Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowgirl Equestrian Riders Participate in Workout Competition
February 16, 2021 | Cowgirl Equestrian
Oklahoma State Equestrian found a unique way to stay connected and active outside Stillwater over the winter break.
Cowgirl team captains Stephanie Helsen, Amanda Atkins, Cassidy Watters and Abigail Brayman broke riders into workout groups and challenged everyone to see who could finish the most workouts over the break.
Atkins and her team won the competition. The senior was joined by Lauren Jost, Hope King, Harley Huff, Jojo Roberson, Grace McReynolds, Emma Pacyna, Kelly Harper and Paige Jones.
"We wanted to give the girls an opportunity to be recognized for their hard work over break while also giving our team an edge when we came back for the season," Atkins said. "I think this challenge was something that pushed girls to hustle on their own and hold each other accountable. It's incredibly rewarding to be a part of a team that consistently works hard daily, not only for themselves but for our team."
Although it was a friendly competition, working out over break has already shown to have paid off for the Cowgirls.
When the team returned to do a fitness test on Jan. 20, Harper, a freshman, beat her mile time by 1:36.
Atkins was the most improved in the sit-up category, beating her previous number by 11 reps. Roberson was the most improved in the push-up category, besting her previous high by 14 reps.
Sophomore Sydney North ran the team's fastest mile at 5:55. Senior Sydnee Gemar completed the most sit-ups in one minute with 65 reps, and Watters completed the most push-ups in one minute with 62 reps.
"I am extremely proud of the leadership on this team," said Cowgirl strength and conditioning coach Mallory Fowlkes. "The captains created self-lead accountability for themselves and their teammates over this long winter break. Our captains know from experience that winter breaks can be challenging because you are away from team workouts and team activities. Takes self-motivation to work out on your own and remember your goals and your team's goals. You can tell the captains as well the whole team took advantage of this long break and put in the work on their own and came back ready to compete."
