Drew University's Karen Sykes is 2018 College Preparatory Invitational New Jersey 'Coach for Hire'
MIAMI, Florida - July 26, 2018 -
Drew University's Riding Rangers head coach, Karen Sykes, will be on hand to coach student riders at the College Preparatory Invitational New Jersey Horse Show which is scheduled for September 15-16, 2018 at The Ridge at Riverview in Asbury, New Jersey. All riders participating in the event must have a coach present to participate.The CPI offers student riders who cannot bring their own trainer the opportunity to be coached by Sykes for the weekend for a fee of $80.00.Those wishing to work with Mitchell are encouraged to sign up for the CPI Hire A Coach program.
Karen Sykes enters her 16th year as head coach of the Riding Rangers after taking over the reins in the spring of 2001. She served as the program's assistant coach for eight years, and brings riding experience as well as a working knowledge of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association to the Drew equestrian program. Under her leadership the Rangers equestrian program has achieved unprecedented success.
Sykes, who graduated from Drew in 1991 with a bachelor's degree in psychology and sociology, captained the Rangers for three years and was honored with Drew's MVP award for the 1990-91 seasons. She competed in the IHSA Hunt Seat and Western Alumni Division for five years prior to turning her efforts toward coaching.
Sykes, who graduated from Drew in 1991 with a bachelor's degree in psychology and sociology, captained the Rangers for three years and was honored with Drew's MVP award for the 1990-91 seasons. She competed in the IHSA Hunt Seat and Western Alumni Division for five years prior to turning her efforts toward coaching. Sykes has been honored by her peers in 1991, 2003 and 2005 with the IHSA Zone 2 Region 1 Regina Kear Coach of the Year award. She is an active member of the USEF and USHJA, and sits on the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association Board of Directors in the capacity of Alumni Director and Insurance Chairperson.
Since 2008 she has had three riders win Regional Championships including James Fairclough who was the IHSA National Cacchione Cup Champion. She's had four-straight Tournament of Champion teams in the Top 20 from 2006 to 2009.
The Bedminster, N.J. native works full time for Oracle as the Director of Business Operations for North America Sales and Consulting. She trains at Dapple Hill Farm with Sara Goetz and is on the Briarwood Derby Day in honor of Jack Benson Horse Show Planning Committee.
About the College Preparatory Invitational
The CPI is committed to educating student riders about the options available to them as college equestrians by providing them with resources to help them create their desired college equestrian experience. During the CPI horse shows, riders in grades 8 through 12 have a chance to win scholarships in hunt seat equitation competition and participate in educational presentations throughout the event. In an effort to encourage academic excellence and embed social integrity as a lifelong commitment to the equestrian sport, the CPI Scholarship and Educational Fund also awards riders the opportunity to win scholarships for academics and community service. To learn more about the CPI, please visit www.collegeprepinvitational.com.
