2 Mooney juniors take part in Equestrian Talent Search

The equestrians competed with riders from seven other states.

YOUNGSTOWN — Two Cardinal Mooney juniors got the opportunity to participate in a recent Equestrian Talent Search at Lake Erie College in Painesville.

Monica Scarsella, daughter of Fred and Cathy Scarsella of Boardman, and Neal McCall, son of Dan and Maura McCall of Poland, both received blue ribbons in the competition.

Equestrian Talent Search wants to do for high school riders what football and basketball coaching camps have done for those sports.

The program allows young equestrians to be seen, taught and evaluated by college coaches in weekend instructional, competition clinics. It also serves as a clearinghouse for riders and their parents to get information on college equestrian programs and how to find a program that is a good fit. The talent searches also help coaches find riders.

Participants in the Painesville competition rode horses provided by Lake Erie College. They were assigned a different horse for each ride.

Monica and Neal competed individually and as part of a team in two events. In addition to the blue ribbons, Monica earned the honor of Grand Champion and their team earned the honor of Grand Champion Team.

The two began riding nearly a decade ago at Zedaker’s Anjon Acres in Poland. Both are members of the newly formed Western Reserve Interscholastic Equestrian Association and other equestrian organizations.

Participants in the Painesville event included riders from Ohio, New Jersey, Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Connecticut and Louisiana.