EXIT CONSULTING WINS 4 GOAL CV CUP FINAL

Exit Consulting Group- Lamar Rutherford, Mia Bray, Rodrigo Salinas & Jessica Bailey

On an afternoon presented by Don Julio, and in front of large Field Number One crowd, Lamar Rutherford’s Exit Consulting Group (Lamar Rutherford -1, Mia Bray 1, Jessica Bailey 1, Rodrigo Salinas 3) defeated Carol Farnsworth and her Bearsden Polo Team (Carol Farnsworth -.5, Hope Kerley -.5, Cody Woodfin 2, Ignacio Saenz 3) to win the Coachella Valley Officer’s Cup by a final score of 6 – 4.

With the large gathering enjoying generous samples of Don Julio Blanc, the early first chukker was dominated by Bearsden as Saenz, with help from Woodfin, scored twice – a penalty 2 and one from the field – and the Texas group was off to a very strong start. However, Exit wasn’t about to leave as Salinas quickly counted a field goal and Rutherford, with a nice run from almost 100 yards, evened the count at two going to the second.

The second period was somewhat choppy at times with neither team able to capitalize on the few opportunities that were available. Bray however earned one and made no mistakes as she scored the only goal of the second and Exit led for the first time going to the Sofia Halftime Divot Stomp at 3 – 2.

The third frame was much the same as the second with most scoring chances not taken advantage of. However, Salinas didn’t let go of one opportunity as he scored his second of the game and the Exit lead was now two at 4 – 2.

Going into the final chukker with that lead of two and sensing victory, Exit didn’t back off and pushed hard. The reward was another counter from Salinas and Bray grabbed her second and the lead was now four goals. Saenz was able to score a field goal and a penalty three for Bearsden but that would be it and Exit became the champion.

As well as receiving the sought after Richard Roenisch Bronzes, the winners were also presented with bottles of Don Julio Blanc.

Based on her very steady and opportunistic play, Bray was honored as the Most Valuable Player to her team. Tomasa, played by Salinas in the third, was chosen as the Best Playing Pony.

Tony Gregg

MVP Mia Bray

“TOMASA” Best Playing Pony owned & played by Rodrigo Salinas

TWIN PALMS VICTORIOUS IN 8 GOAL CV CUP FINAL

TWIN PALMS- Ryan Kerley, Graham Bray, Juan Curbelo & Chris Maloney

By playing an aggressive and quick style of polo, Chris Maloney and his Twin Palms organization (Chris Maloney 1, Graham Bray 3, Juan Curbelo 5, Ryan Kerley -1) were able to defeat Klentner/Sapa/FMB Too (Henry Walker 2, Igor Seyranov -1, Jesse Bray 6, Tony Uretz 1 –  sub for inj Justin Klentner 1) in the final of the Coachella Valley Officer’s 8 Goal Championship by a final tally of 14 – 9.  While playing pretty much even in the first half, Twin Palms steadily controlled the second three periods by outscoring KSF by four goals and went on to claim the victory.

In front of a very large crowd on a perfect day – enhanced by presenting sponsor Don Julio – the first chukker was played even with three goals to each team. Graham Bray, longtime Twin Palms quarterback, opened the scoring but KSF’s Seyranov scored two quick goals to grab the lead back at 2 – 1.  Walker then gave the Santa Barbara crew a lead of three but Curbelo and Graham Bray with a field goal each evened the count at three after one.

After a very fast first period, play in the second was much slower as each foursome scored just one time. Curbelo on a penalty three conversion for Twin Palms and Jesse Bray replied with his own three for KSF and the score after two was tied at four.

Walker gave KSF their last lead of the afternoon in the early third but it was short lived as Curbelo counted another three and a penalty four as well. At the half, Maloney and Co. led by one at 6 – 5.

The fourth saw Twin Palms gain an advantage of two at 9 – 7 as Curbelo scored two more – a number two from the spot and a field goal – and Kerley had one from the field. The replies from KSF came from Jesse Bray with a pair.

Twin Palms then led by four as Curbelo counted two more. Walker, with his third, gave KSF some hope, but he then had to leave the game with a broken hand and any KSF aspirations were now in jeopardy. Jose Rodriguez filled in for the injured Walker but Curbelo’s fifth foul conversion destroyed any Santa Barbara aspirations and the Twin Palms lead was four at 12 – 8.

Jesse Bray opened the final chukker scoring with a field goal, but Curbelo replied with a pair  - another three and a field goal – to ensure the somewhat lopsided victory at 14 – 9.

With the victory, Twin Palms earned the coveted Richard Roenisch Bronzes and as well, the Don Julio girls presented bottles of Don Julio Blanc to the winners.

With 11 goals on the afternoon, earned with a very quick and aggressive style of play, Curbelo was selected as the MVP and Fletcher, owned and played by Graham Bray in the fifth, wore the Best Playing Pony blanket back to the barn.

Tony Gregg

MVP Juan Curbelo

Graham Bray’s Best Playing Pony “Fletcher”

4 Goal Coachella Valley Cup Teams, Draw & Standings

Round 1
Exit Consulting Group (1-0) defeated Necktie Polo (0-1) 10 to 8
Bearden (1-0) defeated Boss Polo/Ocean Air (0-1) 5 to 4
Sullivan Group (1-0) defeated La Serena (0-1) 5 to .5
La Fortuna (1-0) defeated Sayulita/Breva Farms (0-1) 7 to 2
Bitchstix (1-0) defeated Alpha Omega (0-1) 7 to 2

Round 2
Exit Consulting Group (2-0) defeated Sayulita/Breva Farms (0-2) 8 to 5
La Serena (1-1) defeated La Fortuna (1-1) 6.5 to 4
Sullivan Group (2-0) defeated Necktie Polo (0-2) 6 to 5
Boss Polo/Ocean Air (1-1) defeated Alpha Omega (0-2) 11 to 7
Bearsden (2-0) defeated Bitchstix (1-1) 8 to 7

Round 3
La Fortuna (2-1) defeated Necktie Polo (0-3) 7 to 5.5
Sullivan Group (3-0) defeated Saylulita/Breva Farms (0-3) 6.5 to 4
Bearsden (3-0) defeated Alpha Omega (0-3) 7 to 6.5
Exit Consulting Group (3-0) defeated La Serena (1-2) 6 to 5.5
Boss Polo/Ocean Air (2-1) defeated Bitchstix (1-2) 7 to 6

There was a shoot out between the 3 teams that went undefeated- Sullivan Group, Bearsden & Exit Consulting group- resulting in Exit Consulting Group & Bearsden moving on to the Final.

8 Goal Coachella Valley Cup Teams, Draw & Standings

Round 1
Twin Palms (1-0) defeated Thermal/Tylee Farms (0-1) 15 to 9
Antelope (1-0) defeated Bush League (0-1) 8 to 6
Klentner/Sapa/FMB TOO! (1-0) defeated Bensoleimani.com/FMB (0-1) 10 to 9

Round 2
Klentner/Sapa/FMB TOO! (2-0) defeated Bush League (0-2) 12 to 11
Twin Palms (2-0) defeated Antelope (1-1) 11 to 7
Bensoleimani.com/FMB (1-1) defeated Tylee Farms/Thermal (0-2) 8-6

Round 3
Bush League (1-2) defeated Thermal/Tylee Farms (0-3) in the consolation game 10 to 9
Antelope (2-1) defeated Bensoleimani.com/FMB (1-2) 11 to 9
Klentner Ranch/Sapa/FMB Too! (3-0) defeated Twin Palms (2-1) in OT 13 to 12

Klentner Ranch/Sapa/FMB Too! move on the the Final undefeated. There was a two way tie between Twin Palms (2-1) & Antelope (2-1). Twins Palms beat Antelope in bracket play so they will advance to the Final.

ANTELOPE CAPTURES SECOND JASON TITLE IN AS MANY YEARS

ANTELOPE - Grant Palmer, Maco Llambias, Santiago Trotz, Riley Jordan (sub for Geoff Palmer) presented by Lyn Jason Cobb

For the second year in a row, Geoff Palmer’s Antelope Polo Team won the Mack and Madelyn Jason Memorial 8 Goal Tournament on an ‘absolutely perfect day in sunny Southern California’. Lining up against the Chris Maloney backed Twin Palms aggregation, the Pronghorns won with a final count of 12 – 8.

With both Palmer and Maloney unable to play, the rosters were somewhat different than normal as Riley Jordan stepped in for Antelope’s Geoff Palmer (Grant Palmer, Santiago Trotz 4, Marcos Llambias 4, Riley Jordan) and Mia Bray suited up in lieu of Chris Maloney for Twin Palms (Graham Bray 3, Juan Curbelo 5, Mia Bray 1, Ryan Kerley -1).

Scoring in the first chukker was split as Trotz counted a penalty number four opportunity and Curbelo countered with a number two conversion.

Curbelo gave Twin Palms their only lead in the early second with another number two score, but Antelope responded with four goals – Palmer with a 40 yard free shot, Trotz with another number four strike and a field goal, and Llambias with a field goal of his own and the Pronghorns led by three after two at 5 – 2.

Jordan scored in the third to give the defending champions a lead of four and it appeared that Grant Palmer and Company might be starting to walk away to their second Jason title. However, with Graham Bray in charge, Twin Palms stepped it up as Curbelo and Kerley scored field goals to narrow the gap to two going to the half. The count was 6 – 4 to favor Antelope.

Twin Palms continued to press in the fourth frame as Mia Bray and Curbelo scored field goals – to none for Antelope -and the tally was even going to the penultimate stanza at 6 – 6.

If Antelope appeared to be staggering in the fourth, they were most certainly not looking that way in the fifth as Trotz counted his third penalty four chance and Llambias scored his third and fourth goals from the field. The lead was now once again in the Pronghorns  favor with the count at 9 – 6.

Twin Palms needed to score first in the sixth period and they did as Curbelo counted another penalty two to come within two. That difference was short-lived however as Antelope scored three times – Jordan with his second and Llambias with his fourth and fifth – and the lead was now five goals with little time left. Twin Palms was able to score a final goal with just seconds on the clock and it was over and Antelope had won the 2020 Jason Memorial.

With Lyn Jason Cobb and many family members on hand to present the awards, MVP honors went to Llambias with Palmer being acknowledged as the Sponsor MVP.

Best Playing Pony Blankets were placed on Paz, owned and played by Trotz in the third period, and Ata, owned by Geoff Palmer and played by Grant Palmer in the fourth.

MVP’s Grant Palmer & Maco Llambias

Grant Palmer’s “Ata” Best Playing Pony

Santi Trotz’s “Paz” Best Playing Pro Pony

NECKTIE POLO VICTORIOUS IN WORLD GYM FINAL

NECKTIE POLO - Lee Robinson, Peter Blake, Mitch Horne, John Welsh presented by Mike & Claudia Uretz

In what turned out to be a very exciting 2020 World Gym 4 Goal Final – sponsored by the Michael Uretz Family - Necktie Polo (John Welsh, Lee Robinson -.5, Peter Blake 3, Mitch Horne 1.5) defeated La Fortuna (Elise Bigelow -1, Carlos Rivas .5, Caroline Anier 1.5, Luis Saracco 3) by a final score of 8 – 5. While the final count shows a difference of three, the game was close until the later part of the final chukker.

The game was quick and fast at the outset as aggressive play led to, first of all, a field goal by Saracco – on a nice set up by Bigelow - and then a reply from Welsh to end the first tied at one.

Welsh scored again early in the second period to send Necktie up by one but Saracco then tied the count with a penalty number four conversion. With the score tied and Blake running to score within 40 yards of the La Fortuna goal, Saracco was accessed a penalty number one after Blake’s mount went down. With a yellow card being added to the number one call, the ensuing Necktie free hit was moved from center to 60 yards. Horne did not waste the opportunity and Necktie led by two at 4 – 2.  Unfazed, La Fortuna came right back and Anier scored from the field. Saracco then converted a penalty number two from 10 yards. The game was tied once again as the large crowd went on to the field as part of the Sofia Halftime Divot Stomp.

On the surface, it appeared that Necktie was able to use the break better than La Fortuna, as Horne, with strong support from Blake, scored two field goals. In the same time frame, La Fortuna did not score and Necktie once again led by a pair at 6 – 4.

With never quit attitudes, Saracco and Anier went to work and La Fortuna was rewarded as Saracco scored his second field goal of the afternoon to come within one. As most everyone knows, a lead of one with lots of time on the clock is of little meaning. With that in mind, Blake and Horn put their own attitudes to work and Horne converted a 30 yard free shot and the lead of one was now two. With time almost out, Horne was able to get free and count a final goal for Necktie and the game was over. Necktie Polo became the World Gym Champion.

With his ability to transform help from his teammates into aggressive and accurate play, Horne was selected as the MVP. Miss Kitty, owned and played by Anier in the third, was honored as the Best Playing Pony.

Mike and Claudia Uretz were, as always, on hand to present the World Gym awards.

by Tony Gregg

Most Valuable Player - Mitch Horne

Best Playing Pony - “Miss Kitty” owned and played by Caroline Anier

Ketel One Botanical Presented to Opening Sunday Winners

Klentner/Sapa/FMB Too! - Henry Walker, Jesse Bray, Igor Seyranov, Justin Klentner

Opening Day 2020, presented by Ketel One Botanicals on an absolutely perfect afternoon, featured qualifying games in the 8 Goal Mack and Madelyn Jason Memorial and the 4 Goal World Gym Tournaments.

The Jason Memorial saw Bush League ( Virgil Kyle, Ryan Robertson, Ulysses Escapite 4, Shane Rice 4) go up against Klentner/Sapa/FMB Too (Justin Klentner 1, Henry Walker 2, Igor Seyranov -1, Jesse Bray 6) in a game that KSF only trailed once and went on to lead after every chukker. The final count was 12 – 9.

For the winners, Bray scored eight times (3 fouls), Walker had two ( 1 #4) and Seyranov delivered with a pair.

The reply from Bush League consisted of seven (6 fouls [2 #4’s]) from Rice and Robertson scored two.

ALPHA OMEGA - Eileen Duffy, Kim Kelly, Leandro Floccari, Erik Wright

In the World Gym, Alpha Omega (Eileen Duffy -1, Kim Kelly, Erik Wright 1, Leandro Floccari 3) controlled Sayulita/Breva Farms (Julie Fernandez, Lesa Slaughter -1, Joe Henderson 3, Jose Rodriguez 2) by a score of 7 ½ – 4.

The Alpha Omega scoring was led by Wright with four goals (1 #4) as Floccari added two and Kelly one. The handicap award of ½ filled out the score sheet.

Rodriguez with three and Fernandez with one responded for Sayulita/Breva Farms.

The winners of each game received bottles of Ketel One Botanical from the Ketel One Ambassadors.

Tony Gregg

USPA Mack and Madelyn Jason Memorial Tournament

Tournament Standings

Twin Palms                        1   0   d Tylee/Thremal

Antelope                            1   0   d Klentner/Sapa/FMBToo 

Bensoleimani.com/FMB    1   0   d Bush League

Bush League                       0   1   l Bensoleimani.com/FMB

Tylee/Thermal                     0   1   l Twin Palms  

Klnetner/Sapa/FMBToo      0   1   l Antelope

World Gym 4 Goal Tournament

Tournament Standings

Necktie          1   0    d Alpha Omega

La Fortuna     1   0    d Boss/Ocean

Bearsden        1   0    d Sullivan

Exit                1   0    d Bitchstix

La Serena       1   0    d Breva

Alpha Omgea   0   1    l Necktie

Boss/Ocean    0   1    l La Fortuna

Sullivan          0   1    l Bearsden

Bitchstix         0   1    l Exit

Breva              0   1    l La Serena 

Santa Barbara Polo & Twin Palms Victorious in Women’s B & C Flights

B Flight

The Women’s Challenge B Flight (12 Goals) final featured Santa Barbara Polo 11 (Judith Baker, Melanja Jones 3, Cory Williams 4, Mia Bray 4), GK Farms/ Bill Gumma 10 (Jessica Keneally, Jessica Bailey 5, Athena Malin 3, Sierra Dunbar 2) and Rancho Del Sol 12 (Julie Reeske, Karen Reese 5, Jennifer Alexy 4, Megan Flynn 3) in a Round Robin format.

Played in front of the lunch crowd at the ever popular Eldorado Cantina, the first ‘game’ saw Santa Barbara line up against GK Farms. Having to give up a half goal based on the handicap difference, the ocean front crew wasted little time and scored three goals to none for GK in the first on two goals from Jones (one #2) and a single from Bray. Jones counted another open goal opportunity in the early second frame and now led by 3 ½ at 4 – ½. Malin got GK started later on in that second period with a pair of goals but that would be it as Santa Barbara won by a score of 4 – 2 ½.

Having lost the first ‘game’, GK stayed on the field to face Rancho Del Sol. Starting with a handicap grant of a half goal, GK grabbed an early lead with Malin (her third in a row) and Bailey counting a field goal each. Flynn replied by converting an open goal award from 15 yards to come within 1 ½ and GK led going to the second chukker. Alexy scored for Rancho Del Sol in the early second to come within a ½ goal but foul issues cost them as Keneally (#2) and Bailey (#4) scored free hits that gave a 4 ½ – 2 win to GK.

The third contest of the round robin was set as Santa Barbara were back out to play Ranch Del Sol. Based on the handicap totals, the first ‘game’ winners would now receive a half goal. With goals from Jones in the first and Williams in the second and no replies from Ranch Del Sol, Santa Barbara won with the count at 2 ½ – 0.

With their two victories, Santa Barbara Polo became the B Flight Champions. GK Farms/Bill Gumma finished in second spot and Rancho Del Sol were third.

With very steady and influential play, Bray was selected as the MVP and Blanca, owned and played by Williams in the fourth was chosen as the Best Playing Pony.

C Flight

The C Flight championship game was contested by Twin Palms 5 (Abby Papka 1, Violetta Escapite, Becky Gonzalez 1, Mia Bray 4) and the MK Ponytail Warriors 4 (Susan Guggenheim 2, Libby Fogal, Victoria Halliday 1, Micaela Saracco 1).

Receiving a handicap of ½ goal, the Warriors started quickly as Fogal (on a run from the initial bowl-in) and Halliday scored to jump out to a 2 ½ point cushion. Escapite scored for Twin Palms to narrow the lead to 1 ½ goals after the first.

Gonzalez and Papka each counted penalty #2 awards in the second and third chukkers to give Twin Palms a lead of ½ going to the final.

Neither team was able to score in the forth and Twin Palms earned the narrow victory.

By understanding where to be in many situations, Papka earned the title of Most Valuable Player to her team and Seductora, owned by Juan Jose Gonzalez and played by Becky Gonzalez in the second was considered to be the Best Playing Pony.

Tong Gregg

Alazanas Foxi Defends USPA Women’s Challenge Title

With strong offensive play and an equally tough defensive game, Alazanas Foxi won their second - in as many years - USPA Pacific Coast Women’s Challenge/WCT Qualifier by a final score of 5 – 4 over Carol Farnsworth’s Bearsden group.

The winners went on to the field – in front of a large and energetic Cantina crowd – with a similar lineup to last year’s quartet. Kate Weber 4, Malia McCoy 5 and Jessica Bailey 5 added Jennifer Alexy 4 to the mix which resulted in a huge front end presence that ultimately made the difference. Lining up with Farnsworth 2, were Tiffany Busch 6, Caroline Anier 5 and Tiamo Hudspeth 5.

Busch opened up the scoring with an impressive penalty number 4 conversion, but field goals by Bailey and Alexy - with a wonderful run -  gave Alazanas Foxy a lead of one after one.

The second saw scoring split with Weber and Anier – deflecting a Busch penalty 4 shot – each getting one and the defending champions led by one at the half at 3 – 2.

Scoring was again split in the third frame as Alexy converted a 40 yard free shot – to give Alazanas Foxi a bulge of two - and Anier counted her second and the lead remained just one going to the final chukker of regulation at 4 – 3.

Busch scored from the field to tie the count at four in the fourth and it appeared that a tie-breaker might be necessary. Not to be however as Alexy nailed a penalty 4 effort to grab the winner and the title.

With her ability to advance the play to the front end and her equally strong defensive capabilities, Bailey earned the title of MVP. Taxi, owned and played by Alexy in the first, was selected as the Best Playing Pony. The prestigious Sunny Hale Horsemanship Award went to Bailey.

Tony Gregg

USPA Pacific Coast Circuit Women's Challenge

USPA Pacific Coast Circuit Women's Challenge
December 27 - 29

A FLIGHT
ALAZANUS FOXI (18) – Jennifer Alexy 4, Kate Weber 4, Malia McCoy 5, Jessica Bailey 5
BEARSDEN (18) – Carol Farnsworth 2, Tiffany Busch 6, Tiamo Hudspeth 5, Caroline Anier 5

A-Flight SCHEDULE
Teams will play two games. One on Friday and one on Sunday.
Winner will be team with most goals after both games have been played

B FLIGHT
Bracket 1
CALIFORNIA POLO CLUB (12) – Jemma Contreras 2, Kim Garsed 2, Kristen Ludwig 3, Molly Agee 5
OHANA POLO/SOMERSET (12) – Erin Britton 2, Heidi Clark 1, Dayelle Fargey 6, Devin Cox 3T
SANTA BARBARA POLO CLUB (11) – Melania Jones 3, Judith Baker, Cory Williams 4, Mia Bray 4

Bracket 2
CENTRAL COAST POLO (11) – Maggie Papka 1, Shannon Mendez 2, Heather Lake 5, Francesca Finato 3
LUNCH $/SAYULITA (12) – Elizabeth Cunningham 1, Julie Fernandez 2, Tiamo Hudspeth 5, Jenny Vargas 4
GK FARMS/BILL GUMMA (10) – Jessica Keneally, Jessica Bailey 5, Athena Malin 3, Sierra Dunbar 2

Bracket 3
RANCHO DEL SOL (12) – Julie Reeske, Karen Reese 5, Jennifer Alexy 4, Megan Flynn 3
SUTTER BUTTES (12) – Bonnie Magill 2, Raeann Magill 2, Cybelle Jordan 4, Roxy Keyfauver 4

B-Flight SCHEDULE
Friday Dec 27
California Polo vs Ohana/Somerset vs Santa Barbara Polo
Central Coast vs Lunch Money/Sayulita vs GK Farms
Rancho Del Sol vs Sutter Buttes

Three winners will play Sunday Dec 29 Final. Three runners-up will play consolation round robin on Saturday. Two third place teams will play consolation game on Saturday

C FLIGHT

TWIN PALMS (5) – Mia Bray 4, Violeta Escapite, Becky Gonzalez 1, Abby Papka.
MK PONYTAIL WARRIORS (4) – Susan Guggenheim 2, Libby Fogel, Victoria Halliday 1, Micaela Saracco 1

Teams will play two games. One on Saturday and one on Sunday.
Winner will be team with most goals after both games have been played.

Linfoot Polo Clinic December 14 & 15

Brush up on your skills leading into the winter season with Corky & Kathy Linfoot, Honorary USPA Certified Polo Instructors with 20+ years of teaching experience

2020 Season Schedule

USPA FALL BOARD OF GOVERNORS AND ANNUAL MEMBER MEETING

he 2019 USPA Board of Governors and Annual Member Meeting along with committee and LLC meetings will be held October 16-19 at the La Quinta Resort and Club in La Quinta, California. The Palm Springs International Airport is the closest major airport to fly into and it is a 30-minute drive to the hotel. Committee and LLC meetings will be held on Thursday, October 17, and Friday, October 18. The Board of Governors and Annual Member Meeting will take place on Saturday, October 19. The USPA is planning several social events to highlight and recognize local polo clubs. In addition, the USPA would like to welcome all members and Delegates to stay for a Delegate Forum on Sunday, October 20. USPA Club Delegates are offered a $750 meeting travel reimbursement for attending.

Guests may call 1-800-598-3828 and refer to the USPA Annual Meeting or by Code ZUSP after selecting dates within the contracted nights. You may also book your room at the following link: https://book.passkey.com/go/USPolo2019. If you have any questions please contact meetings@uspolo.org.

Click here for the 2019 Fall Board of Governors and Annual Member Meeting Schedule.

USPA Governor-At-Large Elections

The Governor-At-Large voting ballots has been provided to all American USPA members, online voting is requested and needs to be completed on or before August 20, 2019. 

This year we have two candidates from the Pacific Coast Circuit running for election; Christopher Maloney of Twin Palms Polo and Vicky Owens of Empire Polo Club. It is important to Eldorado Polo Club that we have strong West Coast representation in the USPA and we encourage members to vote for these candidates. To clarify the voting procedure, each member may register 11 votes on their ballot, but members can also opt to vote for just these two candidates if they wish to not also award positive votes to other competing candidates.

Two years ago, the Pacific Coast Circuit followed this suggestion for our candidates, Denny Geiler & Scott Walker, we were successful in securing their elections seat and rewarded with their service.

USPA Pacific Coast Circuit Governor Dan Walker's election recommendations:

1. Julio Arellano – Current Governor At Large.
2. Steve Armour – Current Governor At Large – Active participant and has accepted Committee member assignments. A valued member. RECOMMEND
3. Chrys Beal – Current Governor At Large – Active participant and has accepted Committee member assignments. A valued member. RECOMMEND
4. Mike Carney – Current Governor At Large – Active participant and has accepted Committee member assignments. A valued member. RECOMMEND
5. Jim DeAngelis – No Comment
6. Tom Gose – Current Governor At Large – Active participant and has accepted Committee member assignments. A valued member. RECOMMEND
7. Chris Green – Current Governor At Large – Active participant and has accepted Committee member assignments. A valued member. RECOMMEND
8. Chris Maloney – A business man, plays polo at various polo clubs, a patron, I anticipate Chris will be an active positive Board Member, possible Executive Committee Member. RECOMMEND
9. Vicky Owens - RECOMMEND – Polo Manager of Empire Polo Club. Active in the USPA, I anticipate Vicky will be an active positive Board Member. RECOMMEND
10. Peter Rizzo – Current Governor At Large – Active participant and has accepted Committee member assignments. A valued member. RECOMMEND
11. Robin Sanchez – We are familiar with Robin for her work and accomplishments in the Arena Polo and Women’s polo, a positive to the growth of new membership.
12. Charles Smith – Current Governor At Large – Active participant and has accepted Committee member assignments. A valued member, but decline to vote for Charles because he has been nominated for USPA Secretary. When he becomes Secretary, he will need to resign his Governor At Large seat and the Chairman can then arrange for another individual to fill the seat.
13. Cecilia Cochran – No Comment
14. Pam Flanagan – No Comment
15. Peter Poor – Current Governor At Large – Active participant and has accepted Committee member assignments. A long time member that should be substituted out. Historical knowledge but lacks participation on behalf of the USPA membership.
16. Diego Fernando Flores DVM – Dr. Flores from the Border Circuit represents his circuit and club with good membership, good polo programs and proactive membership growth, but continues to be in litigation with the USPA which provides him a conflict of interest as a Governor At Large.
17. Robert McCloskey – For me, this is a NO vote. Bob has a conflict of interest in serving and believes that the accumulated funds in the USPA account should be disbursed to the USPA membership. Bob continues to fight and interrupt any and all actions of the USPA Board of Governors when he occupied a seat on the Board of Governors. I am unfamiliar with any member of the current Board of Governors that would recommend Robert McCloskey for a seat.

If any member has a question or concern, I am available to you. It continues to be my pleasure to represent and work on behalf of the Pacific Coast Circuit. Thank you for trusting in me.

Daniel K. Walker

2020 Season Survey

Bush League Wins Governor's Cup

BUSH LEAGUE - Virgil Kyle, Ryan Robertson, Jose Rodriguez, Ulysses Escapite

The final game of the 2019 USPA Pacific Coast Governor's Cup - with $7,500 for the winners and $2500 to the runners-up) featured two team names that had been there before. Bush League's Virgil Kyle and Ryan Robertson saddled up for their third finals appearance in four years and Cheryl Schindel had played in the 2015 decider.

The start was fast for the Centurions (Cheryl Schindel -.5, Luis Saracco 3, Ignacio Saracco 2, Santiago Mendez 1.5) as Ignacio Saracco scored in the first 90 seconds to give the Grand Prairie, Alberta group a lead of one. However, that would be their only lead of the afternoon as Bush League (Virgil Kyle .5, Ryan Robertson .5, Ulysses Escapite 4, Jose Rodriguez 1) came back quickly to apply pressure that resulted in a Robertson penalty three conversion followed by a field goal from Escapite. The first was over and the country boys led 2 - 1.

The Romans got even in the second frame as Luis Saracco scored on a penalty two award but Bush League's Escapite nailed a penalty four strike to again lead by one at the half (3 - 2).

Ignacio Saracco scored his second field goal in the early third period to again tie the count. Rodriguez then counted a pair of well earned field goals and Robertson scored his second open goal opportunity - a spot penalty two - and the third was over with country boys up by three (6 - 3).

In the fourth, Rodriguez scored his third of the contest and the Bush League lead was now four goals at 7 - 3. With the Centurions needing to score five unanswered goals to win, time - not to mention a strong Bush league defence - was a big factor. Luis Saracco was able to count a pair of field goals but it wasn't nearly enough and Bush league won their second Governor's Cup title in three years - with the identical lineup.

With his "nose in every play", Rodriguez was the obvious choice as the MVP and Ygritte, owned by Kyle and played by Rodriguez in the third was selected as the Best Playing Pony.

On an afternoon that was presented by Oban Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Ed Adams, Master of Whisky, and representing Oban & Lagavulin presnted the victors with bottles of Oban.

The Governor of the Pacific Coast Circuit, Danny Walker, presented the trophies and checks to both teams.

Tony Gregg

CENTURIONS - Cheryl Schindel, Ignacio Saracco, Luis Saracco, Topo Mendez

BEST PLAYING PONY - YGRITTE Played by Jose Rodriguez owned by Virgil Kyle

Highwood Wins Rossmore Decisively

HIGHWOOD - Ron Mathison, Francisco Rodriguez-Mera, Marcos Llambias, Marcelo Abbiati

The format of the Polo Skins Game, played in conjuction with the USPA Rossmore Cup, allows that on occasion, the number of chukkers won can be even and, at the same time, one team can win the overall count by many goals.

Such was the case on Sunday afternoon, March 24th - presented by Oban Single Malt Scotch Whisky - as Ben Soleimani's Bensoleimani.com (Ben Soleimani, Santiago Von Wernich 5, Remi Du Celliee Muller 3, Tomi Alberdi 4) and Canadian Ron Matherson's Highwood (Ron Matherson, Marcelo Rodriguez-Abbiati 4, Marcos Llambias 4, Francisco Rodriguez-Mera 4) met in the 25th annual Skins contest with each team winning three chukkers - to split the $30,000 available - and Highwood winning the Rossmore Cup by a final count of 13 - 8.

In front of a typical Skins crowd - huge with a party atmosphere - and on a perfect afternoon, the first period saw the early money going to Highwood as Rodriguez-Abbiati and Llambias scored field goals with an open goal reply from Bensoleimani.com's Alberdi with a spot hit from inside thirty yards. Highwood $5000 and a Rossmore lead at 2- 1.

The second frame featured extremely tight play with three penalty three coversions - a pair from the Soleimani group's Alberdi and a single from Highwood's Rodriguez-Mera. Bensoleimani.com $5000 and the Rossmore tied at 3 - 3.

The designers continued the second period pressure into the third as Alberdi counted another penalty three award along with a field goal. The lone Highwood goal came from Rodriguez-Mera with another 40 yard free-throw conversion and Bensoleimani.com won their second skin and now had banked $10,000 and led the Rossmore at 5 - 4.

Following the Sophia halftime divot stomp, play in the fourth chukker opened up considerably and was all Highwood as Rodriguez-Mera scored three field goals with nary a reply from the rug merchants. The addition of the $5000 gave the Canadian crew $10,000 and a Rossmore lead of two at 7 - 5.

The Soleimani group recovered in the fifth period as Alberdi counted another penalty three award along with a field goal and Von Wernich counted one from the field. Highwood kept it close with a pair of 40 yard open goal counters from Rodriguez-Mera but the skin was Bensoleimani.com's and gave them a total of $15,000. However, Highwood continued to lead the Rossmore at 9 - 8.

With many on hand thinking that the designers would come out strong in the sixth - they didn't. Instead the strength was with the Canadians as they took absolute control and ran over the Soleimani group to score four unanswered goals - Rodriguez-Mera with three more open goal counters - a two from the spot, a two, and a three - and another field goal from Llambias. Bensoleimani.com was powerless as Highwood grabbed the final $5,000 to even the count at $15,000 each. With the deluge, Highwood won the Rossmore Cup by a large margin at 13 - 8.

With each team winning three chukkers to split the money, the difference in the Rossmore Cup was two strong chukkers from Highwood in which they scored seven unananswered goals. As mentioned earlier, in the Skins, an even game by the money count can be - and was - much different in the overall score.

With his strong effort inside the game to move the ball to advantageous spots along with his strong defensive play, Llambias was selected as the MVP and as such, he was the recipient of a check for $2,500.

Argentina, owned and played by Rodriguez-Abbiati in the fouth was chosen as the Best Playing Pony. Along with the BPP Blanket, Argentina garnered a $2,500 award.

Ed Adams, Master of Whisky and representing Oban & Lagavulin, presented bottles of Oban Single Malt Scotch Whisky to the winners.

Mike Ward, the President of the Eldorado Polo Club, was on hand to award the $5,000 Skins checks as well as the USPA Rossmore Cup to Highwood.

Tony Gregg

BENSOLEIMANI.COM - Tomy Alberdi, Santiago Von Wernich, Remy Du Celliee Muller, Ben Soleimani

BEST PLAYING PONY - ARGENTINA - Marcelo Abbiati

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER - MARCOS LLAMBIAS

USPA Pacific Coast Governor's Cup - March 24

THERMAL 6
Reg Whyte 0
Bayne Bossom 2
Earnie Ezcurra 2
Felipe Sordelli 2

CENTURIONS 6
Cheryl Schindel -.5
Luis Saracco 3
Ignacio Saracco 2
Santiago Mendez 1.5

MOTHER CHUKKERS 5.5
Suzannah Forbes -1
Ignacio Deltour 4
Dayelle Fargey 2
Catlin Dix .5

BUSH LEAGUE 6
Virgil Kyle .5
Ryan Robertson .5
Ulysses Escapite 4
Jose Rodriguez 1

Sat Mar 16;Centurions vs Thermal, Bush League vs Mother Chukkers
Sun Mar 17; Thermal vs Bush League, Mother Chukkers vs Centurions
Sat Mar 23; Bush League vs Centurions, Thermal vs Mother Chukkers
Sat Mar 23; Thermal eliminated in shootout
Sun Mar 24; Governor's Cup Final - Centurions vs Bush League

Centurions               2   1  d Mother Chukkers, Bush League l Thermal
Bush League           2    1  d Mother Chukkers, Thermal l Centurions
Thermal                    2   1   d Centurions, Mother Chukkers   l Bush League
Mother Chukkers      0   3   l Bush League, Centurions, Thermal