MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State’s Valerie Dysart will participate in the 2009 IHSA National Championships on Friday as the senior is one of 12 riders competing individually in the Intermediate Western Horsemanship discipline.

The 2009 championships will be held April 23-26 at Miller Coliseum in Murfreesboro, Tenn., and Dysart is scheduled to begin competition at 9 a.m. on Friday.

"Valerie is fully prepared to compete this weekend,” said Western head coach Casie Williamson. “She has been working extra hard at the fine details that will make a difference and is a standout in her division. I have high hopes for her this weekend."

A native of Netawaka, Kan., Dysart placed first among 14 riders in her class at the 2009 IHSA Semifinals to qualify for nationals. She initially qualified for regional competition back on February 28 with two wins at K-State’s IHSA Western show and then followed that performance with a second-place finish in Intermediate Horsemanship at the regional show in Springfield, Mo.

– k-statesports.com –