NEWS

Adored by all who had the opportunity to know him, Chadwick J. ‘Chad’ Kraml passed away peacefully on Friday, June 4, at the age of 54 following a heart attack on Monday, May 24. He was surrounded by his family including his mother Diane, brother Jim, sister-in-law and Kerry Alexander. Born on November 20, 1966 in Hinsdale, Illinois, Chad first became a member of the United States Polo Association in 1980 and worked as a USPA professional umpire for seven years.

“With both of us growing up in polo, Chad and I crossed paths many times—Chad playing polo several summers at my home club in Potomac, Maryland, to most recently working as a professional umpire for the USPA Umpires, LLC,” said Charlie Muldoon, Executive Director of the USPA Umpires, LLC. “He was a consummate gentleman both on and off the field, and I always enjoyed his easy-going smile. It is a sad day in polo when one of our friends passes on and Chad will truly be missed.”

Holding a 4-goal outdoor handicap and 5-goals in the arena at the height of his playing career, Chad won the USPA national tournament the Intra-Circuit Cup in 1994 with Chief White GMC. Joining the USPA Umpires, LLC, Chad worked as a professional umpire from 2013 to 2020, officiating tournaments up to 16-goals nationwide. In addition to traveling between Illinois, Texas and California, among other states, Chad spent four winters overseas officiating at the Manila Polo Club in the Philippines.

“Chad’s excellent officiating during our polo seasons is part of an impressive record of service to the club and its polo community,” said Gideon Diestro, Polo Manager of Manila Polo Club. “He brought a level of professionalism which promoted teamwork and motivation among our polo players. Chad’s kindness was well-loved by our staff and he will certainly be missed by all of us.”

Known to his friends as “Baby Huey” and often described as a “gentle giant,” Chad was incredibly strong, regularly asked to ride challenging horses most of which were difficult to stop. His size and strength also proved valuable during his college career when he played nose guard for Western Kentucky University football during the late 1980s. Both sociable and witty, Chad left an indelible impression wherever he traveled and was easily loved by many. “We will miss Chad and his amazing culinary expertise,” said Maggie Mitchell, Umpires Executive Administrator.

In honor of Chad’s life and contribution to polo, a tribute ceremony will be held on Sunday, June 27, before the opening match at Oak Brook Polo Club in Oak Brook, Illinois.