2020 I/I Magazine

I/I MAGAZINE

2020

A supplement to Polo Players’ Edition A publication of the United States Polo Association®

INTERCOLLEGIATE/INTERSCHOLASTIC

2020 I/I MAGAZINE DEPARTMENTS

COVER:

EXCELLENCE: 13-year-old Morgan Manos, competes in the Middle School tournament hosted by his home club, Central Coast Polo Club aboard his pony, Foxy.

PC: Molly V Morris for Essence Captured

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2019 I/I Tournament Winners 2019 PTF I/I Players of The Year I/I Goes International Life After I/I: Alumni National Youth Tournament Series View From The Crow’s Nest From the Horse’s Mouth I/I Team Rosters

FEATURES 30 44 55 58

Polo Fit Mustang Madness USPA College Scholarship Getting In the Game

PASSION. DEDICATION. EXCELLENCE. 2020 I/I Magazine A Publication of the United States Polo Association ® Editor: Amy Fraser Publication Assistant: Emily Dewey Publisher: United States Polo Association ® Prepress: Publishers Press USPA I/I Program Director: Amy Fraser USPA I/I Tournament Manager: Emily Dewey USPA I/I Program Coordinator: Ali Davidge USPA I/I Chairman: David Wenning United States Polo Association ® 9011 Lake Worth Road Lake Worth, FL 33467 1-800-232-USPA uspa@uspolo.org USPOLO.ORG facebook.com/iipolo No part of this issue may be reproduced by any mechanical, photographic or electronic process without written permission of the publisher.

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Welcome to the 2020 I/I Tournament Season! As we gear up for another action-packed season, we

can’t help but reflect on 2019. What a year it was! For the first time in history we combined the Open and Girls’ National Interscholastic Championship into the same event, and crowned Prestonwood Polo Club (Open) and Maryland Polo Club (Girls’) champs once again. The combined event made for a bigger and better tournament, with more players and horses and fun all in one weekend. At the National Intercollegiate Championships we witnessed a double-double (with a side of fries) – when Texas A&M Men and Women both repeated as National Champs. The National Alumni Tournament – the Feldman Cup – made its debut in the Mid States Circuit hosted by Detroit Polo Club, and the Middle School tournaments closed out our year with another successful season and many new young athletes coming into the sport.

In the fall of 2019 we also lost our beloved I/I Chairman David Wenning. David loved all aspects of I/I polo from the players, to the parents, the horses, and yes, even the coaches! Though he swore he had a real job, he was so invested in the I/I program that he always had time to read an email, take a phone call, and travel to as many I/I events as he could. He had a passion for youth polo and truly believed in the spirit of I/I. Starting them young was his motto, and he often joked (at least we hoped he was joking!) that his next greatest program for the USPA was going to be “Diapers & Divots.” Stay tuned….

One aspect that David championed was Equine Welfare. To him, the horses were the most important part of the team in I/I polo and he worked to be sure every decision that was made had the horses’ best interest first. One initiative coming out of the Summer Development series in 2019 was the addition of the Horsemanship Award at each of our I/I tournaments, from Middle School through our National Alumni tournament. The award will be voted on by the Host Tournament Committee and given to the player who exhibits excellent horsemanship both on and off the field. We will be naming the USPA National Intercollegiate Championship Horsemanship Award in David’s honor.

David meant so much to all of us, not only on a professional level but on a personal level as well. He led by example that family comes first and spoke often and proudly of his son, Mike, and daughter, Kristen. He would have wanted to be sure we shared with you our joy as our own families grew this year, when Emily and I both welcomed daughters in 2019. Hazel (Fraser) in January, and Eleanor (Dewey) in July. I only hope I don’t embarrass my daughter too much when I’m cheering ferociously on the sidelines in I’m sure what will feel like only a few years!

As we pack up our gear bags and rack up those flight miles (“Boy, will our arms be tired!”) and prepare for another whirlwind of a tournament season, we wish all teams the best of luck this year. Have fun, play hard, and give your ponies lots of treats!

David Wenning I/I Chairman 1955-2019

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

John Quincy Adams

See you in the arena, Amy Fraser Director, I/I Polo

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Northeastern Regional Cornell University

Central Regional Texas A&M University

Southeastern Regional University of Virginia

Western Regional Cal Poly

2019 USPA MEN’S NATIONAL INTERCOLLEGIATE

CHAMPIONS Texas A&M University Christian Aycinena, Fritz Felhaber, Mariano Silva and Colton Valentine with Coach Mike McCleary

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Northeastern Regional Cornell University

Central Regional Texas A&M University

Southeastern Regional University of Virginia

Western Regional Cal Poly

2019 USPA WOMEN’S NATIONAL INTERCOLLEGIATE

CHAMPIONS Texas A&M University Marissa Wells, Ally Vaughn, and Hannah Reynolds with Coach Mike McCleary

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Northeastern Regional Gardnertown Polo Club - Varsity

Central Regional Prestonwood Polo Club

Southeastern Regional Maryland Polo Club

Western Regional Lakeside Polo Club

2019 USPA OPEN NATIONAL INTERSCHOLASTIC

CHAMPIONS Prestonwood Polo Club Niklaus Felhaber, Johann Felhaber and Vance Miller III with Coach Vaughn Miller

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Northeastern Regional Boston Polo Club

Central Regional Houston Polo Club

Southeastern Regional Maryland Polo Club

Western Regional Maui Polo Club

2019 USPA GIRLS’ NATIONAL INTERSCHOLASTIC

CHAMPIONS Maryland Polo Club Abbie Grant, Catie Stueck, Olivia Reynolds and Sophie Grant with Coach Kelly Wells

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OPEN PRELIMINARIES

WOMEN’S PRELIMINARIES Western Preliminary Stanford University

Central Preliminary Commonwealth Polo Club Northeastern Preliminary Yale Polo Club

Southeastern Preliminary II Aiken Polo Club

Northeastern Preliminary Yale University

Southeastern Preliminary University of Michigan

GIRLS’ PRELIMINARIES

Southeastern Preliminary I Lancaster Polo Club - WTR

Western Preliminary Central Coast Polo Club Southeastern Preliminary Aiken Polo Club

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Northeastern Preliminary Buffalo Polo Club

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MIDDLE SCHOOL

Houston Polo Club Houston Blue

Garrison Forest School Maryland

Marlan Farm Polo Club Drumcliffe Grey

Yale Polo Club Team 5

Battlefield Park Polo Club Maryland

Lakeside Polo Club Blue Team

Buffalo Polo Club Post Time

Gardnertown Polo Club Gardnertown Dark Green Central Coast Polo Club South Bay Blue 14

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Maui Polo Club Maui White

Aiken Polo Club Lazy R I/I MAGAZINE - 2020

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PTF MALE INTERCOLLEGIATE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Christian Aycinena Texas A&M University

I grew up in Guatemala City, Guatemala, surrounded

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Woodfin twins were a big part of my success during my by horses and a family that loved everything polo. For as first two years at Texas A&M. “Playing polo with Christian was an eventful time at A&M. long as I can remember my biggest role model was my father who played professional polo through his late 30’s. At first, it was quite funny seeing a Guatemalan that played I grew up playing with the best coach possible to me, predominately outdoor polo try to transition to playing in the arena. We all knew when availabile 24/7. So from the very he got the hang of it, he was beginning polo was not just the “My polo career at Texas A&M going to be one hard person sport I loved, but it was filled has been one filled with lessons, to beat. Which is why he won with people I love. Most of my favorite memories include amazing people, and a lot of joy.” three national championships out of the four years he a horse and mallet—polo has played. Christian is an been and will continue to be awesome guy and always fun my favorite outlet. As I reflect on the honor that is being named Intercollegiate Player to be around on and off the field, even though he blasted of Year, I can’t help but think of the amazing people that a backshot into my chest (no hard feelings). My favorite surrounded me and ultimately brought me here. That is moment of the many games I played with him was at the why I wanted to share my career not from my eyes but Field Tournament at Cornell. We ended up barely losing to Cornell and I was very frustrated because I felt like we from those incredible people.

My first year at Texas A&M I navigated a new sport, as could play better. I didn’t really talk to anyone afterwards anyone who has played outdoor their whole life will tell you until Christian pulled me aside and said, ‘Dalton D, why about arena. Cacho Galindo was a force to be reckoned are you so upset man you played the best game I’ve seen you play! If there’s anybody that should be upset it’s me in the arena and I was lucky to have learned by his side.

“When Christian first arrived at A&M, I knew he would and Casey, we let you down.’ To show that ownership at a have a big impact on our team that year. The year before young age made me respect him even more than I already we had made it to the finals and lost. After talking about did. Christian showed leadership qualities both on and off it with my parents, they thought that our team lacked the the field which is why he succeeded in his four years of physical toughness needed to win that game. So, when playing intercollegiate polo and will continue to succeed in I heard we had a new player coming I was excited and his endeavors moving forward.” – Dalton Woodfin Since freshman year, I formed a strong friendship with hoped he could help the team. When I met Christian, I knew then that this was going to be the year we would Gideon, and his real passion for polo and his authentic win because our team would have the talent and physical self are some of my favorite things that he brought to the toughness to see it through. I remember the phone call team. I was lucky to have shared a national championship with my parents after I met Christian telling them how built on his last year of college.

“It’s an amazing feeling to win a national championship, he was. They were just as excited as I was to have him on our team. The rest is history we won the championship and it’s a bond shared between teammates that cannot be that year because he was just a force to be reckoned with broken. It’s something extra special and albeit rare when you get to do it with one of your best friends. Christian and in the arena! He is a machine.” – Cacho Galindo I was lucky that I had an incredible team that not only I shared feeding schedules for three years, rode together, became incredible role models but great friends. The partied together, and lost games together. Yet our ability continued on page 24 I/I MAGAZINE - 2020

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PTF DANIEL J. WALLACE JR. FEMALE INTERCOLLEGIATE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Marissa Wells Texas A&M University

“I have competed in I/I polo for twelve consecutive years and in that time I have made many long lasting friendships.”

I/I polo has always been such an important part of

my life and always will be. I have had the privilege of growing up playing a lot of arena polo as a child. With an arena in my backyard I had the opportunity to practice everyday which was quite beneficial. Naturally, I fell in love with arena polo.

I recall from a young age I would sit in the corner of our arena in Freeland, Maryland, watching my mom, Kelly Wells, coaching her I/I teams. I dreamed of the day I could play on the team. I started interscholastic polo in fifth grade, later the USPA made a rule that kids must be older to start. From middle school through high school I competed on the Maryland interscholastic team, winning three national championships.

After graduating from high school, I embarked on my journey to Texas A&M to play for their Intercollegiate team. In my first two years we made it to the finals but were faced with strong opponents. My last two years at A&M proved more successful and we brought home the championship. We made school history in 2018 and 2019, a rare double-double National Championship victory as both the men’s and women’s teams won. I love

my fellow Aggies and would not have wanted to win with any other teammates.

I have competed in I/I polo for twelve consecutive years and in that time I have made many long lasting friendships. I have traveled across the U.S. competing in many arenas playing on a variety of different horses. I have had some of the best experiences playing in the I/I program. I/I polo provides youth with many opportunities to play in competitive arena polo and it will continue to do so into the future. The long lasting effect I/I has on people is quite remarkable. I’m excited to be giving back to the I/I program as I have taken a position teaching youth polo and coaching three interscholastic teams in Virginia.

I want to thank the USPA and the PTF for honoring me with the Women’s Intercollegiate Player of the Year and continuing to recognize arena players who work hard and love the sport. I also want to thank my mom, my first coach and my riding instructor, for providing me with the opportunity to become the strong person and player I am today.

Work hard and good things will follow! Thanks and Gig ‘em!

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PTF FEMALE INTERSCHOLASTIC PLAYER OF THE YEAR Abbie Grant Maryland Polo Club

Horses have been a part of my life for as long as I can

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two more national titles. The end of the 2018 season was remember. I started riding when I was three years old and a bitter sweet moment for the four of us because Maddie I grew up doing hunter-jumpers with my sisters, Maddie graduated. Those four years with that team hold some (20) and Sophie (16). Like many other young kids, I tried of my favorite memories from my years in interscholastic other sports but I never gave up riding. To me, nothing else polo. Despite being sad that Maddie would no longer be could compare to the rush I got when riding horses. One on the team with us, I was super excited for the 2019 weekend, while my sisters and I were still quite young, season because that was my first year being captain. my family went and watched a game at the Maryland After a long season of hard work and adjusting to the new Polo Club. After that day, Maddie told our parents that dynamic without Maddie, we made it back to Nationals she wanted to play polo. Our parents told us we could where we won the 2019 Girls’ National Interscholastic switch to polo when Championship. we were 10 years Being able to win “Polo has taught me many things, like old. When Maddie as captain made hard work and perseverance, but the most started playing polo, I my last season in wanted nothing to do important thing it taught me is how to believe interscholastic polo with it. I had my little all the more special. in myself.” show pony, Jack, Although I’ve had who I was so in love a lot of success, with, and I couldn’t imagine giving him up. Eventually, like my career in polo has had its ups and downs. Because all younger siblings, I followed in my older sisters footsteps I started playing at a high level at a very young age, the and decided to try polo. From that very first lesson, I was intensity of the sport was a lot for me to handle at times. hooked.

During the first few years on the team, I would often get A few years later, when I was in seventh grade, I was lucky overwhelmed at our big games and start to doubt myself. enough to get a spot on the Maryland Girls Varsity team. I It took me many years before I could play in bigger games was so excited because I was getting to play with Maddie without the pressure I felt causing me to shut down. and Marissa Wells, two girls who I looked up to a lot. That Throughout those years, I had the constant support of year, our team won the 2014 Girls’ National Interscholastic my team and my coach, as well as my parents. They Championship. I will never forget what that felt like. A encouraged me every step of the way and always believed year later, after Marissa had graduated, Sophie and Catie in me, especially when I was having a hard time believing Stueck joined me and Maddie on the varsity team. After in myself. Polo has taught me many things, like hard work a close loss that year at regionals, we were fortunate to and perseverance, but the most important thing it taught get selected as the wild card for Nationals. In the month me is how to believe in myself. The 2019 National final leading up to Nationals, our team worked incredibly hard, game was a reminder of just how far I’ve come. After a and we won the 2016 Girls’ National Interscholastic close first half, instead of being worried and letting that Championship. Although I had won two Nationals before, affect how I played, I went back on the field confident in this one was different. We were the youngest team to both myself and my team and it payed off. ever win Girls’ Nationals and it was even better because I I am incredibly honored to have been chosen as the 2019 got to win with my two sisters and Catie by my side. Our PTF Interscholastic Female Player of the Year. I would like team stayed the same for the next three years, winning to thank both the USPA and the PTF for honoring me continued on page 24 I/I MAGAZINE - 2020

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PTF RUSSELL A. SHELDON MALE INTERSCHOLASTIC PLAYER OF THE YEAR Parker Pearce Maryland Polo Club

I am extremely honored to be recognized as the recipient

KAYLEE USPA WROE 22

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right into a Middle School Tournament hosted at Marlan of the 2019 Russell A. Sheldon Interscholastic PTF Player Farm. I had my first tournament win with new friends that I had never met before and it exploded from there. I of the Year Award.

Receiving this award has made me reflect on all the had an interesting perspective on the game as our team years of Interscholastic Polo that I have been fortunate was without a doubt composed of the smallest boys in interscholastic polo. enough to experience.

Nonetheless, Kelly I would like to share “Without the dedication of my teammates, taught us how to with you the passion, guidance from my coach, and the play as a team and determination, and the challenge ourselves village it took to earn ongoing support of my parents, my time to get better every this award. Without in Interscholastic polo would never have day. Over time, we the dedication of my made such an impact on my life.” were able to work teammates, guidance so well together that from my coach, and the ongoing support of my parents, my time in Interscholastic we knew each other’s plays before they even happened.

That year we made it to Southeastern Regionals, but lost polo would never have made such an impact on my life.

As a teenager, I played many sports at The Gilman in the finals. After that game we developed a bond and School, where I spent the majority of my educational life. combined passion to grow together and win a national Sports are a requirement at Gilman and I wanted to play title.

I will never forget the following season as we worked all of them: soccer, lacrosse, squash, rock climbing, and golf. Win, lose, or tie, I learned to share the joy of athletics tirelessly every week and weekend to achieve our goal. with my classmates. For me, team bonding began in Through a stroke of luck, we received a wild card to Middle School. As more boys entered Gilman, we found Nationals in Texas that year. Unfortunately, we were not ourselves forming relationships with new players. As high able to pull out a victory, but placed third in the nation and school approached most of my friends began to specialize learned a lot more from this loss than we would ever have in one sport. The dynamics changed for each of us, as did gained from winning.

We still were not a physically big team the following year, our athletic interests. Some boys only had aspirations to play a sport for fun in high school, others like me, were but Brennan, Jack, and I continued to put forth an intensity hoping to continue to play their favorite sport in college. and work ethic that developed our skills to new heights.

Unlike my college bound lacrosse and golfing buddies, While coaching three other teams, Kelly managed to take I had an additional unique athletic interest outside of us all over the country to compete. She even arranged a few games against college teams. Eventually the time and Gilman, polo.

Fortunately, Gilman was in full support of my passion effort we had put in paid off and after a close final against for polo. This desire to play polo competitively led me to Houston Polo Club, we finally had our title.

Another year older and wiser, I began my last season Marlan Farm and in September 2014, Kelly Wells, her son Brennan Wells, and Jack McLean welcomed me on to with Brennan and Jack. We wanted a repeat National the team. I was in eighth grade and I remember jumping win more than anything as Brennan and Jack would be

continued on page 24 I/I MAGAZINE - 2020

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...Player of the Year, continued: Christian:

to put our thoughts together, optimistic and ambitious is what I’ll remember the most. We were so in sync about our team goals, visualization, and leadership tactics that being on the same team felt serendipitous.” – Gideon Kotkowski My first year as captain I had the opportunity to be the leader that the Woodfins, Cacho and Gideon had been to me. I shared the field with a completely new team during my last two years of college, but we quickly formed a good team chemistry on and off the field. Fritz’s cool demeanor and ability to ride any horse are some of the strengths that helped the team win two consecutive national championships.

“My experiences playing for the Texas A&M polo team have been incredibly vast and memorable. Having the opportunity to play alongside teammates like Christian have taught me great values and lessons. We traveled to different regions of the country for two years competing against the top teams in intercollegiate polo. All the hard work and sacrifices we had to make to be successful as a team molded me into the individual I am today. Christian set the example on how to properly balance work and play, while showing that no ambition is too high with true teamwork.” – Fritz Felhaber Besides my teammates, I was extremely grateful to have an amazing support system outside the field. I couldn’t have accomplished all of these without my girlfriend, Sofia Gumucio.

“The way Christian plays polo is a reflection of who he is as a person. Strong, dedicated, and (for the most part) calm. No one can argue his talent and ability to manage himself through a field, but that is not what is most impressive about him. Whether it was those on his team, or those on the opposing team, everyone had the utmost respect for him because of the integrity he has.

Having watched him for three years of those four at Texas A&M it has been a pleasure to watch him grow into an incredible leader for his teammates and that he brought his most special quality to polo— inspiring those around him to be better.” – Sofia Gumucio My polo career at Texas A&M has been one filled with lessons, amazing people, and a lot of joy. I feel lucky that polo was able to be such a big part of my college career, and even more so for the fact that it gave me the opportunity to study in this country.

Abbie:

with this award and for providing an amazing community for me to grow in and be a part of. Through both the interscholastic tournaments and Polo Training Foundation (PTF) clinics, I’ve had the opportunity to meet many other amazing young players, some of whom have become close friends. Growing up in the sport, I got told many 24

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times “polo is a small world.” Although that was something I used to find annoying, it is now something I’ve grown to love. I can’t imagine another sport where after traveling across an ocean for university, I run into people who know the same people from polo, and that is something I think is really special about this sport.

I would also like to thank my amazing coach, Kelly Wells, for all that she has done for me. I would not be half the player I am today if not for her. When I first arrived at Marlan Farm, I could tell immediately how special it was.

Kelly’s farm not only became my happy place, it became my second home and the people there, my second family.

Even when I was having a bad day, I always looked forward to practice. No matter what level her students are, Kelly instills a love of horses and hard work into every person that she teaches, and we are all better for having been coached by her.

To Maddie, Sophie, and Catie, thank you guys for always being there for me. Even during games when I was having a hard time, you guys always supported and encouraged me. I love you three so much, and I can’t imagine not having had you guys as teammates. Lastly I’d like to thank my parents for their constant support and love.

Parker:

going off to college the next year. With the support of my Gilman golf coach holding a spot for me on the Varsity Golf team, Kelly providing our favorite ponies, and all of us missing a week of school, our parents once again drove us to Cornell, a mere five hours away. In 2018, we finished up our four years together as National Champions once again.

I played my last year of I/I Polo with an amazing young team comprised of two girls and two boys. We travelled to Texas for Nationals and earned third place in the Open Division. My final season I found myself bonded to new teammates and grateful for the hours Kelly and our parents put in to make it all possible.

I hope others will view my I/I experience as an inspiration for young players, coaches and parents. It is now Fall of 2019, and I am fortunate enough to be reunited with Brennan and Jack at UVA as we enter our first year of intercollegiate polo together with an additional teammate and fast friend Nachi Viana. The USPA and the PTF offer an incredible platform for developing polo players and providing competitive Intercollegiate/Interscholastic polo, but the main message I wish to convey is that if you really want to enjoy I/I polo, make sure to form friendships with your teammates and opponents, respect your coach, be grateful for the animals that make our sport possible, and acknowledge the time your parents sacrifice in order for you to chase your dream.

USPA play competitive outdoor polo against their peers from the local to the National level.

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL CLUB TO SIGN-UP FOR A QUALIFIER. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE NYTS PROGRAM PLEASE CONTACT: NYTS@uspolo.org

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INTERNATIONAL INTERCOLLEGIATE CHALLENGE CUP

USPA I/I vs SUPA Britain Demitra Hajimihalis - University of Virginia - ‘20

The

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United States Polo Association’s Intercollegiate/ adjust. Even though our injured player could not play, she Interscholastic Polo Program provided me with an greatly contributed to our game strategy and supported incredible opportunity last winter. I was extremely us off of the field. As we all know, it takes a village between fortunate to have been selected for the 2019 International players, horse strings, venue, and more to coordinate a Intercollegiate Challenge Cup match. Each year, I/I and polo match, which involves many off-field components.

SUPA Britain (Schools & Universities Polo Association) pick To me, what happens off the field and in between chukkers teams comprised of collegiate players from participating can be what makes or breaks an individual, or team, in the collegiate teams to make a four-man team. Each team game. I would like to highlight and thank our esteemed then executes a three-man rotation format for the arena coaches and mentors for the game; without the wise match. The location alternates between the countries words of these individuals we could not have performed to enhance global connectivity and create a fair playing as we did. Emily Dewey, Tommy Biddle, Pelon Escapite, ground for each team, as Steve Krueger, the rules of the game vary Carlucho Arellano, and “Establishing connections and sharing between countries.

Cristina Fernandez such unique experiences with one This year, the match all provided Team took place on January 25, USA with strategic, another creates a newly appreciated 2019, at the International and even life level of collaboration beyond the general mental, Polo Club in Wellington, advice which lead us scope.”

Florida. It was an exciting to victory. We learned time as the new arena a new trick of the at IPC was just completed, and because Wellington is trade as well from Steve Krueger when he gave Liam Lott the Winter Equestrian Capital of the World. Team USA a rubber dish glove to play with in order to prevent the was comprised of Fiona McBride-Luman from California reins from slipping through his fingers. It was unfortunately Polytechnic State University, Liam Lott from Skidmore pouring down rain for the majority of the match, but the College, Christian Aycinena from Texas A&M University, new arena at IPC was well-suited for these conditions and and myself from the University of Virginia. Team Britain allowed the ball to fly. The match was fast, furious, wet, was comprised of Robyn Evans, James (Sticky) Glew, and so much fun. It is amazing that the USPA streamed Jamie Grayson, and Michal Zurawski. The match was this event as well. Unfortunately, my family was unable to good-natured and extremely competitive. The USPA and attend, but thanks to the livestream, they were all able to Dardo Iglesias provided us with incredible mounts. My watch together in Baltimore, Maryland. The USPA Polo favorite horse was Anna, who I rode in the last chukker. Network also allowed for our opponents’ families to watch Team USA came out of the gates slightly flat-footed and from across the pond. unfortunately one of our players had a bad fall and was What made it the most fun was that we were playing unable to continue the match. The way that our mentors, with and against new friends. We were able to spend a teammates and opponents handled the situation was with lot of time with our team and opponents which was my a caring nature, patience and support. Having started a favorite part of the experience. Establishing connections little slow, being a man down with the four-man rotation, and sharing such unique experiences with one another and playing against top collegiate competitors, we had to creates a newly appreciated level of collaboration beyond I/I MAGAZINE - 2020

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the general scope. We all have in common this one positive, adrenaline-filled, amazing weekend and match.

I think it is also what made the match so fun; the fact that we were able to get to know our opponents off the field and for us to have such great times together, makes playing a lot more fun. There was a level of respect in that arena between all players that I have never experienced before. If we would go hard into a play, we would check on each other teammates and opponents. That level of care and element of safety allowed me to truly give it my all.

Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Polo not only provided me with this incredible opportunity, but has also aided me to pursue Music, Philosophy, and Business at a premier academic institution: the University of Virginia. I/I Polo administers vital skills off and on the polo field creating

well-rounded student-athletes with exemplary mentors.

I/I offers a wide range of opportunities, such as this one, for its participants. Without I/I and Virginia Polo, I would not have been prepared for this experience. Without I/I and Virginia Polo, I would not have capitalized on the connections provided during this experience. Thank you greatly to Emily Dewey and Amy Fraser for spearheading this experience and making it an amazing weekend and being the ultimate team moms. Furthermore, as the best is always saved for last, I would like to greatly thank my father and my family. Without their support, I would not be where I am today or able to have experiences like these.

I encourage everyone to apply for opportunities like this, even if you are not confident you will be selected, you never know what will happen! Put yourself out there and make lemonade.

CHUKKER BREAK Interscholastic Player Pipa Campbell gives back on a Global Level ABOVE: 2019 USPA International Intercollegiate Challenge Cup Champions: USA. Christian Aycinena (Texas A&M), Demitra Hajimihalis (UVA), Liam Lott (Skidmore), and Fiona McBride-Luman (Cal Poly). BELOW: Liam Lott from Skidmore, explodes down field. PC: David Lominska

Pipa Campbell,(Sarasota Interscholastic Team) whose parents are originally from South Africa, has made several trips back to visit family and friends. There is a lot of poverty in Africa, with the majority of people in rural areas not having access to running water or electricity. On their most recent visit, Pippa really noticed the hardship people endured having to walk miles to fetch a bucket of water that would then have to sustain them for the week. Her 20-minute showers suddenly took on a whole new meaning. She decided she wanted to do something to at least help a few people so with the help of others she put together a polo fundraiser. Jaymie Klauber, owner of Epic Polo Club in Sarasota, Florida, helped Pippa organize the event at her club. With the generous donations of wonderful sponsors and spectators, Pippa raised over $5,000. She then sent the money to her aunt, who farms in a remote part of Zambia. Annabel and her husband Chris helped coordinate the building of the wells in two small villages and within six months the wells were up and running. Pippa’s vision and determination to make it happen has changed many folks lives in such a positive way. As you will see from the pictures, the smiles on the villagers faces speak a thousand words. One day Pippa hopes to be able to go and visit the villages and meet some of the happy village folks.

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POLO FIT Research Study in Partnership with MSU Kinesiology Department Anna Munie (‘02) and Abby Pritchard (‘20) - Michigan State University

“Really? I didn’t know horseback riders were athletes! Doesn’t the horse do all the work?”

It’s a question that many polo players hear throughout their lifetime. While a polo player knows full well how mentally and physically taxing the sport can be, the general public often remains unaware of these demands.

This was the case for Abby Pritchard, a Ph.D. candidate in Animal Science researching equine exercise physiology and nutrition at Michigan State University (MSU) and member of the MSU Polo Club. She was asked this exact question when taking a Kinesiology class at MSU taught by assistant professor David Ferguson, Ph.D. After class, Pritchard approached Dr. Ferguson and gave him more background on exactly what polo requires from an athletic perspective. During this discussion, Dr. Ferguson realized that the physical requirements and exertion of a polo player seemed to have significant similarities to some of his current research measuring the human performance of race car drivers. In his research, drivers wear equipment that measure a variety of physiological responses; results are then analyzed to see how much physical stress and exertion race car drivers experience, as well as what variables influence their performance. Pritchard and Dr. Ferguson realized there was no reason that this same approach couldn’t be applied to polo, and with some volunteers from the MSU Polo Club, a semester long study on human performance in arena polo began.

The study was designed to include riding, stick-andballing, as well as playing full chukkers. During each session, participants wore specific testing equipment that allowed Dr. Ferguson and Pritchard to collect the following data on each player:

-Heart Rate

-Ventilation (volume of air passing in and out

of the lungs)

-VO2 (oxygen uptake)

-Respiratory Exchange Ratio (ratio between

carbon dioxide produced and oxygen used)

-Rate of Perceived Exertion (how hard the

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To get these measurements, players wore a sealed mask, heart rate monitor, and mobile respiratory gas analyzer underneath a protective vest. They then performed a very strict testing protocol that included timed periods of walk, trot, and canter in each direction. This warmup was followed by a “free choice” period of time in which the player could warm up for the upcoming chukker however they saw fit. Finally, full arena polo chukkers were played with other members of the study. Players continued to wear the equipment between chukkers and during cool down to determine exact differences in performance before, during, and after play.

Not surprisingly, there were a lot of challenges associated with setting up and using this specialized equipment in a polo setting. “Being in charge of organizing the study, and having to set up the equipment, was definitely the most challenging aspect” said Pritchard. “The equipment was borrowed from the MSU Kinesiology department, and it took a little while to figure out how to set it up and get it working properly in a barn environment filled with horses.

This equipment had never really been used outside of a laboratory setting.” Things didn’t get any easier for the participants wearing the equipment. All MSU Polo Club members who participated in the study agreed that they had to re-adjust their entire swing while riding and wearing the equipment; the mask especially was very bulky, and restricted players’ vision of the arena, and even the ball, at times.

As if wearing what amounted to a fighter jet mask and battery pack while playing polo wasn’t difficult enough, each participating player also had to complete a VO2max test once all the data was collected. “Basically, you run on a treadmill at increasing speeds and elevation until you fall off” joked most participants as they got set up to perform the test. The VO2max test, which measures maximal oxygen uptake, allowed Dr. Ferguson and Pritchard to baseline maximum exertion efforts against what the players experienced while playing polo during the study.

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regular riding, playing polo, and resting. “We were looking for the variables that influenced performance the most” said Dr. Ferguson. “It was the same equipment standard, testing protocol, and data analysis that can be applied to any performance sport or athlete. We just adjusted it and applied it to polo in this case.”

So what were the results? Not surprisingly, polo players in the study experienced significant increases in heart rate, oxygen uptake, and respiratory rates- increases that mirror other athletic sports. Dr. Ferguson was somewhat surprised by the amount of specific cor relation there was between polo players and race car drivers. “What we saw in polo was similar to what race car drivers experience during the peaks and excitement of a race.” The initial results also left no doubt in his mind regarding the athletic ability of polo players. “It takes a lot of muscle contraction and energy to play polo. There are measureable differences in metabolic rates during chukkers versus other times.

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you could take with this data and apply to different areas of polo, including performance and metabolic differences between amateurs versus pros, men versus women, grass versus arena. This information could be very useful in how players may have to train and prepare differently.”

Regardless of potential future steps, the study is groundbreaking in terms of applying human performance testing to polo. Since 1967, there have been only ten publications on human performance testing and physiological responses as applied to horseback riding.

Of those ten, only one was specific to polo in measuring heart rates. Compare that to the eight hundred publications every year on sports such as football and basketball, and it is clear that MSU Polo and MSU Kinesiology are paving new ground with regards to human performance testing in the polo world.

The study and results are currently accepted for publication by Translational Sports Medicine, and a technical poster on the initial results was presented at the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting.

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QUESTIONS FOR MIA BRAY Oklahoma State University Alum and GAUNTLET OF POLO Champion DAVID LOMINSKA

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1. How did you get started in polo and how did you find yourself playing polo at Oklahoma State?

I grew up surrounded by polo but as a kid took very little interest in the sport. My dad and brother both played professionally and my mom rode as well, so horses were a huge part of my life. When I was a young, I tended towards jumping because I thought polo “was for boys,” but when I finally gave polo a shot as a teenager I fell in love with the speed and intensity. I was recruited at Oklahoma State University (OSU) to compete on the equestrian team, and when I found out they also had a polo team I was sold on attending. I transferred to OSU as a sophomore and rode on the equestrian team and played with the polo team until I graduated.

2. What is your favorite thing about I/I polo and playing for Oklahoma State?

Like many collegiate teams, the OSU team was comprised mostly of beginners. I have always enjoyed being able to share the sport of polo with new members who also have a passion for horses, or members whom are often learning to ride for the very first time. But without a doubt, the best part about playing college polo is getting to be on a team and play with great friends.

3. Tell us about your opportunity to play in the USPA C.V. Whitney Cup, first leg of the GAUNTELET OF POLOTM series, 22-goal tournament.

After graduating and spending the next few months playing at Eldorado Polo Club then Santa Barbara Polo & Raquet Club, I made the move to Florida for my first season on the East Coast. I wanted to experience the Florida circuit and make connections in the polo community outside of my home clubs. During my first few weeks in Florida, my boss, Max Secunda was talking with a friend of his about substitutes for the upcoming season. His friend happened to be the manager of Pilot polo team. Max recommended me for the position to be the alternate for the sponsor during the 20- and 22-goal season.

Not long after, I was invited to play a practice and try out for the position. A few weeks went by and I received the most exciting phone call of my life. Pilot asked if I was interested in playing with them for the first game of the C.V. Whitney Cup 22-goal tournament. My teammates were Facundo Pieres, Gonzalito Pieres, and Matias Gonzalez.

4. What was it like to play with the Pieres brothers?

My learning experience began long before I got on the field. I started my morning on game day nervously sitting in the barn burning my tongue on yerba mate with some of the best minds and talent in polo. I listened as Facundo and Gonzalito discuss a game plan more advanced than I had ever heard before. They gave me instructions and their expectations before we headed to the team tent. Their high expectations of what I could do on the field gave me confidence. They treated me like a true part of the team, someone that they could use on the field and count on during the game.

Every play on the field was a positive experience for me. I either made a good play and was rewarded, or made a mistake that I could learn from. Each game my team’s expectations for me grew and my job became harder. However, as I adjusted to the speed of the polo, I learned how to be quicker and execute the plays better. I played with determination to receive the approval of my teammates, because I know it is not often a woman would be chosen for this position. It was very important to me that I made it worth their while, for myself, for the team, and for the next female player being considered for an opportunity to play high goal.

5. If you had one piece of advice for aspiring young polo players, what would it be?

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The advice I would give to an aspiring young player is to seek out guidance in the sport. I have been lucky enough to have many important mentors that have helped me grow as a player and in the industry of polo. Absorb as much as you can when help is offered and seek out criticism to improve your game.

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U.S. POLO ASSN. Collegiate Brand Ambassadors

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U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), will again be outfitting competitive college polo players through its nationwide College Partnership Program (CPP). Through this partnership, complete game attire, including performance jerseys, equipment gear bags, white pants and polo shirts will be given to the participating USPA college polo teams along with a financial donation. In turn, the players will be wearing official U.S. Polo Assn. clothing while competing in games, running around campus, as well as during guest appearances and media interviews throughout the upcoming collegiate polo season.

“As the official brand of the sport of polo in the U.S. it’s important for us to give back to the young players who represent the future of the sport,” explains USPAGL president and CEO, J. Michael Prince. “The opportunity to connect with amazing young talent who represent U.S. Polo Assn. and our core values on and off the playing field is just another way for us to give back to the sport we love and connect authentically with consumers and sports fans around the world.”

A total of 29 schools have signed up to be a part of this year’s partnership program, representing 45 collegiate teams with 28 women’s teams and 17 men’s teams. The schools range from East Coast to West Coast, such as Yale and Stanford, and from large public schools to small private ones like Texas A&M and Skidmore.

“Being part of the Collegiate Polo Program is great exposure for us as students, as well as for our team and our school as we continue to play and promote the sport this season,” said Sofia Cianchi, a senior at Yale University studying economics and art history, “We love all the gear from U.S. Polo Assn., because it works very well for our games, and it looks great. Our team really appreciates the sponsorship and encouragement again this year!”

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Louisville

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UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

UW MADISON POLO Polo Club at Virginia Tech

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LIFE AFTER I/I Texas Arena League Robin Sanchez

Texas Arena League (TAL) will be starting

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its third year in 2020. In its beginning seasons, over fifty percent of the players in the League are current or former I/I players. Texas Arena League provides fun and competitive arena polo during the winter in Texas. Teams and players come from all around the state and beyond; Oklahoma, Arizona, New Mexico and Arkansas. There are 0- to 3-goal and 3- to 6-goal divisions and teams get points from their games at each location based on win, loss, or tie to decide overall league winners. Points are also awarded for Most Valuable Player, Sportsmanship and Best Playing Pony for end of league awards. For 2020, TAL is adding a 6- to 9-goal division, a C flight for new/ beginner players and a High Point I/I Alum award. There is also a great list of award sponsors, including U.S. Polo Assn., Catena USA, Nutrena, Jackrabbit Tack, Pro Chukker, Galvin Agency – American National Insurance, Superior ABOVE: Texas Tech alum Mark Osburn was awarded the Fan Favorite in the Texas Arena Equine Sports Massage Therapy, Royal Legaue. LEFT: Pete Blake (Fort Worth IS, Texas Tech) and Loreto Nativiad (Midland IS), B Threads, Coldiron Cattle Company, engage in some fun competition. PC: David Murrell Elite Motion, and Culture-Hype.

Texas Arena League is played over four different than college polo because you don’t have to go to class weekends at three locations around the Lone Star State the next day!” Amanda Massey says with a smile. “It’s all – Two Wishes Polo Club in the Austin area (Lockhart, the friends that you played Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Texas), East Texas Polo Club at Legend’s Horse Ranch polo with plus new people. We all come together to play in the Dallas area (Lockhart, TX), and Midland Polo Club arena polo and have fun.” Amanda played for both the in West Texas (Midland, Texas). Some players and teams Fort Worth girls’ interscholastic team and Texas A&M. play throughout the entire league and others will come to Omar Polio, who started polo in college and is a recent one event that is closest to them. graduate, played on the Legend’s Horse Ranch team at “Brady Williams and I came up with the idea for Texas Two Wishes Polo Club during TAL. “When I started in Arena League because we missed that fun, camaraderie, the polo club at Texas A&M my senior year, one of the and travel that were such a big part of college polo,” first things I was told was that once you get into polo, it says Megan Flynn. “The League has grown exponentially becomes an addiction. They weren’t lying!” he laughed. every year. With the amount of interest we have for 2020, “After graduating, I knew I had to find a way to stay we are expecting around 90 players for the upcoming involved in this amazing sport and the Texas Arena League season,” Flynn continued. has given me that opportunity. The League has made “If you haven’t experienced Texas Arena League, it is better arena polo accessible to members who wouldn’t normally I/I MAGAZINE - 2020

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ELIZABETH HEDLEY

August Scherer (Culver IS, SMU) puts the ball in for a score against Stephen Lacy (Culver IS, Texas Tech) PC: David Murrell

CHUKKER BREAK Faith Hufford Rangel - University of Kentucky ‘10 Piggytrons Faith Hufford Rangel, is the co-author and creator of the polo inspired children’s book “Adventures of the Piggytrons.” Faith a graduate from the University of Kentucky, was a founding member of the UK polo team.

After graduation in 2010 she began working in polo full time as a groom.

Around 2012 she was working for polo sponsors from New York, and that’s where Faith fell in love with their string of almost toy-like polo horses and they became the initial inspiration for her story.

During the 2013 Spring season in Aiken, South Carolina, Faith, working together with friend and now co-author Becky Gronczniak, started creating the storyline during morning sets and by that fall the story came to life on paper. In 2015 Faith and Becky self-published their children’s book in hopes to share their love of the sport and horses to a much younger generation.

“I grew up riding horses in Lexington, Kentucky, and had no idea polo even existed let alone was played there until the summer of my senior year of high school. My hope is that this book will inform horse crazy kids that this amazing sport is real and accessible.”

Faith continues to work in polo as a groom for Graymar Farms, a polo breeding and training operation.

“The Adventures of Piggytrons” is available for purchase on Amazon.

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be able to play in real tournament settings, and it’s great to see players from all around Texas come together every year. I’m looking forward to this upcoming tournament and hope I find an opportunity to play again!”

Ashley Owen learned to play polo while a student at Texas Tech University. She went on to coach the Midland Girls Interscholastic team to a Regional Championship. “The Texas Arena League has been the first opportunity for me to play competitive polo since I played in college,” she explained. “There was a pretty good gap of time after I played college polo until playing in the Texas Arena League when it started two years ago. In that gap I was doing more instructing and coaching. This League has given me the opportunity to get back to playing arena polo competitively like I did in college.” Ashley has not only been on a League-winning team each year but was voted Players’ Choice Competitor by the other participants in TAL. Mark Osburn is another Texas Tech grad who drifted away from the sport after college. “I didn’t live near any polo clubs, so there weren’t really any opportunities to stay in the sport. I ride regularly on the ranch though,” Osburn explained. “In 2018, my old college buddy, Seth Bray called me and asked if I wanted to play on his team for Texas Arena League in Midland. I thought ‘why not?’ and the bug bit. Last year I played on a 0- to 3-goal team with Brady Williams (Texas Tech). Then in Midland I entered a team in the 6- to 9-goal and in the 3- to 6-goal for the final leg of the Texas Arena League. I bought a couple horses and Brady and I played together in some other arena and grass tournaments around Texas.

2019 culminated with the invitation to play in the National Arena Amateur Cup and I was fortunate enough to be on the winning team. It has been an amazing year and my wife and kids have traveled with me to all of the events.”

Arena Leagues are becoming more popular with PCAL (Pacific Coast Arena League) in California, Texas Arena League and others starting around the country, they are a great way to stay in the sport or get back into polo after college.

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MUSTANG MADNESS I/I Umpire Training & Horsemanship Clinic Megan Judge - Cal Poly ‘99

Competition is the underlying commonality between all

the teams at Mustang Madness, but the emphasis is community, team building and a general fun time. As a way to promote the sport on the West Coast and build stronger teams to head into regionals and nationals, the Fall Fandango and Cornell’s Field Tournament are the blueprints to the three-day tournament that has become the go-to for I/I competition on the West Coast for early in the season.

The tournament runs sun up to sundown and usually has five to six games per day. The Cal Poly team invites one or two teams from outside the region and gets Stanford to help bring horses. As a way to recruit for Cal Poly and help the high school team get competitive early in the season, we also invite four to five interscholastic teams.

All the teams have duties and help with horses. Some horses are kept in stalls that are privately owned and others are kept in big pastures. We start recruiting for umpires during the summer at field and arena tournaments, looking for players that are intelligent, passionate, and ‘give back’ kind of people to be part of our clinic.

This year the USPA offered a horsemanship clinic by Joel Baker and Kathy Linfoot. Kathy Linfoot videoed all the games the first two days and Joel Baker reviewed all 44

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the games with the coaches and the players and watched their game film with them. Each player was filmed for three minutes during game play so that each had a real opportunity for feedback on their horsemanship and game play. Yasi Ainane, Stanford women’s team captain gave accolades to the event. “Riding evaluations with Joel Baker were a wonderful experience; he took riding back to the fundamentals and really explained how you can work alongside a horse during a chukker. Being able to see our riding from earlier that day was incredibly instructive and Joel’s years of experience saw any and every small adjustment that could make a significant difference.”

Bonnie Magill from Sutter Buttes added, “I thought Joel did a wonderful job asking each young player what their goals were and what they wanted to improve upon. My players were in awe to be working with such a high rated and experienced arena player.”

The USPA also subsidized the dragging, watering, the chalk, balls and sent two top umpire instructors, Robin Sanchez and Ronnie Hayes. To help keep it all organized the USPA also sent out a tournament manager, Amy James, to help keep everything running smoothly with regards to score sheets, duties, and umpires.

“Ronnie is a knowledgeable umpire who makes learning

ABOVE: Stanford and CSU women compete in the 2019 Mustang Madness at Central Coast Polo Club. LEFT: All the players work together to care for the horses over the weekend. PC: Janelle Ross

easy. Robin is a practical, detailed instructor that makes learning rules and execution fun. Mustang Madness was a streamlined series of fun fast games to both watch and learn as a novice umpire,” recalled Dale Johnson, an umpire trainee.

To summarize... we had 12 umpire trainees, 12 teams, and 16 games. 40 Central Coast Polo school horses and a mix of private horses onsite were utilized, and another 50 horses were hauled in. Thanks to Poway and Sherry Sheldon, Sutter Buttes and Bonnie Magill, Stanford, Empey Polo, South Bay and Francesca Finato.

Riley Spillar brought two womens teams from Colorado State and highlighted their take away. “ Mustang Madness was our first opportunity to compete this season. The video film reviews with Joel Baker and having him on the sidelines allowed us to come together as individuals and find our flow as a team. After watching the film from our first chukker to our twelfth chukker, it was apparent how much his words influenced our riding and gameplan. The progress from our first game to our last game was unbelievable. The whole weekend was such a great experience and a much needed escape away from the stress of college!” “‘Controlled Madness’ would be another name for Mustang Madness. The amount of players, parents,

friends, and horses that were hosted over the three days at Central Coast Polo Club. As a coach of two teams attending, I was really happy to have the opportunity for my players to be critiqued by Joel Baker and filmed by Kathy Linfoot. The filming that focused on each individual really gave time to see how their horsemanship could be improved,” remarked Sherry Sheldon, coach of the Poway girls’ interscholastic team.

Maggie Hine, a Westmont junior, summed up their weekend the best. “As a new team of rookie players, attending Mustang Madness was an invaluable experience.

The tournament brought together I/I teams from across the nation that don’t normally get to play together, which helps everyone kick start their season. For Westmont, it was helpful to see how more established programs operate. Additionally, being able to watch and evaluate film with Joel Baker was extremely helpful in revealing how we can improve our horsemanship and riding. Thanks to Joel, Kathy Linfoot, and Central Coast for an awesome tournament!”

It takes a village to promote and support our amazing sport of polo. It’s so great to have such a wonderful community of polo players in California! Thank you to the Polo Training Foundation, the Umpires LLC, the Polo Development LLC, and everyone that supported!

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WINSTON PAINTER From Middle School to NYTS Champ to Team USPA Hayley Heatley - Southern Methodist - ‘14

Winston Painter’s path to polo began in the hunter ring.

After taking his first polo lesson at eight years old, he quickly fell in love with the sport and never looked back.

Over the past eight years, Painter participated in almost every junior program offered by the USPA and recently was named as a member of Team USPA. Location and opportunity prove to be hurdles young players face when looking to advance in the sport. Growing up, Painter took full advantage of the polo available locally playing in the Interscholastic program at Gardnertown Polo Club. After his first year in the Interscholastic program, the USPA I/I Middle School league made its debut. He eagerly jumped in, playing in the Middle School league as well as the Interscholastic tournaments. Painter won the 2018 I/I Regionals tournament and advanced to Nationals, receiving All-Star accolades at both events. His polite demeanor and positive attitude are well known in the community. “Winston and his supportive family are the epitome of successful outcomes of the full spectrum of programs offered by the USPA and his local club Gardnertown geared toward growing polo in this country from middle school to I/I and NYTS to Team USPA. He is an incredibly talented, intelligent, and respectful young man with an unlimited future,” said former I/I Chairman and fellow Gardnertown club member Duncan Huyler.

Painter dedicated himself to improving in both indoor and outdoor polo. After making what he called a pilgrimage to watch the best polo in the country in Wellington, Florida, he realized the intense level of immersion required to make the next step in his game.

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Painter’s Breakout Year During the Junior Westchester Cup held in Wellington, Florida, in the spring of 2019, Painter connected with former 7-goal player and current professional, Luis Escobar. Escobar extended an offer for Painter to travel with his family for the summer. Though the Escobar family’s destination was not yet certain at that point, Winston was eager to play higher level polo and advance his game in the upcoming season.

Fast forward to the final day of the school year. With his final exams finished and his sophomore year complete,

Painter woke up the next morning and jumped on a plane destined for Santa Barbara. His first stop was Joel Baker’s ranch in Buellton, California, located just over the mountain from the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club.

Under the guiding eye of Baker and Escobar, he helped prepare a string of horses for the 16-goal tournament and began his regular practice schedule at Piocho Ranch.

Two short weeks later, Painter moved over the mountain with the Escobar family to a condo overlooking the fields at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club. He quickly immersed himself in the close-knit community at the club.

In his first two weeks at the club, Painter played 16 goal practice chukkers and jumped in as a substitute in the Kopu High Goal Challenge on the main Sunday field.

The close proximity of the barns, fields and the condos where many of the players live stood out to Painter.

“You get to be around great polo and great horses all of the time which has been amazing.” With everything in one location, Painter felt like he was constantly making new connections and learned how professional players structure their daily lives.

One afternoon, Painter was watching a game from the porch of the Escobar’s condo when he was asked to grab his boots and fill in for a player in the Farmers & Merchants Bank USPA America Cup. It was one of those right place, right time moments. “Playing in the 16-goal was an unforgettable experience. It is one of the main perks of being here,” said Painter, “I can always be ready to jump in.” Playing practice three times a week at Piocho Ranch helped him learn to anticipate plays and be confident in faster polo. Even with plenty of preparation, jumping into the 16-goal brought out his nerves. “I don’t think I had played above 10-goal polo before this summer, but it was amazing to play with those players! The play changes so fast, the horses are going so fast. It is all around an incredible experience.” Painter also stepped in to play for an injured player in the 8-goal Summerland Cup and advanced to the final where he was awarded MVP. Aside from time on the field, Painter spent many hours with Santa Clara’s team coach Joel Baker. “I was basically attached at the hip to Luis and the Escobar family, so I was really involved in all aspects of preparing for the games I/I MAGAZINE - 2020

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Winston Painter, (left) in the 2014 USPA I/I Middle School League tournament hosted at Gardnertown Polo Club, to (right) 2019 USPA NYTS Champion and MVP.

and reviewing them after. I knew all the plays the team runs. In my practices and throughout the summer, Luis had me really focus on learning how to play a disciplined one so if I got the pass it is only me between the ball and the goal.”

Painter pointed out that this year has been a transitional year for him. “I had always taken polo seriously, but this year has been quite a leap. This is the most polo and most exposure I have had in my life. I have gotten to do little pieces of all of it - take sets, play 16-goal, play 8-goal, play NYTS, hold spares. It has been a polo intense summer.”

NYTS National Championship Cecil Smith Cup MVP Amidst his busy summer in Santa Barbara, Painter received a call notifying that he had been selected to represent the Eastern Region in the NYTS National Championship Cecil Smith Cup in Aiken, South Carolina.

It would be Painter’s first year being selected to play at the National level. Painter and his teammates, Parker Pearce, Aiden Meeker and Reed Miller drew defending National Champions, the Central Region, to play against in the semifinals of the tournament. Coached by Team USPA alum, Nick Snow, the 0-goal team overcame the Central Region to advance to the final against an experienced Florida lineup. The game was tight, but the team stuck to 48

their game plan and defeated the Florida team. An elated Eastern Region rushed off the field, grinning from ear to ear. Painter’s excitement was undeniable. His efforts on the field earned him the Most Valuable Player award.

Local Aiken resident and highly-regarded professional horse trainer Gabriel Crespo saw Painter play in the NYTS qualifier earlier in year. Impressed by his skill as a rider and player, Crespo offered to mount him for the NYTS Championship. Painter piloted Crespo’s mare Chaparra (Chalina x Casino) to Best Playing Pony honors.

Painter’s return to Argentina Painter first traveled to Buenos Aires, Argentina, to participate in a week-long program hosted by the Argentine Polo Association in conjunction with the 2018 Youth Olympic Games being held in the capital city. As part of the experience, the junior players from around the world played a showcase game, visited the Ellerstina and La Dolfina organizations and watched several high-goal games. This fall, Painter had the opportunity to return to Argentina as part of his training with Team USPA. “I am playing 18- to 20-goal practices every other day on amazing horses and living in Centauros with so many world class players. Argentina is great!” Painter is focused on developing his game and continuing to play high level polo.

USPA FOR ELIGIBILITY & APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS 2020 FOR THE 2019 APPLICATION CYCLE, PLEASE VISIT USPOLO.COM

The YPO grant is intended to provide funding for youth players to use for unique opportunities that will cultivate, train, develop and educate American polo players in an effort to enhance their playing ability at a young age.

uspolo.org

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USPOLO.ORG

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VIEW FROM THE CROW’S NEST

Chris Van Loon - USPA Certified Umpire Cornell IS ‘13

My name is Chris Van Loon and I have been involved in the past few years and I believe this is attributed to the the Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Program for many years.

I have played polo since the age of eleven, but decided to focus on umpiring about five years ago. I became an umpire in order to stay involved in polo after I was no longer eligible for I/I because I wanted to give back to the polo community. That said, the traveling is a nice added perk. Every weekend I volunteer with Cornell University’s polo program, as this is the institution that started my polo career. I do not think of this as simply giving back to the community, but believe I am doing something to help the people involved. It is uplifting and fulfilling to see a student start their polo career young and inexperienced, and overtime grow in skill and character. The many people I have met and the friends I made along the way have helped shape me to who I am today. They take the time to explain the history of polo through fun and interesting stories, and have given me pointers on how to be a better umpire.

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amazing selection of coaching staff the students have readily available to them. It also seems the students’ polo careers are beginning at an earlier age. Back when I was starting my polo career, I didn’t hear much about middle school polo leagues and tournaments. Now, they are far more frequent as an increasing number of schools are making it available to younger students. One of the best things the I/I Program has succeeded in is catering polo to the younger generation. This focus has manifested itself in a stronger and higher quality collection of talent for the polo community. Everyone benefits from starting polo at a younger age.

From an umpiring standpoint, one thing that will always make a game seem like it is a high-goal match is keeping it open. The freer flowing the game can move, the better it is for the spectators, the players, and not to mention it makes our jobs as umpires a lot easier. The fewer small and slow moving fouls, the better the game is. We have come to refer to these as “ticky-tack” fouls. Every team

should strive for a fast and open game. If this held true to all the games I umpired, it would always feel like a vacation.

It has become apparent that it seems hard for some players to understand the concept of “playing the advantage.” If one team is fouled by another team but still keeps possession, then it is necessary for the offending team to “give a play” and allow the fouled team to advance with the ball for one play. Too many times a player gets fouled and then does not get the chance to play on due to another player still defending them. This concept of “giving a play” coincides with creating a game that moves and flows.

This may require an advanced understanding of the game, as you need to have the presence of mind and the knowledge to register that you created a foul. Riding and hitting the ball are obviously very important to learn, but I believe learning the rules is just as important for all players.

Good luck to all teams playing in the 2020 Interscholastic Season! ocpolo.com

Central Coast Polo Club olo Summer P g at and Surfin

Ride polo and learn how to surf this summer!

Book by February 1st, 2020 and receive a 10% discount

Contact Megan Judge for more information (805) 801-9410 megan@centralcoastpolo.com

CHUKKER BREAK Fall Fandango - Salute To Veterans

The Fall Fandango collegiate arena polo event fell on Veterans Day weekend once again in 2019. Several of the matches were played as USPA Admiral Chester W. Nimitz and General Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller tournaments in which each team has players with military connections through family members’ service. The JV tournament was played as a Veterans Day salute with teams representing Army (Jackson Christie, Kayla Ballero, Lizie Conrad), Navy (Jenna Gardner, Brinley Gothard, Hannah Banderord), Air Force (Melissa Lopez, Genna Bono, Kirsten Baldwin), Coast Guard (Lilly Foregger, Sofia Garvin, Adrianna Arguello) and Marines (Lexie Harlan, Hannah Tisdale, Valerie Bennett) complete with military jerseys and flags. The JV and Club members represented Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, University of Arkansas, SMU, and St Edward’s University.

Karl Hilberg from the USPA Armed Forces Committee (and Navy veteran) presented trophies to the winners. Team Air Force won the A flight in a shoot-out and Team Navy took the honors in the B flight.

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FROM THE HORSE’S MOUTH UCONN Polo Ponies Retire in Style

CHUKKER BREAK Riley Harris - U IDAHO ‘19 Wildfire Fire Fighter Riley Harris (University of Idaho ’19) is a Fire Fighter Type 2 (Wildland Firefighter) for the U.S. Forest Service based in the Moose Creek Ranger District on the Selway River in Idaho. This past summer was his second summer at this job and was working on seven wildfires. He was part of the initial attack module with a crew of seven other fire fighters. As initial attack, they are the first on scene to manage or suppress any wildfires in the 2,224,091acre Nez Perce National Forest. If smoke is spotted by the many lookouts on the forest, they determine a location and often hike miles to the fire or are transported by helicopter. They suppress fires by falling trees to remove fuel and construct hand line around the fire using chainsaws and hand tools to contain the fire as it burns out. If fires are larger or more complex, they can call for support from helicopters to drop water on the fire or deliver other supplies.

The UConn Polo Club and UConn’s Animal Science Department have been working hard to ensure their polo ponies find new jobs after they retire from polo. The team was lucky to find Angel Horses Inc. in West Granbury, Connecticut to take their two most recent retirees. Brittney (chestnut) and Soledad (gray) both dedicated many years to the polo program, playing for the varsity teams along with all levels of community polo lessons. Both Brittney and Soledad currently participate in the many afterschool programs that Angel Horses Inc. runs; specifically, a therapeutic horsemanship program for middle school students. Brittney and Soledad are groomed and loved not only by the kids, but also by the amazing volunteers at Angel Horses Inc. every day. The varsity team volunteered at the Open Farm Day and saw the volunteers’ hard work in action. They spoke to the public about the sport of polo and how Brittney and Soledad contributed to the UConn polo program.

Brittney was donated by Danny Scheraga and Soledad was donated by Leo Mandelbaum.

LAKESIDE POLO CLUB WISHES ALL TEAMS AN

O U T S TA N D I N G 2019-20 SEASON!

Since its formation, by Eugene “Doc” Hering, the Lakeside Polo Club has been a place of great memories, lifelong friendships and fantastic polo! Now, 60 years later, the Lakeside Polo Club is proud to continue supporting its youth program, the Lakeside Polo Youth Foundation, founded in 2016. Students in the program receive a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn to play this unique, prestigious sport in an edifying and encouraging manner.

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CAL POLY SLO

USPA COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP Fiona McBride-Luman

WISHES ALL THE TEAMS GOOD LUCK IN THE 2020 SEASON Hey!

Interested in playing?

• Cal Poly ranked No.1 public, master’slevel University by U.S. News World Report’s America’s Best Colleges • Play year-round • 30 dedicated school horses • Play 7 days a week • Professional full time coaching & instruction • Host of the Central Coast Interscholastic

DAVID LOMINSKA

My name is Fiona McBride-Luman and I recently graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo as an Animal Science

For admissions info, contact:

Megan Judge Coach, Cal Poly Polo Team (805)801-9410 https://animalscience.calpoly.edu/curren tstudents/polo-team

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major and a Spanish minor. I was fortunate enough to play intercollegiate polo during all four of my years at Cal Poly.

In the fall I plan to start the veterinary program at the University of Glasgow and hope to continue playing polo at a recreational level during my time there. I began playing polo in eighth grade, continued throughout high school, and was able to play during my time at Cal Poly thanks to the USPA Intercollegiate Scholarship. The scholarship reduced my need to work while playing which helped me keep up with my studies. Receiving the USPA Intercollegiate Polo Scholarship also pushed me to keep up my polo skills and stay on the varsity level.

Intercollegiate and Interscholastic polo have given me so many opportunities throughout my high school and college years. The USPA Intercollegiate Polo Scholarship was extremely helpful in making many of these opportunities possible.

Getting the chance to play under a great coach, Megan Judge, and a wonderful team of players at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. I was also able to travel with Cal Poly’s polo team to the National Intercollegiate Championship for each of the last four years. I have also played in various other tournaments and was selected to play in the USPA International Intercollegiate Challenge Cup this year which was also an amazing opportunity. This enabled me to get to know and play polo with three other US intercollegiate polo players as well as the British team. I was humbled to have been selected to represent the US in the challenge cup. Since my start with polo in eighth grade with the Oakdale Polo Club and Mike O’Ferrall up to my time with Cal Poly, I have met so many amazing people who have given me advice and just helped me along the way in polo and in life. I have also made friends for life along the way and am so grateful to have been able to play this sport for the last nine years.

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HEADPHONES

POLO CLUB

by Greenskeepers

MY YEAR

by Gashi and G-Easy

BAND ON THE RUN

by Paul McCartney

MILIDELPHIA

by Meek Mill and Swizz Beats

GOOD LUCK CHARM

GAME DAY SOCKS

CULVER CLASS RING

LUCKY SOCKS

YELLOW SOCKS

PRE-GAME MEAL

CORNELL Shariah Harris

USC-AIKEN Turner Wheaton

TEXAS A&M Ally Vaughn

OREGON STATE Joel Potyk

PONY PREP

BREAKFAST BURRITO

BUTTER NOODLES

CHICKEN ALFREDO

GRANOLA BAR

PRE-GAME RITUAL

GAME DAY NECESSITY

FIT BIT

PUT GAME STUFF ON LAST MINUTE - RIGHT BOOT ALWAYS FIRST

DRINK 5 HOUR ENERGY

DREAM ARENA TEAM

PUMP UP SONG

CLEAN POLO BOOTS

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RYAN CRONIN-PRATHER & SAYGE ELLINGTON LAWRENCE

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HANNAH REYNOLDS & MARISSA WELLS

POLISHING BOOTS & KNEE PADS

MATT COPPOLA & WESLEY BRYAN

BLAST MUSIC IN BARN OR HEADPHONES

ANNA WINSLOW & JULIA SMITH I/I MAGAZINE - 2020

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GET(ING) IN THE GAME College Polo - Creating Life-Long Members Taylor Smith - Texas A&M - ‘17

The following summer I spent a week at Marlan Farms sport, but it shares similarities with the beginnings of many in Maryland with my teammate, Marissa Wells. One I/I players. It literally started with a sign on campus at Texas highlight of the trip was hauling up to Pennsylvania to A&M University my spring semester of freshman year. The play in an outdoor match at Lancaster Polo Club. I had TAMU Polo Club was hosting an open barn night event for never played in an outdoor match and especially not for students to visit the barn, learn more about the sport, and a Sunday crowd! It was a gorgeous day for polo and a take a quick lesson on one of their polo ponies. Growing warm welcoming visit to my first polo club outside of up in the suburbs in Texas, I had never even been near a horse, so I convinced two of my roommates to go with me to their club and take one of the polo “Meeting their players, competing lessons. That evening when we arrived at check in at against them, and fostering lasting the TAMU Polo barn it had begun raining and being relationships is what is truly intrinsic January in Texas, that meant it would begin to sleet as soon as the sun set. The club officers turned us about the I/I program. Most of all, away with the promise that if the weather was better I remember the players from that later in the week, we could come back out again.

By Friday that week, the rain had stopped but it weekend and not the scores.” was still relatively cold, so I was the only one of my friends to return to the barn to take the polo lesson.

I rode one of their polo ponies named Fea who was the my collegiate club. Later that summer I traveled down perfect horse for a beginner rider to walk around the arena to Houston to meet up with another teammate, Kendall with and practice a half swing with instruction from the Plank, to visit the Houston Polo Club and local tack Men’s and Women’s team members. Afterwards I spoke stores. It was time to make the commitment for proper with Lara Straussfeld, Holly Boggess, and several other polo boots to replace my well-worn paddock boots and club members about the sport and how the club could a polo helmet. Kendall was the perfect guide for a firstteach me to ride and to play. I was sold. I called home to time buyer. We even hit a few rounds in Houston’s hitting convince my parents of the idea and joined the next week. cage. These two ladies along with freshman teammate Over the course of the next two years, I rode and played Ally Vaughn and Coach Mike McCleary helped shape my in club chukkers during the spring and fall semesters senior year in ways I never would have imagined. My debut every chance that I could and worked summer jobs to I/I tournament was the Central Intercollegiate Regional pay for riding lessons while I was home in Wichita Falls held at Brookshire Polo Club where we competed against for summer break. I would drive two hours once a week teams in from SMU, TCU, OSU, and CSU. Meeting their down to Argyle to ride with an English trainer to improve players, competing against them, and fostering lasting my seat and horsemanship. By Junior year I had taken relationships is what is truly intrinsic about the I/I program. on a club officer role as treasurer, riding or playing five Most of all, I remember the players from that weekend and days a week during the semester, mentoring with the not the scores. Our success did grant us a spot at the horse care officer to assist her with the horses we leased National Intercollegiate Championship held the following to the I/I tournaments during the spring, learning to drive month in Santa Barbara, California. The pinnacle of I/I polo the tractor in order to put round bales out in the field, and exceeded my expectations, from the host site and USPA logging hours learning how to haul with the club’s truck coordinating staff to the level of competition and down to the wire buzzer beating goals that left the title within close and trailer.

My start in polo was less conventional than most in the

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the sport I love so dearly. This first stint interning in Houston led to two more seasons as an assistant manager in the spring and fall of 2018 at HPC, where I had the pleasure of working along side their wonderful staff and passionate polo members. My USPA interning also took me to Aiken, South Carolina, and to Tinicum Park Polo Club in Bucks County, Pennsylvania ,that year to further my training in the polo industry. Reflecting on these internships now as a member of the USPA staff, how each new experience led to my new role as the USPA Membership Administrator and getting to work with a team of dedicated polo players who are I/I alums from CSU, MSU, SMU, UCONN, UK, and UVA. The late David Wenning said it best in a conversation I had with him after NIC, my introduction into polo had come full circle and I had developed a passion to further the sport throughout my life because of the impact the I/I program made on me.

Taylor Smith (above) with her Texas A&M teammates at the 2017 USPA National Intercollegiate Championships. PC: Elizabeth Hedley. Smith, (below) learned how to ride and play as a Freshman at Texas A&M.

reach for any team. Nothing can replace what I gained from the experience of playing intercollegiate polo and opening the door to future career opportunities.

After graduation from Texas A&M University, I packed up my car and drove with the caravan of twenty Team USPA polo ponies to spend the summer in Sheridan, Wyoming, as a USPA Intern. We scheduled practices with local professional players at the Flying H Polo Club to mentor and coach the players in training for the duration of the summer. It was like being transported to a whole other world. I was meeting and working with renowned players that had played all over the country and the world. This broadened my understanding for the capacity of the sport. Polo goes beyond university teams and tournaments. Many of the professionals I was introduced to grew up playing with their family members and polo was essentially in their blood. That summer I formed a relationship with the Kruegers, grooming and babysitting for them and was asked by KC to join them in Houston for a fall internship at the Houston Polo Club. We spent 10 action packed weeks scheduling and managing over 200 games, closing the season with a weeklong ladies’ tournament that spanned five flights and included over 90 players. The whole experience taught me the fundamentals of managing and facilitating 60

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Proudly promoting Polo among younger generations through USPA Official Interscholastic / Intercollegiate Programs to schools in the Greater Boston Area info@bostonpolo.org (508) 735-6416 www.bostonpolo.org

Weekly Polo in Wellesley & Georgetown MA • Grass & Arena Polo • Coaching League • • Club Polo • Tournaments • • Horse Leases • Boarding • I/I MAGAZINE - 2020

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I/I Supporters Recognized with

TALENT WINS GAMES BUT TEAMWORK AND INTELLIGENCE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS.

National USPA Awards

MICHAEL JORDAN

USPA UMPIRE OF THE YEAR AWARD - 2019

Bradley Biddle

USPA CLINT NANGLE AWARD - 2019 EXCELLENCE IN EQUINE WELFARE

Pam Flanagan

GOOD LUCK To All The I/I Teams in 2020!

USPA RUSS SHELDON AWARD - 2019

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO ARENA POLO

MIKE RYAN

Danny Scheraga

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2019 I/I TEAM ROSTERS

INTERSCHOLASTIC OPEN

INTERSCHOLASTIC GIRLS AIKEN Anna Hale Summer Kneece Reagan Leitner Robyn Leitner Virginia Gwinn BOSTON Elizabeth Owens Delaney Bates Julia Schaefer Ariadne Dogani BUFFALO Catherine Van Bakel Kenzie Ridd Melanie Fraser Nicole Jaswal Sabrina McLennon Brona Mayne CENTRAL COAST Petra Teixeira Taylor Olcott Sara Espy Charlize Bisogni CORNELL Susanna Manns Jasmine Umrigar Antoinette Miller CULVER Karinna Kanach Daphne Karahalios Xiaohui “Cici” Zhao Samantha Leach Celeste Tinsley EMPIRE Claire Jenkins Ella Bonilla Alyssa Garcia Elise Pardue

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GARDNERTOWN I Emma Kriege Katie Kriege Elizabeth Leudesdorff Haley Kriege

MARYLAND REBELS Jordan Peterson Aurora Knox Grace Fleischmann Brianna Jordan

GARDNERTOWN II Mary Duncan Saralyn Painter Jaidyn Scott

MAUI Kaya Acker Alana Benz Maya Miller Sunny Diller

GARRISON FOREST Elizabeth Bennett Kaylin Bender Lindsey Morris Lael Cashen GARRISON FOREST JV Emma DeYoung Madeline Radosevic Gabriella Chiasera HILLSIDE Taylor Nackers Gabrielle De Gail Sofia Ward Kelsey Melchert HOUSTON A Bridget Price Grace Mudra April Galindo Cara Kennedy Joanie Jackson HOUSTON B Phebe Vargas Abigail Benton Grace Parker Daniella Price Isabel Artzer Lillian Lequerica MARYLAND Catherine Stueck Sophie Grant Abbie Grant Olivia Reynolds

MOUNTAIN VIEW Lea Jih-Vieira Willow Longerbeam Sierra Goff Amelia Shaw NEWPORT Hannah Stowe Ryan McNeilly Catherine Reed Teghan Torrey POWAY Sydney Morris Hannah Stock Jasmine Lu Remington Glasgow SAN ANTONIO Georgia Stone Stella Stone Carmen Sauer Aubrey McVaney Tori Mast SOUTH BAY Samantha Deachryver Blair Conlan Augusta O’Ferrall Magnolia Rice-Ferguson SUTTER BUTTES Caroline Mathews Liliana Gonzalez Camilla McFall Simone Harper

VIRGINIA JRs Coco De Vink Lauren Rapp Emmie Golkosky WESTERN NY Rheanna Quinlan Kelsi Bird Evelyn Miller Alison Luckenbach WTR Imogen Roth Ruby Stiles Arti Chhugani Nahla Thomas Marisol Jimenez Imani Uzzell Kaela Prescott

AIKEN Mason Sease Aiden Meeker Michael Bradford Josh Escapite ATLANTA RPC Faye Decker Adrienne Lincoln Caleb Cherry Charlotte Huck Erykah Glass BATTLEFIELD Harrison Thomas Amy Kim Maris Jones Marykate Santos BLUEWATER CREEK Gracie Brown Elizabeth Walker Christian Pitts Alexa Wright BOSTON Amar Anand Rehan Kumble Maria Piper CCPC Luke Klentner Ruby Decker Dylan Stern COMMONWEALTH Henry Beck Angus Middleton Ford Middendorf Stuart Boland Patricio Fraga CORNELL Drew Kessler Phil Van der Burgt Nicholas Paciorek HILLSIDE Elion Le’Flore Melissa Filson Gavin Marshman

CULVER Cipriano Echezarreta Chris Owen Tom Ni Zongling Shen Maximo Gallardo Lars Biedenbender Ian Kosky FRANKLIN Zachary Wallace Jacob Wallace Caroline Mooney Allyssa Morgan GARDNERTOWN John Dencker Matteo Chaux Winston Painter Jack Whitman HOUSTON A Robert Price Anson Moore Joseph Stimmel Charles Fridge HOUSTON B Christian Fridge Lance Stefanakis Will Mudra Chistopher Boone Preston Herleth LA LOMA Raul Molina Ana Novales Sebastian Aguilar Marcella Novales Jose Rocasermeno MAUI John Kirton Daniel Miranda Kaiana Holland Laura Coflin LAKESIDE VARSITY Ian Schnoebelen Ethan Bankhead Joaquin Perez Kylie Kufahl

LAKESIDE JV David Kral Franchesca Johannsen Zoey Newton Paige Kufahl Thalia Postins

ST LOUIS Robert Mooney Winifred Branscum Will Smith Joscelin Gallegos Natalie Richter

LANCASTER – WTR Julian Penados Esteban Penados Justin Hall Mosiah Gravesande John Womble

SARASOTA Ian Campbell Pippa Campbell Raj Singh Sophie Cottrez Jillian Beck

MARYLAND Kevin Horton Madison Jordan Josephine Dorsey Parker Pearce

SOUTH BAY Ajay Moturi Claire Kennedy Amy Lang Natalie Clark

MARYLAND JV Aidan Tydings Cort Resh Zoey Bivalacqua Grace Beck

TRIANGLE Isabella Hamon Carson Tucker Natalia Hernandez

MYOPIA VARSITY Grace Grotnik Chloe Irvine Reed Miller Hamilton Gundlach MYOPIA JV Augustus Grotnik William Grayken James Grayken Shane Metternick Brynn Roberts NEWPORT Rohan Sampath Anna Yalanis Cole Kinsella POWAY Madeline Breitweiser Thomas Spear Sebastian Lopez Emily Andre

WEST SHORE Lucinda Steele Victoria Picha Sarah Lynch WILLOWBEND Maxwell Beuck Clark Mayer Will Walton YALE 1 Taylor Palacios Chris Veitch Vlad Tarashansky Gaston Gomez YALE 2 Eduardo Palacios Oliver Wieser Connelly Cashen Luke Howe Kaya Brownell Sophia DeAngelis

PRESTONWOOD Vance Miller III Johann Felhaber Niklaus Felhaber I/I MAGAZINE - 2020

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INTERCOLLEGIATE WOMEN BROWN Bryn Sullivan Katherine Dunn Mia Purdom CAL POLY Fiona McBride-Luman Margaret Papka Megan Wurden Claire English Janelle Ross Rose Brownridge Sydney Weise Carter Nix Natalie Craig Madison Green COLORADO STATE Kaile Roos Tessa Parrish Riley Spillar Jasmine Gallegos Rachel Romero Rylee Cooper Maggie Richards Parker Keber CORNELL Rachel Booth Shariah Harris Emily Thomas Anna Ullmann Kathryn Kotwick Kyra Umrigar Olivia Quill Ingrid Donnan Emma Wood EMORY Kimberly Eckles Monica Schweizer Zhiying Ren Lillian Pang Mary Yuan Emily Fan GUELPH Rachel Kotur Emma Langford Casey Howard Brittany Howard Savannah Weber Krista Pearce

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MICHIGAN STATE Keahna DePauw Kathryn Pauli Elaine Schwingel McKenna Swanson Stesha Payne MONTANA STATE Sarah Bean Madeline Bremel Jordan Hall Cassandra Pfannenstiel OKLAHOMA STATE Theresa Sabatini Alison Thomas Kirsten Baldwin Emily Nunan OREGON STATE Erin Bush Anna Alex Kaylin Alexander Abigayle Darula Madeleine Johnson Megan Myszka Sarah Schneider POINT LOMA Molly Agee Ellary Lentz Jessica Bronner Emma Thomas ROGER WILLIAMS Jocelyn Nogueira Aliah Debejian Anne Ebersold SKIDMORE Ruth Witmer Freida Witmer Isabel Carey Emelie Stewart Jen Maselli SMU Megan Rahlfs Ting Lu Lindsay Bellack Kelly Klopp Sophia Neis

STANFORD Alexandra Littleton Angela Wang Isabelle Carpenter Evgeniya Borisenko Sarah Dobbins Yasmine Ainane TEXAS A&M Marissa Wells Alexandra Vaughn Courtney Price Hannah Reynolds Emma Glynn Ashley Dillard TEXAS TECH Ashley Caines Amelia Fisher Raeghan Eckert Marguerite Buchmann Sydney Flynt Abi McVaney UCSB Jane Xu Marina Akhavein Angela Osman UCONN Anders Carlton Julia Marrinan Nicole Kula Sage Saffran Anna McCarthy Rachel Beach Julianna Gallo Kathleen Moriarty U of KENTUCKY Margaret Holloway Eva Crossman Olivia Graham Avery Evans Louisa Huber Griffin Tuftie UMASS Elizabeth Kelley Hannah Okonsky Shonali Paul Samantha Bruha Madison Perlmutter Colleen McGuinness

U of MICHIGAN Amanda Vogel Kyleigh Cumming Madelyn Blum Meagan McBride Monica Lis-Planells USC Annie Choi Anya Moturi Cory Williams Makenzie Hajek Ninon Cofrade U of VIRGINIA Demitra Hajimihalis Meghan Milligan Jessica Riemann Grace Burgert Margret Erb Mia Sweeney Sadie Bryant VIRGINIA TECH Mikayla MacNeill Jessica Brown Marina Meciniski Emily Danko Shayna Stern

CHUKKER BREAK New USPA Young Players Committee The Young Players Committee was formed in April of 2019 to generate a voice within the USPA to provide input on opportunities, initiatives, rules, and policies in an effort to help deliver fresh solutions to the challenges youth players face in polo today. Eight of the nine committee members have been involved in I/I programs. The members are: Jared Zenni (University of Miami), Mason Wroe (Fort Worth IS, Texas A&M), Kylie Sheehan (Garrison Forest IS, UVA), Grant Ganzi (Grand Champions IS), Jimmy Wright (Eldorado IS), Zach Grob (Yale IS, UCONN), Costi Caset, Hope Arellano (Palm Beach IS), and Todd Thurston (Virginia JRs IS, UVA). The I/I programs have been a major part of the growth of these polo players.

Having sent a survey to a majority of all I/I members, the Young Players Committee is committed to listening to not only the current I/I members, but also the I/I alumni who are valuable to the sport. Despite being in its early stages, the Young Players Committee has taken a leadership position in encouraging Safe Sport Certification, something that all I/I coaches are already required to take. All Young Players Committee members are Safe Sport certified, and they look forward to continuing to lead on behalf of I/I members. The Young Players Committee encourages I/I members to reach out to them to provide insight so that they can take measurable actions to make a difference in growing the sport we all love. PC: Pam Gleason

WESTMONT Maggie Hine Keilah Smith Emma Daniel U of WISCONSIN Nicola Brown Margaret Williams Olivia Evans Elizabeth Sprouls YALE Lotta Keller Leila Chang Jamie Skaggs Sofia Cianchi Dani Schulman Lucy Baldwin Elizabeth Vore

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INTERCOLLEGIATE MEN CAL POLY Stone Rush Theo Anastos Sayge Ellington Brandon Carreon

OREGON STATE Wyatt Weaver Andrew Hobson Joel Potyk Mitchell Yost

TEXAS TECH Hiram Gandara John “Connor” Thompson Zachary Francis Jair De la Pena Jeremie Morris

COLORADO STATE Douglass “Bennett” Moore Charlie Walker Jon Johnson

ROGER WILLIAMS George Hempt Pedro Cabrera Alex Conde Matt Boccanfuso

U OF NORTH TEXAS Vaughn Miller Jr Turner Wheaton Andrew Scott

CORNELL Jedidiah Cogan Grant Feuer Lorenzo Masias Morgan Palacios

SKIDMORE Liam Lott Aaron Schneider Owen Chen Oliver Leung

U of KENTUCKY Benjamin Lynch Tommy Huber Alfred “Will” Green Joseph Post James Boland Federico Puyana Ronald “Ry” Koopman Kurt Mion

SMU Barrett Coke Jose “Ramon” de la Torre Jacob “Jake” Klentner Sloan Stefanakis George “Nick” Salnikoff Benjamin “Benji” Daniels Trent Lott

OKLAHOMA STATE James Armstrong Hunter Hudson Ibrahim Abuemah Spencer Tuttle

TEXAS A&M Christian Aycinena Fritz Felhaber Mariano Silva Colton Valentine

USC-AIKEN Charlie Caldwell Harry Caldwell James “Jim” Deal U of VIRGINIA Jack McLean Ignacio “Nachi” Viana Brennan Wells Simon Colloredo-Mansfeld Antonio Mendes de Almeida WESTERN ONTARIO Mich Ward Evan White Kingsley Ward YALE Zodi Chalat Benito Flores Yan Davidoff

CHUKKER BREAK Demolition for Donations University of Wisconsin The University of Wisconsin Team thinks outside the box when it comes to fundraising. Player Amy James explains: “Essentially, my family was planning to renovate our bathroom. My dad is a contractor and does most of his own work, but demolition is so hard on his body that he was planning to hire someone. I made a deal with him to make a donation to the polo club for the amount he would pay the contract company in return for us doing the demolition work!

We gutted the entire bathroom, jack hammered out all the tiling and cement and hauled away all the debris. It would have been a ton of work for one person, but with the whole team rotating through it was a piece of cake!

We’ve promoted it some since but have not gotten any other gigs (yet).

It’s a new fundraising tactic I’m working on-- doing work people would pay for anyway in return for donations instead of paying a contractor.”

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MIDDLE SCHOOL Gardnertown Polo Club

Houston Polo Club

Maui Polo Club

CRESTVIEW FARM Gavin Meeker Bird Caro Ramon Caro

BLUE Saralyn Painter Isabella Poniatowski Michael Joseph

HOUSTON BLUE Joe Bob Lequerica Judah Altic Clare Bogart

MAUI BLACK Coco Acker Elizabeth Miranda Kaelynn Rice

LAZY R FARM Tyler Runion Daniel Arnold Boyette Watridge

GREY Henry Elser CJ Gilbo Evan Sayago

HOUSTON WHITE Quinn Van der Hoev Caroline Karvelsson Isabel Artzer

MAUI WHITE Jayci Jay Clark Emily Coflin Leah Melzer

Battlefield Park Polo Club

Lakeside Polo Club

Yale Polo Club

MARYLAND REBELS Aleem Siddiqui Sierra Blevins Kylie Beard

LIGHT GREEN Emerson Bruce Alex Resti Daniel Arnold Ali Cogan

BLUE TEAM Emerson Bond Luca Abboud Jordan Pearson

TEAM 1 Dan Arnold Ana Veitch Emerson Bruce

BATTLEFIELD 1 Shwati Narayanan Anika Spaid Rory Knox

DARK GREEN Catelyn Godey Sammi Iahn Adam Wallace

TEAM 2 Sarayln Painter Michael Joseph Isabel Poniatowski

BATTLEFIELD 2 Annie Hahn Emma Thacker Katelyn Pelaia

Garrison Forest School

ORANGE TEAM Jordyn Griffith Lukas Cobbs Thomas Spear Sebastian Lopez

Aiken Polo Club

MARYLAND 2 Allegra Vercesi Dahilia Abu Hassan Lillibeth Wehberg

Central Coast Polo Club

GARRISON FOREST 1 Cate Godey Aleem Siddiqui Josie Goldstein WORK TO RIDE Sophia Chiasera Graham Absolom Sage Lax

CENTRAL COAST WHITE Alyssa Neville Charlie Brand Vivi Klentner

MARYLAND POLO Rory Knox Yash Chhugani Keira Paige

SOUTH BAY BLUE Morgan Manos Kate Soderin Matthew Werner

GARRISON FOREST 2 Kylie Beard Marc Anthony Harley Alanna Forbes

CENTRAL COAST RED Linnea Johnson Annabelle Mericle Helena Bache

WORK TO RIDE 2 Josie Smith Isabelle Brockett Jack Jawork

“OF ALL THE PAT H S YO U TA K E , M A K E SURE SOME OF THEM ARE D I R T. ” - JOHN MUIR

TEAM 3

Marlan Farm Polo Club Travis Soto WHITE Isabelle Brockett Sierra Blevins Jonathan Dingus Emma Thacker BLACK Keira Paige Kylie Beard Russell Calkins GREY Aleem Siddiqui Rory Knox Mya Quarcoopome GREEN Ashby Hatcher Tori Picha Lily Wehberg Dahlia Abu Hasson

Trey Ramirez Dan Coyle TEAM 4 Brynn Whitten Sam Iahn Adam Wallace TEAM 5 Malchi Light Hannah Elliot Evan Sayago

INTERCOLLEGIATE INTERSCHOLASTIC

Buffalo Polo Club POST TIME Madison Haggerty Kairi Davies Liam Ersing BUFFALO Hailee DeVries Flynn Collins Luke Ersing

PASSION. DEDICATION. EXCELLENCE.

GREAT POLO BEGINS WITH I/I: Intercollegiate Tournaments, Interscholastic Tournaments, Regular Season Champions, Middle School League, Interscholastic Varsity Letter Program, Intercollegiate Scholarships, International Challenge Cup, Funding, Clinics, Club Consults, Umpire Support and more!

CONTACT: Amy Fraser, afraser@uspolo.org

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POLO HELMET UPDATE Beginning June 1, 2020 all players in any USPA Event or Club Event will be required to wear a helmet that passes the NOCSAE ND050 Standard Performance Specification.

Certified

MEETS

NOCSAE

STANDARD ®

HOW DO YOU TELL IF A HELMET PASSES NOCSAE ND050?

Helmets will have the SEI/NOCSAE logo attached to the outside of the helmet.

Check USPOLO.ORG for an updated the list of helmets on the market that meet the standard.

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USPA POLO SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM PA S S I O N . D E D I C AT I O N . E XC E L L E N C E .

SIX $4,000

Open to current interscholastic & intercollegiate players

scholarships awarded annually (Auto Renewable)

TO APPLY YOU’LL NEED:

1. 3.0 GPA 2. Two letters of recommendation 3. Short essay DEADLINE: MAY

FOR SCHOLARSHIP GUIDELINES & APPLICATION DETAILS, VISIT:

uspolo.org

USPOLO.ORG

HAPPY POLO SEASON! @USPOLOASSN | USPOLOASSNGLOBAL.COM