March 18, 2016

Centenary University’s IHSA Team Takes a Break from Riding and Heads to the Bowling Alley

Hackettstown, N.J. – Centenary University’s nationally-renowned IHSA (Intercollegiate Horse Show Association) Team took a break from training for IHSA Nationals recently and put its efforts into bowling.  This initiative was to raise funds for Jack’s Kids, a charity that benefits local children with needs, and the team raised close to $2,000 for the organization. This is the fourth year the IHSA team has participated in the Jack’s Kids Fundraiser and they have raised over $8,000 in total.

The bowling tournament was held at Stelton Lanes in Piscataway, N.J. Each team member was responsible for raising at least $25.  Heather Clark, Assistant Professor of Equine Studies at Centenary University, has been involved with Jack’s Kids for several years and felt like it was a good community service initiative for the IHSA Team back in 2012.

“This was a fun way to spend time with the team outside of the riding arena,” says Shelby Cashman, Centenary student and Captain of the IHSA Team.  “We were able to give back to an organization and know that we helped the children and families, as well, so it was a beneficial endeavor for all involved.”

About Jack’s Kids
The heart of Jack’s Kids is to ease the financial burden to families dealing with a serious childhood illness and/or serious disabilities so they can focus on wrapping their family in the love and attention they need. This organization was founded in memory of Jack Gardner who had a prolific life throughout Somerset County. He grew up in North Plainfield, where he was an outstanding athlete in Football, Basketball, and Baseball. Jack was a detective in the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office for many years. Later he became Warden of the Somerset County Jail. He was a member of the Somerville Elks Lodge #1068 and became an assistant football coach at Immaculata High School where he coached for twelve years. Throughout Somerset County he is noted for helping many people, especially the younger generation. He was kind, thoughtful and always gave of himself.

About Centenary University’s IHSA Team and Equine Studies Program
The Intercollegiate Horse Show Association has grown since it was established in 1967 through the prototype competition program Bob Cacchione started when he was an 18-year-old sophomore at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey, with the help of professor and former Centenary Trustee Jack Fritz.  

Today, from its beginning with just two competing colleges, the IHSA is an organization that encompasses over 400 member colleges in 45 states and Canada – representing more than 9,000 riders in Hunter Seat Equitation, Western Horsemanship and Reining. Centenary University was the IHSA (Intercollegiate Horse Show Association) Hunter Seat National Champion in 2009, 2011 and 2014 and was Reserve National Champions in 2015.

Since 1984, Centenary has awarded associate in science and Bachelor of Science degrees in Equine Studies. It is the only four-year institution in New Jersey that grants such degrees, allowing students with a love of horses to transform their interests and talents into solid career opportunities.

Today, the College’s Equine Studies graduates are highly sought after by various industry professionals, including competitive riding coaches, trainers, instructors, breeders, therapeutic riding and dressage specialists, barn managers, veterinarians and communications specialists.

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 is designed to provide an educational experience that prepares students to succeed in the increasingly global and interdependent world.

Centenary University’s main campus is located in Hackettstown, N.J., with its equestrian facility in Washington Township (Morris County).  The Centenary University School of Professional Studies offers degree programs in three locations: Hackettstown, Parsippany and Edison, and at corporate sites throughout New Jersey.  The School of International Programs recruits international students for study at Centenary and Centenary students for study abroad.