Randolph Names New Director of Riding
Mitchell Tabbed to Lead WildCats Equestrian Programs
LYNCHBURG, Va. --- The Randolph College riding program, known for its rich history of success as well as opportunity, now has a new name to take over its reins. Randolph College has announced the hiring of Chris Mitchell as the College's Director of Riding.
Mitchell replaces long time director JT Tallon, who won three Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) titles while at the helm of the Randolph Riding Center. Mitchell becomes the fourth Director of Riding at the College.
"We are thrilled to have someone of Coach Mitchell's caliber to take our riding program to the next level," said Hill. "Coach Mitchell brings a wealth of successful experience and energy to Randolph. His passion for our students and desire for them to succeed in the classroom and in the ring is contagious."
Mitchell arrives at Randolph after a very successful, 13-year tenure at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. During his tenure with the Big Red, his teams claimed 27 collegiate horse show team crowns, including four Ivy League crowns. He has directed 11 riders to National Final qualification, as well as one national reserve champion.
"I'm really excited about the opportunity that Randolph has presented," said Mitchell. "It's a great program, has been for a long time. Growing up in the horse business and in the college riding atmosphere, Randolph has always been up there on the list as one of the best."
Before Cornell, Mitchell had been an instructor and trainer at the Sleepy Hollow Country Club in Scarborough, N.Y., and was the barn manager and trainer for Lion Hill Farm in Easton, Conn., from 1996-98. During that time, he also served as an equestrian instructor for Sacred Heart University and was an assistant coach and instructor at Pace University.
He coached one of his riders to a national championship in walk-trot equitation at the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) competition and had other riders place among the top-10 nationally in the novice flat, novice fences, intermediate fences and open levels.
Mitchell holds a spot on the IHSA Board of Directors, as he became the first person to be elected without holding a regional presidency position first. He also holds the Zone 2 Region 1 Regional President's position now. He is actively involved in the Public Relations committee of the board and helps organize the Intercollegiate National Horse Show. He is also a member of the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA), United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and Professional Horseman's Association (PHA).
"It won't take Coach Mitchell long to bring out the best in our horses and reclaim the reigns of equestrian excellence in Central Virginia. Coach Mitchell and his family are welcome additions to Randolph College and Lynchburg community," said Hill.
Mitchell is a member of the NCAA steering committee for equestrian and is also a member of the American Horse Shows Association. He is a graduate of Longwood University in Farmville, VA, with a degree in business administration and marketing.
Randolph College is a nationally-recognized private, coeducational liberal arts and sciences institution known for its excellent academic program, diverse close-knit community, and commitment to enhancing students' intercultural competence. Originally founded as Randolph-Macon Woman's College in 1891, the College has admitted men since fall 2007.
--- This release is courtesy of the Randolph College sports information office. ---
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