Lexington, KY – In preparing for a solid U.S. Vaulting Team for the 2006 World Equestrian Games, the USEF Vaulting High Performance Committee has announced three new hires, all vaulting professionals who will work tirelessly to prepare our athletes for the rigorous competition that awaits them in Aachen, Germany in 2006. This will be the first time that our U.S. High Performance Vaulters have had the advantage of such rigorous team leadership and instruction.

Adrienne Stang has been named as the United States Equestrian Federation’s official National Vaulting Trainer. In addition, Sue Detol has been named as U.S. Vaulting Chef d’Equipe, and Kerith Lemon as Developing Vaulter Program Administrator. All have been hired on a one-year basis, and were approved last month by the USEF’s Vaulting High Performance Committee (VHPC).

“The creation of these new positions bodes well for both immediate and long term improvement in the United States’ ability to maintain and improve our position as a strong international vaulting country,” said Jeff Moore, Chairman of the VHPC. “I couldn’t be more pleased with the appointments of Adrienne, Suzanne and Kerith to these important positions. Besides their vast experience and expertise, they have taken on the positions knowing that funding may be limited, which speaks worlds for their dedication to the sport.”

Adrienne Stang is a current FEI “O” judge, and has served as Chef d’Equipe or judge at all but one World Championship since their inception in 1986. Mrs. Stang will oversee the progress of the high performance athletes and work with them during the off-season, while advising the Education Sub-committee on curriculum for the High Performance training camps.

Sue Detol served as Chef d’Equipe at the 2000 and 2004 World Championships and is a current FEI “O” judge as well. Mrs. Detol is known for being level-headed under pressure and will fulfill the responsibilities of the Chef d’Equipe at major international competitions and at the 2006 World Equestrian Games. Mrs. Detol will work closely with Mrs. Stang to develop the U.S. “image.”

Kerith Lemon was a Silver medalist in the 1994, 1996, and 1998 World Championships and a Bronze medalist in the 2000 World Championships, and was the U.S. Women’s National Champion for nine consecutive years (1992-2000). As the Developing Vaulter Program Administrator (DVPA), Miss Lemon will attend USEF/AVA competitions to scout for upcoming talent at the Bronze and Silver level. She will report to the Vaulting High Performance committee and make recommendations to the Education Committee. Echoing the United States Olympic Committee’s athlete pipeline ideology, Miss Lemon will also serve as the liaison to the American Vaulting Association.
~~~For more information, please contact Sarah Lane, Public Relations Manager at (859) 225-6974 or via e-mail at [email protected]. USEF press releases are available on our web site – www.usef.org.