NEWS

By Karl Hilberg

Recently the Central Texas Polo Association (CTPA) hosted a USPA Strategy and Coaching Clinic. Certified Polo Instructor, Robin Sanchez, was the instructor for three days of chukkers at the Lockhart, Texas, location.

On Thursday, Sanchez conducted coached chukkers for four periods with eight participants, including one interscholastic player; twelve participants were in attendance on Saturday and a total of 13 on Sunday. Strategy for bowl-ins, knock-ins and penalty shots were discussed and as well as rules explained during each of the chukkers. Club members and guests from the Houston, Texas, area all increased their polo knowledge.

Austin (1)
Kyle Brown (B)
Karsten Idsal (AT)
Glen Voorhees (1)
Cuatro Tolsen (1)

CTPA (4)
Marlon Pimienta (A)
Gustavo Galvan (1)
Javier Insua (2)
Ariel Rodriguez (1)

Dallas (2)
Katelyn Anderson (B)
Carter Heltzen (AT)
Ravel Estrada (1)
Eduardo Costabile (2)

South Padre Island (2.5)
Gal Shweiki (.5)
Pud Nieto (1)
Jack Crea (1)
Karl Hilberg (A)

Umpires
Daniel Gallegos (P2)
Doug Brunet (CCT)

October 14-15, the Central Texas Polo Association (CTPA) hosted a regional Governor’s Cup Qualifier (0-4 Goal) with two local CTPA teams, one from Dallas, Texas, and another from South Padre Island (SPI). The draw for the first day pitted Austin against South Padre Island and CTPA versus Dallas.

The game started on time with the umpires Daniel Gallegos and Doug Brunet in charge. Austin began the first chukker with one goal on the board due to handicap, but came out hot, scoring four additional goals with South Padre Island only able to score one. Continuing the game, Austin scored again in the second, two goals in the third chukker, and one final goal in the fourth; SPI was only able to score one in the third. The final score was 9-2 in favor of Austin.

After a short break, the second match between CTPA and Dallas kicked off with a bowl-in from Gallegos. Dallas was on the board to start with two goals on handicap. In a closely fought first chukker, CTPA’s Javier Insua scored the first goal of the game. Gustavo Galvan added two more in the second, followed by another goal from Ariel Rodriguez. Toward the end of the chukker, Dallas' Eduardo Constabile capitalized on a conversion opportunity. Headed into the half, the score was 4-3 in favor of CTPA. The third was close with each team scoring one from the field. Entering the final chukker, Insua decided the game was too close for comfort and scored three consecutive goals. Rodriguez scored his second of the game, all while playing great defense and shutting out Dallas. CTPA came out on top, 9-4.

The championship match between Austin and CTPA took place on Sunday, October 15. Austin started play with two goals due to handicap and quickly converted a Penalty 4 to increase their overall score to three. CTPA then responded with three goals, two by Insua, to end the first 3-all. In a defensive second chukker, Insua was only able to score one additional goal, ending the half 4-3 in favor of CTPA. The break at halftime worked some magic for the CTPA team as they came out smoking; Rodriguez contributed one, Insua two and Galvan afourth goal. Pimienta, unable to score, played terrific defense breaking up numerous offensive plays by Austin. The final chukker was much closer with Rodriguez and Cuatro Tolson each scoring one goal apiece. CTPA defeated Austin 9-4.

The consolation match between Dallas and South Padre Island followed. Dallas began with a half-goal handicap advantage. SPI started play with what would prove to be the only goal in the first. Neither team was able to score in a defensive second chukker, however, a pony goal gave SPI a two-goal advantage at the half. The third chukker was the highest scoring of the game; Costabile converted a Penalty 3, and Pud Nieto and Karl Hilberg each scored one from the field. Ravel “Nacho” Estrada started the fourth with a goal from the field and as time ran out, Costabile nearly added a second. SPI won a closely fought game 4-2.

CTPA will advance to the USPA Southwestern Circuit Governor’s Cup in Houston, Texas, on October 28-29, facing two Houston teams along with a Midland team.

Most Valuable Player – Javier Insua (CTPA)
Best Playing Pony – Cascarita, ridden by Javier Insua, owned by John Greening
Sportsmanship Award – Glen Voorhees (Austin)

As always, events like this require a strong support team to allow the players to enjoy the game. Thanks to the umpires, CTPA leadership and Heart of Texas Polo Club support team that ensured the fields were ready and the games executed well. Finally, thanks to Pud Nieto for sponsoring the event and arranging for the Saturday afternoon post-game barbecue, Most Valuable Player and Best Playing Pony awards.

Photo Credit ©Martha Bagley