That was the headline Wednesday, November 2, 1983 when Fowlerville took the last state title. An accidental phone call lead me to uncover this wonderful and exciting story. I was amazed as I sat at the dining room table of Robert Peal former coach of the magnificent Fowlerville Team listening to the stories. If not for a different date and faces there stood our team, same hopes, dreams and goals forging onward trying to get the edge that will lift them to state title.

I listened and read over many articles published by the local Livingston Country Press and Brighton Argus. We are not talking one or two articles we are talking multiple awards, coverage and tidbits on the ins and outs of equestrian horsemanship. I looked at photos where sponsors were bountiful and proud of their home team. Where the school principle above was photographed in the gymnasium giving out awards for the hard work the kids and youngsters provided throughout the community. I felt proud of a group of students that I had never met or probably will ever cross paths with, yet again in their faces I saw our children today.

Let me introduce you to the 1983 Fowlerville High School Equestrian State Champions, from left to right Pete Williams, Jim Plummer, Dusty Williams, Doug Rearick (Principal) Robert Peal (Coach) Tammi Peal, Chelyn Hall, Jenny Kazup, Anne Hall.

1983 State Champions- The Fowlerville Equestrian Team

State-bound

Glads topple Bulldogs

  Just like the horseback-riding outlaws of yesteryear, the Fowlerville High equestrian team rode into South Lyon Sunday and stole a victory away from Brighton High-the defending state champs in Class B.

    The Glads racked up 80 points to Brighton's 62 to earn the trip to the state meet as the Class B representative for District 1. For this season's three meets, Fowlerville finished with 217 points, while Brighton had 190.

    "Out team is still celebrating," Fowlerville Coach Bob Peal said. "This just means that we have a lot of hard work ahead of us."

    The state meet is scheduled for October 30 in Berrien Springs. With District 1 considered the strongest district in the state. Fowlerville should have an excellent chance at winning all the marbles.

    The gaming events-- always the Glads' strong suit-- once again have Fowlerville the win. After 14 of the 17 events had been completed, Brighton held a slim three point lead over Fowlerville. The last three events were the games, though, and the Glads cleaned up.

    Brighton Coach Wanda Keech admitted the games events were her team's downfall. "They just took them over," Keech said. "We held our own through the rest of the meet, but the games made the difference. I just don't have the kids to compete in that."

    Anne Hall was Fowlerville's top scorer, picking I[ 22 points while finishing first in western riding and hunt-seat equitation., third in western bareback and fourth in western equitation.

    Jim Plummer, Fowlerville's top games rider, had 21 points. He took first in the two-man relay (with Pete Williams), first in speed and action first in the flag race and second in the clover-leaf.

    Jenny Kazup had two first--in the saddle seat equitation and saddleseat pattern--finishing with 12 points. Pete and Dusty Williams had 10 points each. Shaleen Hall finished with eight and Tami Peal had four. Hartland finished with 39 points in the meet, Howell had 38 and Pinckney 37.  Copyrighted by The Brighton Argus

Over and over headlines came out at me. Glads take Dog riders by surprise, Glads score in games to down 'Dog riders, Equestrian showdown slated for Fowlerville, Equestrian showdown set, Fowlerville riders giddy-up over rivals, Fowlerville riders off to state meet, Tall in the saddle, Fowlerville riders gallop past Brighton. Glad equestrians hit the trail. Looking back in this bit of history and wonderful work that Bob Peal did with the team assures me that we are alive and kicking.  We have an honor to live up to, we can stand proud and respect ourselves as an equine sports team. 

Photos used with the permission of Robert Peal, not to be redistributed or used on any other site without permission from owner. Content used with permission of The Livingston County Press, all news copyrighted and not to be used without written permission.

Copyrighted by Fowlerville Equestrian Team 2002, all rights reserved