Black Hawk College Western IHSA Team Advances to Nationals After Strong Semifinals Performance

The Black Hawk College Western IHSA Team is heading to Nationals after an impressive performance at the Semifinals hosted by the University of Findlay on March 24, 2026. Securing Reserve Champion, these riders demonstrated unwavering determination and team spirit. Individual highlights include Ellie Ellis earning two first-place finishes, while Aley Rivera, Fernando Cabral Gutierrez, Baylee Runyon, Talia Pierard, Gabby Olson, and Jayci Halsema all qualified for Nationals in their events. The squad credits early mornings, hard work, and steadfast support from families and friends. Next up, the team eyes further success at the National Championships in Tryon, North Carolina.

“A heartfelt thank you to the family and friends who traveled to Findlay and supported this team. We are also incredibly grateful to the 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐈𝐇𝐒𝐀 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰. From phenomenal horses to great ground and exceptional organization, every detail created an environment for success and made for efficient, enjoyable show days.”

𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬
Aryanne Encarnación-Cox – Beginner Horsemanship
Emily Yeager – Rookie Horsemanship
Katelyn Clemens – Level I Horsemanship
Ellie Ellis – Level II Horsemanship
Ellie Ellis – Ranch Riding
4th Gabby Olson – Open Horsemanship
6th Gabby Olson – Reining

𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 | 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝟒 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬
Aley Rivera – Beginner Horsemanship | 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘘𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘳
5th Nick Waldron – Beginner Horsemanship
Fernando Cabral Gutierrez – Rookie Horsemanship | 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘘𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘳
4th Baylee Runyon – Rookie Horsemanship | 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘘𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘳
Talia Pierard – Level I Horsemanship | 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘘𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘳
Gabby Olson – Level II Horsemanship | 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘘𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘳
6th Jacob VanDyke – Level II Horsemanship
Jayci Halsema – Ranch Riding | 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘘𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘳
Gabby Olson – Ranch Riding | 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘘𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘳