BREAKING: David O’Connor Will Apply to Coach Team USA

By John on

I have just gotten word that David O’Connor will be submitting his application to coach Team USA later this week.  The Olympic gold medalist and current Canadian coach joins the combined application of Phillip Dutton and Bobby Costello as the only two confirmed applicants vying to replace Captain Mark Phillips when Mark retires at the end of 2012.  The deadline for candidates to come forward with their applications and proposals for guiding the US Eventing Team is January 31st.  We’ll have much more soon.  Go eventing. 

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  • Kelly

    Yayyyyyy!

  • Barbara

    Good to have qualified people to chose from. I love that pic of David.

  • Marty

    Will Wofford be next?
    Bettina Hoy will be in Aiken next week giving a Clinic at Full Gallup Farm, will the Hoy(s) apply while in town?

  • event4life

    When's the deadline for applications?

  • Anonymous

    As a Canadian, all I can say is NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

  • anonym

    Saddest news EVER for Canada!
    How will he stay committed to those riders through 2012??!

  • Emily

    With the Dutton application came the announcement that he would retire if he got the job, I wonder what type of announcement will come about Karen O'Connor. The Dutton press release talked alot about conflict of interest and what each of them would give up. I suppose they all know who they are competing against for the job and what kinds of arguments will strengthen their application. Will be interesting to see the public relations play out.

  • TBEventer

    Thank god! I was just waiting for this to happen. We need David as coach, and we need Phillip to keep doing what he's good at and continue riding for the U.S. But It's interesting to see what will happen with Karen if David is elected.

  • Sarah

    I have a twofold reaction to this. I think he would make a great coach and could do alot for us eventing. He is extremely knowledgeable and has done an awesome job w/ the canadians. That said, I would have some concerns about conflict of interest ( i have these w/ any coach who has a deep rooted system and an investment in students and horses who are competing at the upper levels) Karen aside, I am curious to see how the candidates approach the issue.

  • Anonymous

    I'm also curious about this conflict of interest business. On one hand, DOC will not pick the team. On the other hand, he undoubtedly will hold some sway. Interesting times in the OCET household, I'm sure!

  • Extr. Eq

    If David gets chosen to coach the US then Karen should get Canadian citizenship and ride for Canada! Conflict solved and the US gets an amazing coach and Canada gets an amazing rider. Could not get any better. Other than if Canada loses DOC as their coach who would replace him?

  • 01075

    Having been around both Karen and David at events in the past- when they were both competing, and since David's retirement-- David is often present in the warm-up helping Karen.
    They are married- I am sure all aspects of the job were discussed, and they are both professionals, I doubt this announcement nor the position will have a great effect on their relationship.

    A more important side to see is how much David has aided the Canadian team in such a short time, think of the possibilities within the U.S. program.

  • Brach

    The obvious has now been announced....Dear Eventing GOD let the next breaking news be that Karen will coach the Canadians!!

  • Agatha

    I read with interest that only the applications of David, Phillip & Bobby have been received by USEF. However I know of one other person who has applied. Is the list of applications public knowledge?

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