I N T E R C O L L E G I AT E / I N T E R S C H O L A S T I C
Next adventure College seniors celebrated after NIC canceled By Amy Fraser
Players can begin their journey toward the USPA National Intercollegiate Championships in fifth grade as they work their way up through the middle school and interscholastic ranks, before making the leap to college. The collegiate season kicks off in early fall with a flurry of regular season games and invitational tournaments, all with the intention of preparing teams for the big dance. Teams follow national rankings of their competitors through the winter, and the arrival of spring brings the regional tournaments. Competition is fierce, as only the top team in each region is guaranteed a spot at the national tournament. If a losing team shows merit after the winners have been determined, it may be granted a last-chance wildcard bid to prove its mettle. The USPA National Intercollegiate Championship is where the best of the best show up to compete for the chance to raise trophies with a joint history of over 100 years. Enter 2020. COVID-19 brought the I/I season to a screeching halt a day before the start of the
Northeastern Regional tournament; the only regional tournament left to play. The outlook for nationals: not good. The decision was made to postpone NIC until October for the safety of all involved. Fast forward a few months to August, and the I/I National Host Tournament Committee had to make the final decision to cancel NIC 2020. It was a heartbreaking decision for everyone associated with the program, but for our senior players with their last chance at a national championship, it was devastating. Although nothing will fill the void of a national tournament that was never played for, the 2020 NIC seniors deserve the recognition of a career well played. To all of our graduates: the I/I community has watched your hard work and growth throughout your time in the program and we could not be more proud of everything you have accomplished. We cannot wait to see your journey both in and outside of polo in the coming years. Congratulations and Good Luck!
Wyatt Weaver Oregon State University I/I member since fall 2018
Wyatt Weaver
26 POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N
What are your plans post grad? Get a job working as a mechanical design engineer at an interesting company like SpaceX, NASA or Lockheed [Martin] Where are you going to be located? Wherever the job takes me, honestly Best memory of I/I? Hands down the 15-hour van rides, packed with some of my favorite people, on our way to play one of the most entertaining sports I’ve ever played How are you staying involved in polo? I’ve been staying involved in polo by playing throughout the summer but will be looking to join a club once I settle down and have a full-time job. Best advice for young I/I players? GO GROOM. Seriously though, if it wasn’t for grooming over the summers I wouldn’t be where I am today as a player. It allows you to learn so much more and you’ll have fun doing it too!
