May 23, 2023
Morgan Munz of Califon, NJ, takes the Individual Reserve Championship, and then goes on to place third in the prestigious Cacchione Cup final at IHSA Nationals.
HACKETTSTOWN, NJ — May 23, 2023 — Centenary University’s ANRC team brought home the National Collegiate Reserve Championship Team and the National Collegiate Individual Reserve Championship at the 44rd ANRC National Equitation Championships held recently in Aiken, S.C. The competition for collegiate, junior, and adult amateur teams sponsored by the American National Riding Commission (ANRC), which promotes the American System of Forward Riding, is judged and scored on equitation skills and sound horsemanship practices.
Centenary was named National Collegiate Reserve Champions, with Morgan Munz of Califon, NJ, Benjamin Hoban, of Webster, NY, and Caroline Mancini of Bradford, RI, combining to top the competitive field. Centenary was led by Munz, who emerged as National Collegiate Reserve Champion. Munz claimed the top spot in the written phase of the competition, as well as second in both the program ride and medal round. The national collegiate team, which represents the University’s highest level of riders, is coached by Tara Clausen and Michael Dowling.
“We couldn’t be prouder of our National Collegiate Team being Reserve National Champions,” said Kelly Munz, chair of the Equine Studies Department and mother to Morgan Munz. “It was a competitive weekend and our students rode very well. This speaks to the depth of Centenary’s program, the dedication of our riders, and the skill of our coaches.”
Earlier in the season, Centenary’s IHSA (Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association) team rode to the Zone 3 championship, with Munz named Zone 3 Cacchione Cup Champion. The first place finish qualified Munz to compete for the prestigious Cacchione Cup at the IHSA National Championship Horse Show in Lexington, Ky., several weeks later, where she placed third. In addition, the University’s IDA (Intercollegiate Dressage Association) team won Regional Reserve Champions this year at Region C Finals.
One of the top college equine programs in the country, Centenary University has produced countless leaders in the sport, as well as numerous nationally-ranked riding teams. Academically, the University’s students have achieved an impressive track record for gaining acceptance to selective veterinary schools. The University’s riding teams also have an impressive history, winning ANRC national titles in 2013, 2016, 2022, and 2023, as well as several Cacchione Cup titles.
Centenary University student Morgan Munz of Califon, NJ, center, rode to third place in the competition for the prestigious Cacchione Cup. She is pictured with Centenary IHSA coaches Michael Dowling, assistant professor of equine studies, left, and Heather Clark, assistant professor of equine studies, right.
Centenary University’s ANRC team—on horses, from left, Benjamin Hoban, of Webster, NY, Caroline Mancini of Bradford, RI, and Morgan Munz of Califon, NJ—pose after being named National Collegiate Reserve Champions. Also in the photo are standing from left, (identity unknown), Wendy Janesky, founder of WSJ Foundation, and Centenary University ANRC coaches Michael Dowling, assistant professor of equine studies, and Tara Clausen, professor of equine studies/riding coordinator.
ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church, Centenary University’s academic program integrates a solid liberal arts foundation with a strong career orientation. This mix provides an educational experience that prepares students to succeed in the increasingly global and interdependent world. The University’s main campus is located in Hackettstown, N.J., with its equestrian facility in Washington Township.