Bunty Accepts Offer to Be Zumbrun's Successor

Association with College's Riding Program Dates Back to 2007

TOWSON, Md. — If the riders in Goucher College's equestrian program were stunned or disillusioned in any way when they heard the news that Patte Zumbrun was retiring as director and head coach at the end of the 2012-13 season, they were immediately comforted by and delighted with the news that Jen Bunty would succeed her.

The public announcement on Bunty's promotion is being made this afternoon.

Bunty, who graduated from Lynchburg College in 2005 with a B.A. in communications, has been on Zumbrun's staff since 2007, first as assistant director of riding and, since October 2012, as associate director.

"There's no doubt that Patte leaves big shoes to fill, but in Jen Bunty, we have a rising star, a person who has extensive experience and great communication skills," said Geoffrey M. Miller, Goucher's athletics director. "I am genuinely looking forward to working with Jen in the coming years and seeing how she builds upon the foundation of riding excellence that Patte has established."

Bunty was a distinguished rider and excellent student at Lynchburg. She was recipient of the school's Most Valuable Rider Award in 2004 and 2005, the same two years in which she served in the capacity of equestrian team captain; she was recognized for her academic accomplishments by both the Old Dominion Athletic Conference and the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association as a senior.

Bunty, who has achiecved Level III rider status from the American National Riding Commission, remains active in intercollegiate riding. In addition to serving on the ANRC advisory board, she holds an ARIA Level III instructor's rating and became USHJA Trainer Certified at Level I in 2010.

"I will truly miss a lot of things, mostly the excitement that surrounds the riding team's victories," commented Zumbrun. "But I know there are many more amazing success stories to come in the hands my successor, Jen Bunty."