to make his claims that Walker has made up his mental disease simply to sell books? Did Mr. Moore interview a licensed mental health specialist to corroborate his libelous attack on Walker’s character? No, he didn’t. And I bet the AJC didn’t even blink an eye to that fact. They just read over the column and probably though, “Wow, this is so crazy, it’s going to drive some serious ad revenue! We better print it now!” This is what we’ve come to expect from the AJC and their coddling of Moore’s many, many faults as a journalist. Not that he even deserves to be called such. The man is despicable. He’s a reverse-racist and an opportunist. He obviously feels his current employer will shield him from any and all consequences of his deplorable actions because he makes them lots of money.

Anything to sell papers, huh Chip? I don’t even know why I came back to this site. Beyond you, Bisher, and Schultz, this is the singularly worst-run sports section in America.

By Mel in Midtown

April 21, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

Maybe you should check with the GA Dept. of Agriculture to find out just how big the horse “industry” is and how important that it is to Georgia.

Go to any area saddle club or “state points” horse show any weekend and you’ll see scores of (mostly) pre-teen and teen age equestrian athletes who mostly toil and compete in front of fellow competitors, family and friends.

I’ll bet that if you interviewed the members of UGA’s Equestrian Team that you’d discover most of its members came up though this “circuit.”

How about a Sunday feature on these champions?

By bubba

April 21, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

Where do they get all those mules?

By Tracy

April 21, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

It’s not too late! Let’s give the UGA 2008 Equestrian National Champions some ink time! Go dawgs

By NewnanDawgCF

April 21, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

I think at least a small story was warranted. It would be nice to find out more - might raise interest in the sport. Great Job Dawgs!

Can’t wait for this weekend - will be there Thursday and Friday for the Gymdogs. Anyone that has never been to a meet is missing out. I love football, but there is just as much energy at the Steg for gymnastics, just generally higher pitched.

As far as the basketball awards banquet goes, I went last year and would love to go again, but will already be making the trip this weekend, so that would be too much driving, and I have to work sometime. On that note, it seems that the scheduling of this event is always done by the tip off club. Although I am a season ticket holder for basketball, I have never joined the club, because they don’t seem to exactly welcome new members, especially from outside of Athens. They certainly don’t tend to schedule events with anyone outside of Athens in mind. If you have a job and live in Atlanta, going to a banquet in Athens at 6 pm on a Tuesday is not very appealing.

By scooter11

April 21, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

Proud of the horses, but it isn’t a title that’s recognized by the NCAA - just like D-1 football.

By Meghan

April 21, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

Chip, The aspiring equestrians, Bulldawg Nation, the women of the equestrian team, the staff at UGAAA all appreciate your article. I do not think the editors realize the interest in this sport and meaning of winning a national championship. Horses are the in the top 5 largest economic agricultural products in the state of Georgia. I receive daily emails of interest and potential donations from enthusiasts. Its time to spread the word for this sport and other nonrevenue sports. With thousands of fans at regular season meets, I think a UGA Equestrian National Championship deserves more than a line!

By scooter11

April 21, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

You go, Coach Meghan (see, I know about the horses, or at least who the coach is).

By Chip Towers

April 21, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

Meghan: Thanks so much for your kind words and I’m sorry we weren’t able to do more with it initially. I appreciate your feedback. Perhaps we can come back with something more in the near future… . Ladies and gentlemen, that was the actual UGA equestrian coach herself. How’s that for feedback!

Thanks again, Meghan.

By hayneigh

April 21, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

I feel that any team that wins a national championship deserves more than a one line “Oh by the way…” Just because equestrian is an emerging sport in NCAA athletics does not mean that it should be overlooked. Every sport in the NCAA requires work and dedication by its student athletes. Equestrians are no different. These girls participate in a year round sport and work hard to stay competitive at all levels of competition. Everyone may not be interested in UGA Equestrian, but I can bet that everyone is not interested in everything that is written in the AJC. Maybe people would be more interested in equestrian if it had better coverage. Many people do not know much about it, and are therefore not interested in something they do not really understand. If coverage was better, people may be more interested in the sport. But regardless of reader interest, any sport that claims a national title has worked hard all year to be the best in the nation. That work and effort on the part of the student athletes is enough to warrant that they get recognized for their achievements with more than a simple one liner.

By hickoryflatdawg

April 21, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this

I like it when any UGA team wins a national championship. Championships don’t happen without a lot of hard work and effort on the part of the team and staff. If you’re having a tough time deciding where it should fall within the pages of the AJC, try finding a good word about it on sports talk radio. You only hear about the pro sports this time of year. It’s as if all colleges have stopped playing sports until football season gets to going. That said, congratulations to the UGA team and the horses.

By doggonegadawg

April 21, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

This is just another Title Nine absurdity. But it is comforting to know that the Dawgs are #1 in the realm of the ridiculous.

By Su, a Mane Dawg

April 21, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

Chip, I looked for news about the UGA Equestrian team in the AJC on Sunday but did not see the “report” underneath the heading “Etc.” I care about the emerging NCAA sport of equestrian. Women’s Varsity Equestrian is a new sport. The UGA Athletic Association was one of the earliest supporters of women’s equestrian sports. Damon Evans, AD and Carla Williams, Sr. Assoc. AD are to commended for their support of a mostly “invisable” sport. Winning a National Championship is always noteworthy. AJC coverage of equestrian will increase support and interest.

By Nola Dawg

April 21, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this

I think they get more than a line. I saw the headline on Georgiadogs.com and opened the article.

Chip - thanks for asking for the feedback (another reason why you run the best Blog on ajc.com. You going do an article on all the Dawgs who may/may not be drafted this weekend ??

Go Dawgs.

…Oct 25th UGA v LSU, hope ya’ll are coming down to join me in Bayou country for that game… I can hardly wait to shut up my neighbors!

By GA Horseman

April 21, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

Ride’em Dawgs!

Please cover this and more College Baseball! Love to see more Lacrosse coverage = club level region championship in town this weekend & nobody knew it!!!!

By Corey

April 21, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this

I have been to an away equestrian meet and can assure you that this team is for real and work very hard. Drew, you should be ashamed of your comments, hopefully the next time you walk by a horse he’ll kick your dumb a$$. Equestrian is an olympic sport and it does COUNT. Real fans know it does and should be proud when any Dawg Nation team brings home a National Championship. Coach Boenig, Carly and the rest of the teams have worked hard over the last 6 years for the 3 NC’s. I will take a NC 50% of the time any sport. GO DAWGS!

By Dawn

April 21, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

Way to GO MANE DAWGS!!!

I think that if the sport was better covered that there would definitely be more copies of the paper sold. In Alpharetta there is a very large horse area with really competitive riders. All over Georgia there are a lot of horse people that would be more supportive of this sport if they only knew about it. I know of at least three Olympic riders that call Georgia home and many more top level riders that were on the back up list for several Olympics. The readers are out there just waiting to hear about the sport of Varsity Equestrian, they just need someone to tell them about it.

By Fla Dawg

April 21, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

I have been following the team for several years. The bulldog nation can find all the info at georgiadogs.com, it’s a great way to keep up with all the athletes. GO DAWGS

By TX DAWG

April 21, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this

Darn it!! I wish I had known about the Equestrian Team and I would have driven down to Waco to support them….lol. Probably not, but kudos to them for winning something I thought only happened in the Olympics….wow…do we have an Archery and Rowing team too??

By Billy Bobb BuLLdawg

April 21, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this

I like sexx with horses. I wunder if them eckuestreans would let me play with the horses.

By AtlantaFan

April 21, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this

Any team in this state that wins a National Championship deserves to be highlighted. It is a tremendous accomplishment for the athletes and the University.

By Leslie

April 21, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

I believe that our UGA Equestrian Team deserved more ink than it received. It is unfortunate that some of these riders may well be representing us in the Olympics in the coming years, yet they do not receive any recognition for the hard work, sweat and tears they have put into something they love.

Most people do not understand how hard we work to make this team what it is. Besides working out and attending practices, we must care for our equine companions. This is something that no other sport has to do…worry about a living entity before, during, and long after the competitions are through.

I hope that in the future, the AJC, along with other publications, take equestrian sports more seriously and realize that they too are front page news.

By Sarah Locker

April 21, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

I am a member of the UGA equestrian team, and we are a growing sport with a total of 23 teams to date. We must all remember that every sport including football started out where the Equestrian team is right now. Not only did we win the Overall National Championship but received first and second in many of the individual championships. We also won the SEC this year. We are the largest womens sport at UGA with seventy members, and deserve the recognition just like everyone else, because we work just as hard or harder for what we achieve.

By The Kels

April 21, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

As riders on the National Championship UGA Equestrian Team, we appreciate that you acknowledeged our accomplishment and the importance of our sport. Every sport has to start from somewhere. They don’t just become NCAA sports overnight. Maybe if we had the recognition we deserve, it would make other schools want to make Equestrian their next women’s sport. Our sport is a lot harder than people think. At away meets like Nationals, we have 4 minutes to ride the horse and figure out the best way to do so before we compete. Most of the time the horses are ones that we have never seen or ridden before. Once entering the ring, there is always a level of unknown when riding horses, which takes a lot of talent and skill to deal with. We do understand that it is still an emerging sport, but when teams get coverage even after a loss, equestrian should at least be recognized after winning a national championship. It is upsetting when such a dedicated and passionate team gets overlooked for their accomplishments. Thanks again for your concerns, and we look forward to the continued growth and support of Equestrian.

By bigeasy830

April 21, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

Anytime a team wins a title it is very note worthy. Congrats to the Equestrian team. Go Dawgs. Georgian by Birth A Georgia Bulldog by the Grace of God. GOOOOO DAWGS SICK’EM Woof, Wooof, Woof, Woof.

By bigeasy830

April 21, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this

Anytime a team wins a title it is very note worthy. Congrats to the Equestrian team. Go Dawgs. Georgian by Birth A Georgia Bulldog by the Grace of God. GOOOOO DAWGS SICK’EM Woof, Wooof, Woof, Woof.

By corey

April 21, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this

Any time a school win a national title is a big deal, And for those us who follow GA schools and the marks they make it is a very big deal… For me I am Florida and any time I can rub in the face a UF or UCF or FAMAU fan I woukd love it.

By UGA fan

April 21, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this

For those who are mistaken, (drew, scooter11) Equestrian IS recognized by the NCAA as a varsity sport. These girls have a year round season-; there is no off season like other varsity sports. They do weight training and work outs as well as ride several times each week. They spend their weekends at competitions all across the nation. Not only do the girls keep themselves in shape, but they also handle and control huge animals. How many of you can do that? Very few, I imagine. They are not just pleasure riding some lazy cowhorse.

Those people who commented on other sports without even recognizing equestrian, How do you call yourself a bulldog fan? Where is your bulldog pride for the bulldog NATION (not bulldog ‘select sports that I like’)? Maybe equestrian isn’t your interest, but at least congratulations are in order.

The lack of interest in Equestrian is partly due to the lack of coverage. It is hard to have an interest in something when you don’t know it exists, but people aren’t going to miraculously know unless coverage picks up. The newspaper has to question whether a NCAA National Championship is deserving of some print space? Is that even a question? A home state team has won a national championship and one line will do the trick? A headline, a picture, and an article will get people talking. People will show that kind of stuff to their kids, at least it better than the war and death that surrounds the papers today.

As previously mentioned, there are 15 scholarships available. Recruiting goes on like other varsity sports, not everyone makes the team. Equestrian is competitive and stressful, like other sports. UGA has girls from all across the nation, including California, Oregon, Texas, Illinois, etc. Many of the girls are nationally ranked outside of NCAA competition. Rather than make ignorant comments about something you know nothing about, make yourself useful: Learn about teams, and understand them. Next time you be the one to get on a horse you’ve never seen, go jump 3’6”jumps or go sliding towards a concrete wall while the horses underneath you in nearly on the ground…Maybe then you can comment, rather than say it doesn’t matter. ( if you don’t know what 3’6” jumps or slide stops are, look them up, you’re on a computer) It does matter. It matters to me. It matters to many people in many places. I am not sitting here telling you what you enjoy is pointless and undeserving, so don’t do it to me, my team, my bulldog nation, or anyone. GO DAWGS!

By Dawgfan

April 21, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this

Yes, we care. We also care that the SEC Championship golf tounament was played this weekend at Frederica on St. Simons. GA didn’t win, but they competed for three days without a mention in the AJC Sports pages.

GO HOSSES!

By fox noise

April 21, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

uga is thug u.and they don’t get there degree! Fact!!!

By Amber B

April 21, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

First let me say congrats to the ladies on the UGA Equestrian Team. I personally know how hard these ladies work towards achieving the SEC & NCAA Varsity Championships each year. These girls are out at the barn every day riding and training to keep themselves and our equine athletes in top physical condition. I believe that it is not too unfair to give these girls a little bit of recognition. An article giving them props is not only for the ladies & coaches on the team but the parents, the relatives, the trainers, the grooms, the barn staff, the athletic trainers, and any little girl that one day dreams of being able to be a UGA Equestrian. The horse industry is booming in GA. I personally come from, and married into, a family centered around horses and showing from a buisness & personal stand point. The way I see it, the people who find the article interesting will read it & those who don’t, won’t. Isn’t that how most people read the paper any way???

By HeySoose

April 21, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this

Whooooooo Dawgies! Woof, woof, woof!

By GEORGIA MANE DOGS FAN!!

April 21, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

The UGA Equestrian Girls have been battling for this championship since Fall! It certainly is a HUGE accomplishment and the Girls deserve to be recognized for this!! There are lots of Horse fans around Atlanta and I know they would love to find out what is happening with the UGA Equestrian Team! Yes, even the AJC covers other sports at UGA…so to include another team that has been a Varsity sport with Scholarships and all for 7 years now would be wonderful!! GO MANEDOGS!

By Devildawg

April 21, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

Chip

First off, thanks for the discussion on the equestrian team and trying to gauge the interest of the readers. I am a huge Dawg fan and I am embarassed I didnt know about this until just now. Congrats to the ladies!

I dont know anything about the equestrian sport and how its scored. Maybe since the team has won three titles the AJC could do a little more to inform us on how the sport works. How many schools are in the competition? Plus, what is a sport that seems to be a little on the genteel side doing having its championship in Waco Texas? Was Odessa booked?

By ManeDawg Doug

April 21, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

Certainly there should have been more coverage…they won a NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!!! Let that sink in for a moment. How many of us could even hope to be on a varsity team in high school let alone achieve what these girls did? These girls deserve a lot of kudos…or at least a short article with a picture. The horse industry is a big business here in GA and attracts a lot of wealthy pople that your advertisers would probably like to reach. It is sad that the most press these girls ever got was when Mark Richt brought the football players over to ride as a break from practice and many of the big football stars that all Dawg fans cheer on Saturdays were too scared to get up on one of the horses…the same thousand pound animal that these 110 pound girls control with a flick of their wrist. One of the things most people don’t realize as that the team also has to care for the horses…cleaning stalls, caring for tack, setting up jumps, feeding the horses, etc…hard work plus the same workouts and practices that every other college athlete have to put in. They really deserve some credit. How about a little feature next Sunday? That would be a nice start! Go Dawgs!!!

By By Debbie

April 21, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

What sport has a team member that is an animal? Do you no how hard an athlete works to understand and control the horse. I think if the public was educated about the human bond with horses and their personalities it would be easy to want to cheer on that horse and rider.Congrats to the team and coaches.

By edward

April 21, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

Honestly, i had no idea we had that many sports in UGA!! Yes, anytime any of our teams wins a national title, it should be put in it’s own column. Absolutely crazy not to! It may not be the “big name” sports, but it is what these kids are good at and obviously the best at in the country so why not give them their just dues in the paper? I guess it is all about the big money now in college sports. How sad……..

By UGAreiner

April 21, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

As a team member, I think it is worth more than a one-liner. I am proud of our team. We have worked so hard and usually escape mention, even from the papers in Athens! When we won SEC’s we had no mention at all.

By Dawghare

April 21, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

CONGRATS TO THE EQUESTRIAN TEAM!

I know I’m late in saying that but so what. I found out about the title on the Georgiadogs site. It’s a shame the “powers that be” at the AJC decided it didn’t merit more coverage. Not trying to get political, but you’d think it being a women’s sport and involving animals they’d want to give it more coverage.

Me? I’d like to see it get more coverage b/c I pull for and respect the hard work and sacrifice of ALL of our athletes who don the Red-and-Black!

Thanks Chip for the topic and giving some of us a chance to voice our support for them.

GO DAWGS!!!

By USMCdawg

April 21, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

I’m friends with several alumni from past equestian teams. I think it’s a great sport and deserves more than one remark.

By Mark

April 21, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

As a former athlete, I know what kind of time and dedication it takes to compete at any level in any sport. Although I’m an Auburn fan, I still must say congratulations to the UGA Equestrian team. Any group of athletes that works hard enough to capture a National Championship deserves more than a one-line mention in any paper, periodical, blog, etc. Just because there isn’t as much interest in this sport as there is in a mainline sport doesn’t mean these athletes deserve any less coverage.

Again, congrats to the team. My hat’s off to you. Good luck next season, and good luck spreading the word and attracting interest in the sport.

By Matt Winkeljohn

April 21, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

Tough call.

My two cents: Beyond the big-time sports … anything sports-related (Which is defined how? Once got in a two-hour argument in college about whether or not bowlers are athletes, or if chess is a sport) that interests a notable percentage of the AJC’s readership, or that includes a significant accomplishment (national title, significant record of some sort) is worthy of mention. In sum: some decisions to make ahead of time in order to establish criteria, and some to be made on spot.

Problems: Who breaks the tie, or makes the decision on what atypical events/athletes are covered, particularly in deadline situations, especially when … the paper is getting smaller by the day for various economic reasons and space is limited?

No newspaper can fit everything, of course, and all newspapers fit less now than 10 years ago, even three years ago. So … how about in situations like that the paper runs a photo, or short burst about event/athlete in question that prompts readers to the on-line product? Everybody has a computer, or access to one.

Changing gears, Chip is ethical, engaged, and cares, just as some have suggested here. Good to see someone notice.

Meghan, Sarah and EQ mates … congratulations.

Matt

By george

April 21, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this

Don’t beat up the fish wrappper too bad. They at least admitted their ignorance and recognized part of their problem related to dollars. If you think that AJC is negligent or whatever, check out the pitiful job that the Athens Bananna Herald Tribune Gazette displayed. They should be ashamed of their attempt to write about “Dogs claim title.” If you knew what these athletes do with their 1000 plus pounds of break neck speed, turning on a dime, jumping over three and a half feet walls and performing a dance recital, you would be impressed and entertained. What you wouldn’t see is their sweat in the weight room and in the stall grooming and shoveling. What other athletes do you know who clean up after their teammates and their stuff. You go Mane Dawgs, SEC and NCAA CHAMPIONS!

By Cnote

April 21, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this

What the hell is an equestrian?

By who cares

April 22, 2008 12:49 AM | Link to this

Equestrian ?? is that like the debate team but in math instead? good job team..go team go! u rule!

By eWhatstrian?

April 22, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this

Chip… nice try. Your effort is admirable. Equestrian is …..? I respect your efforts, but Mane Dawgs? What’s the point? When you can win a NC in your sport and NOBODY cares, you’re wasting your time. You’re wasting university $! I’d rather win a NC in JV FB. Oops, Title IX killed that.

By WirelessBuzz

April 22, 2008 12:51 AM | Link to this

My, my. The Atlanta Bureau of the Red and Black wringing its hands over whether they have not given UGA enough coverage. Hysterical! If you give any more press to the Pups, you will have to change your slogan to “Covering the Bulldogs like the dew”

By eWhatstrian?

April 22, 2008 12:54 AM | Link to this

If the sport requires an argument about “Who’s the better athlete, the horse or the human,” I’d rather stab my eyes out with a spoon than support it!!!!!! BRING BACK JV FB!!

By WirelessBuzz

April 22, 2008 1:00 AM | Link to this

Oh, and no disrespect to equestrian team - winning a national championship in anything is an accomplishment - but I suspect the vast majority of the Bulldog County even knows what equestrian is, much less cares. You would get more comments on an article about Richt mowing his grass . In fact, I hear that WSB-AM is considering covering it live on an upcoming Saturday.

By Ken Kirk

April 22, 2008 2:34 AM | Link to this

Multiple national championships in football??!! Of course UGA should do well in horse management; isn’t that what your “basketball” arena is really for???? Yes, please do report more on collegiate sports and less on professional.

By guy

April 22, 2008 3:47 AM | Link to this

The UGA Equestrian Championship wasn’t even headlines on georgiadogs.com.What a letdown!Coach Meghan Boenig is as classy a person as CMR and her young ladies work very hard. Congratulations to Meghan and the university anyway!!!

By Virginia Dog

April 22, 2008 5:41 AM | Link to this

First of all, congratulations to the Equestrian team. Not only do they work extremely hard, but I recently saw a report on the academics of the UGA student-athletes and these girls are outstanding students as well. As mentioned in an earlier comment, the team has attracted riders from all over the country. The same can be said for the other outstanding teams such as tennis and golf. These sports give UGA a great reputation across the nation and as UGA alums we should welcome that fact. I personally keep up with all of the sports on georgiadogs.com. Living in Virginia I don’t get the opportunity to see many activities live, but on a recent trip to Athens with 3 of my girls we saw a softball game, an equestrian meet, the G day game and a gymnastics meet all in the same day. UGA actually dominates the nation in Spring sports. Take the opportunity to look where each team is ranked nationally right now….men’s/women’s golf and tennis, baseball, equestrian (year round), track and we are developing great programs in soccer and volleyball. It’s great to be a bulldog and I am very proud of all the kids who participate. Once again, congratulations Meghan and team.

By JD

April 22, 2008 6:11 AM | Link to this

How about some Georgia baseball coverage in the AJC; box scores, etc. AT most we get a one liner buried in a bunch of other one liners, and some days not even that.

By Howard

April 22, 2008 6:47 AM | Link to this

As a father and grandfather, I think the young people should be given credit for outstanding work. They are blamed for so many things bad. They work hard and for the mlst part sytay out of trouble. They would also like to see there names in print. I would like to see who is doing all this hard work and I do not even like horses. They may not like what I like either but I am interested in the youth group that are trying so hard. It earns my respect and should yours.

By Sean

April 22, 2008 7:04 AM | Link to this

I used to write for the Red and Black and was had to cover the equestrian team.

I remember those ladies being so excited to hear that the paper actually wanted to cover them and very, very eager to remedy my ignorance of riding. Winning a national championship is just that. These ladies deserve much more than just an Etc. heading. I would love to read an expansive review of the meet and hear the riders stories!

By BrizDawg

April 22, 2008 7:13 AM | Link to this

A national championship in ANY sport is a big deal - I’m always very interested in how we do in the Director’s cup and tired of seeing Florida at the top. I also enjoy expanding my sports horizons, so please give us a little something when the non-revenue sports do so well - we should never take them for granted. UGA hosts the tennis championships almost every year, and the complex is second to none - please show some pictures of that facility! I think that softball recently got new facilities also - how about some pictures of that? I have no idea what the equestrian venue may look like - pictures would be nice. How about an expose’ on the hidden jewels of UGA Athletics?

By cbeas

April 22, 2008 8:01 AM | Link to this

A ticker/hay parade down Broad St. is in order. Mr Ed would have loved it.

By Paula

April 22, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this

Winning the national championship in Equestrain is a big deal! This is a big sport with thousands of participants. The AJC might want to check it out.

By Paula

April 22, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this

Winning the national championship in Equestrian is a big deal! This is a big sport with thousands of participants. The AJC might want to check it out.

By Bob

April 22, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

I would like to have heard about it before now. A national championship is a big deal, especially for a new program, and especially when Georgia has such a substantial equestrian community. Boy, I’m so surprised someone at AJC made a bad decision…

By John

April 22, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this

I think you also should mention when USC wins the equestrian NC as has happened twice in the past few years. SC is a neighbor state and we have a ton of alumni in the ATL area.

By Leigh

April 22, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

A national championship counts the same points in the Directors’ Cup, whether it is equestrian, football or gymnastics. It is an Olympic sport and an NCAA sport. People who are screaming Title IX “garbage” should also pay attention to what the ability to play a sport at a collegiate level has accomplished for the university’s academic pursuits, as well. Go Dawgs!

By scooter11

April 22, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

Well, UGA Fan - I believe YOU are mistaken. While it might be recognized as a varsity sport (which I didn’t even address), its CHAMPIONSHIP is NOT recognized - again, just like D-1 football is not. Regardless, I’m very proud of the team’s representation of the University, and it’s just another way to kick Auburn and South Carolina.

By Chris Coates

April 22, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

I guess they didn’t think that Cartersville going for a fourth straight State Title in baseball in 2004 was very interesting to baseball fans. That didn’t stop them from doing a report on every other State Title game.

By RMCC

April 22, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

The reason non-revenue sports are non-revenue is lack of coverage! The GymDogs have garnered so much (deserved) attention because Suzanne Yoculan is a master at marketing/publicity. If Andy Landers had half her charisma, the basketball Lady Dawgs would sell out every time. So, YES, the AJ-C needed to do more to publicize the UGA Equestrians’ Nat’l Championship! The fact that Georgia fans who read this column didn’t see the one-line mention tells you that you are failing the readers who care about UGa sports. (The fact that one of your bloggers had to look up the word “equestrian” is just plain embarrassing. Please tell me that person is just a fan and not a UGa alum.)

By Russ

April 22, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

As a Bulldog in Gatorland, I am proud of Bulldog nation in whatever sport and love hearing of Dawg accomplishments in other sports. I don’t hear much about them during the season, but I am very proud of the tremendous achievements in gymnastics, tennis and golf. And so now I must call my Gator friends and REMIND them that we are the best riders in the nation as well.

By scooter11

April 22, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this

California is not a neighboring state, and USC doesn’t have an equestrian team - just the Trojan horse. Now, South Carolina is a neighboring state, and South Carolina College in Columbia has horses, but…

By John

April 22, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

Gee scooter, really clever of you.

By scooter11

April 22, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

Leigh: Not part of the Director’s Cup, not listed as a NCAA-recognized sport at NCAA.org, and UGA doesn’t have credit for 18 Women’s NCAA national championships - “just” 15. But we’re proud of them hosses just the same.

By scooter11

April 22, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

John: Most readers of a UGA blog will think so, but thanks for joining us.

By Dirt Man

April 22, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

How ‘bout them hosses! And, the gals who ride ‘em. I’m six five, 220 and hosses scare me to death. I’ve ridden a few times but we went, largely, where ol’ Paint wanted to go. I would like to ride, mostly, ‘cause the boots and jodhpurs look really cool but it takes a whole lot more skill and committment than this ol’ boy has got. Beatin’ out the rest of the nation in any endeavor is a thing of which any school and its alumni should be proud. And, besides, I don’t believe dummies would do well in this particular sport. Congratulations Coach, Team and School on a job well done — keep it up!

By Jeff

April 22, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

First, As a percentage, the AJC cannot have a larger group than UGA fans. As a major city with all of the pro sports teams, SEC, and ACC sports, a large tennis community, golf courses all over the place, a large NASCAR fan base and so much more; the AJC has a full time job to cover everything. That said, you all could do a much better job. It may also be easier to hit a golf course than UGA alumni sometimes - I seem to work with people from all over, but not native to GA. as I am. There are a lot of people to satisfy from across the country, not sure how many you all actually do that for as a sports page. It cannot help that somehow with all that we have to do, Atlanta was voted the most miserable sports city in the country. IT IS ABSURD.

As an example of online content or lack of: could you find a mention on the Gladiators or locate a UGA sports schedule that was not the football teams?

By Lynn

April 22, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

I would very much like to see more attention given to the equestrian nathional championship. After all this is an Olympic sport that requires much hard work and training both on the part of the rider and the horse and deserves to be recognized.

By Michelle Blair

April 22, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

I am a member, competitor, and captain of the University of Georgia Equestrian team and proud of it! I have been on this team for four years and know exactly how hard each and everyone of us worked for that title. Just like any other sport we do weight room, cardio, study hall, practice, and have a drive that is endless to win a national title. The same drive baseball players have to go to Omaha.

I know Equestrian is new emerging sport, and quite frankly I know it does not have a lot of interest among the public. Unfortunately, it is one of those sports that you have to understand in order to get into it. However, that does not mean we work any less than other sports.

I am fortunate to have grown up participating in multiple sports. Track, tennis, basketball here and there and so forth. My brother, Scott Blair, plays football for Georgia Tech (I know I know) and is a tremendous athlete in anything he sets his mind to. My dad played basketball and his 2 brothers Swam and played Golf in college as well. My sister, Dana Blair, can run and swim with the best of them, and my mom…well, you get the picture. Basically, I know whats it like to be in other sports and to be considered an athlete. I know what other sports entail and I love all of them! If you ask any girl on the equestrian team, you’ll find that most of them had the opportunity and athletic ability to succeed in a plethera of sports, but chose equestrian.

Unlike what the general public believes, Equestrian is not just an easy way out to be considered an NCAA Athlete. A number of us had the option to play other sports in college, but have more of a drive for equestrian….the same way my brother chose football over soccer, and my dad basketball over baseball. It is not fair that it almost seems we are punished by the public for our decision. If I would have stuck with track and never won a national or SEC title, I would still have more respect that what I do now (though our respect is growing!) and I have 4 SEC titles under my belt along with the current National title.

We are a team. We are a team that works harder than you can believe to prove to people that we belong as a sport. We are a team that practice, workout, and study hard just like all others. We are a team that strives to win and has a competitive edge that is undeniable…hence our statistics. We are also a team that has just won a National Title, and would love to have some recognition.

I appreciate very much your article in the AJC. It is not often we get a voice in our own recognition. Thank you for acknowledging our victory and opening it up to the public for a response. That alone is yet another victory for us…some recognition…no matter how it comes about.

Thank you again, Michelle Blair GOOOOOOOO DAWGS!

By D-1 Parent

April 22, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

Congratulations to the Equestrian team, coaches, and all the supportive staff members. It’s a great accomplishment to win a National Title and you deserve all the recognition all other sports (money) receive. I am a parent of a D-1 student athlete (money sport) and to be quite honest, I don’t read every article in any newspaper, regardless if it is a paper copy or an electronic copy…does anyone? Chip I’ve read numerous articles you have written, I can’t say that I’ve always agreed what you’ve written, but this time you hit the nail on the head. These people deserve the same recognition all other sports and the athletes receive… maybe if you wrote more articles about the non-money sports the AJC may pick up more subscribers.

By Donavon

April 22, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

I am a die hard Georgia fan til they play Ga.Tech. But I agree with many of the others they won and all they get is 1 freakin line etc…. I am glade to hear that a Team from The Great State Of Georgia has won. Not only was it for the school, the comm. and for them selfs but was also for Georgia itself. Thats another Title for her to say see we are the best down here in the South.

By Steve

April 22, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

HOW ‘BOUT THEM HORSES!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Equestrian friend

April 22, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP in any sport is awesome! These young women have worked very hard to accomplish this and certainly deserve more than a byline. Give the girls the credit they’ve earned! I’m sure that other young people will be encouraged to follow suit.

By John

April 22, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

Anytime a team from UGA wins, any TRUE fan should be elated. Even if you have no interest in the sport. Those student athletes work their tails off and deserve more mention, but even more so, deserve the respect of fellow DAWGS. Congrats to the equiDAWGS for being the best in their sport… again.

By Alum

April 22, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

As for the idea that a newspapers resonsibility is to cater to the masses, which seems to be a thread running through this, I would be carefull of that. I look to be informed by the news, not just told what I want to hear. If a sports team wins a Natl Championship, let me know. That would raise my interest in the sport, and thus my demand to hear more about it. It’s a chicken or the egg thing in a way.

By JUNE_BABY

April 22, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

any team that wins a national championship, should be covered. whether it’s a t-ball champ, little-league, tiddly winks, or anything else. there should be a picture of team members, and a story of how the championship was achieved. as far as gymnastics, there has been minimum coverage for a team that has won 3 championships in a row. they should have had more coverage the entire year. this is an amazing accomplishment, with the opportunity to make it 4 straight. that’s almost unheard of, especially with the parity in college teams. maybe the colliseum name should be changed to yoculan colliseum to reflect the success she has had at uga.

By LadyT

April 22, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

I did not even know that UGA had an Equestrian team. These kids are going to school to better themselves socially, intellectually and academically. If anyone in this STATE wins any type of championship,