NATIONAL PRESIDENT'S CUP
TOURNAMENT HISTORY
The 2021 National President's Cup returns to New Bridge Polo & Country Club in Aiken, South Carolina for the third year. The National President’s Cup has an illustrious 50-year history. Formally known as the Eight Goal Inter-Circuit, it was first played in 1969. The inaugural Eight Goal Inter-Circuit was held at Brandywine Polo Club in Toughkenamon, Pennsylvania, with teams traveling from the Northeastern, Southeastern, Northwestern and Midstate circuits vying to win the coveted trophy. In 1974, the Eight Goal Inter-Circuit was renamed the National President’s Cup and since then the tournament has been played at USPA Member Clubs nationwide.
The final of the 2020 National President’s Cup came down to two undefeated teams, Bottega (Hope Arellano, Adam Snow, Nachi Viana, Joe Post) and Hardscrabble (Mason Lampton, Jack Whitman, Polo Baez, Pelon Escapite). A well-rounded Bottega team excelled on defense, limiting Hardscrabble’s opportunities, while producing a consistent attack to capture the 15-10 victory.
The 2021 edition will feature an incredible field of ten teams battling to claim the prestigious National President's Cup. While last year's championship team will not be amongst the competition, returning competitors include 2020 National President's Cup champions Adam Snow (Tipler Law/Cooper Home & Stable) and Hope Arellano (UN-STA-BLE) and finalists Jack Whitman (LBL) and Pelon Escapite (Field One). The Team USPA program will be represented by Active members and siblings Hope Arellano and Lucas Arellano.
As the country emerges out of the COVID-19 crisis, the USPA established opportunities to support USPA Member Club events through the use of the COVID-19 USPA Polo Tournament Stimulus Package, which provides eligible USPA Member Clubs with waived tournament fees, trophies or reimbursements, one professional umpire and $2,500 in prize money per tournament at no extra cost. Offered to each club for the first two USPA tournaments of 2021, New Bridge Polo & Country Club will be taking advantage of the program for this tournament.
Photo: 2020 National Presidents Cup Champions: Bottega - Joe Post, Nachi Viana, Adam Snow, Hope Arellano, presented by Joanna Caldwell. ©Katie Roth
