Equestrian

Elma team qualifies for state meet

ELMA — For the first time in program history, the Elma Eagles equestrian team will be sending all of its athletes to the state tournament.

Elma, which has won the District 6 high-point trophy each of the past three seasons, will be sending all six of its members to compete in multiple individual and team events at the 2018 Washington High School Equestrian Teams State Meet on Thursday at the Grant County Fairgrounds in Moses Lake.

The Eagles are led by seniors Maleaha Smith, Ashley Phillips and sophomore Olivia Cain, who broke district records in the Idaho Figure 8 event with a time of 17.65 and the Individual Flags (8.15) in April.

Elma head coach Mitchell Smith credits the team mentality of the girls as a key to their success.

“We have a great group of well-rounded individuals and one of the things that got us (to state) is that the girls are having fun,” he said.