NEWS

Fall Fandango Collegiate Arena Polo Extravaganza celebrated its tenth anniversary November 8-11. Teams from Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, Southern Methodist University, Colorado State, University of Arkansas and University of Texas traveled to Legend’s Horse Ranch in Kaufman, Texas, to compete in a weekend chock full of polo.

The Fall Fandango has traditionally served several purposes. It allows participating Intercollegiate/Interscholastic (I/I) teams play qualifying matches. These games in addition to classroom time are used for umpire training. The opportunity to bring together many schools from around the region also develops a camaraderie among players, coaches, club members and other participants and allows for additional education opportunities within the sport of polo.

“Fall fandango was an experience I will never forget!” shared Lauren Crow, University of Arkansas women’s team member. “I strengthened relationships with my teammates and formed new ones with schools in our region. Being a new team, most of us were unsure of how our experience would turn out, but after we played, we realized how fun and inclusive the polo world is. I was able to learn from the other teams, the umpires, and my own teammates as well. I can’t wait to do it again next year.”

In addition to games, players and participants were given a rules review with a question and answer session from Head I/I Umpire Instructor Bradley Biddle and an Equine Nutrition seminar with Sharon Choney of Cargill/Nutrena. Players were also given the opportunity to be involved in a Player Performance Analysis with Conner Deal.

“Thanks to Robin Sanchez and everyone who helped organize and run the 2018 Fall Fandango,” said I/I Chairman David Wenning who attended his first Fall Fandango. “Bradley (Biddle) and Robert (Lyn Kee Chow) were not only teaching umpires in games, but also held instructional sessions for the players as well to learn the game. The players participated in a swing analysis session run by Conner Deal to help elevate their skills. Lots of polo education with great kids, coaches and facilities.”

2018 National Intercollegiate Championship finalists SMU joined in the event with coach Tom Goodspeed. “The Fall Fandango was both fun and a season lifesaver,” shared Goodspeed. “Record rainfalls here in Texas had brought our program to a soggy halt. Robin Sanchez’s efforts with this tournament allowed us the opportunity to get in our required games.

The Legends Horse Ranch is a really nice facility. The arena footing was perfect and the available stabling on property was such a gift. Additionally, it was super to have both Bradley Biddle and Robert Lyn Kee Chow there representing the USPA Umpiring program and helping us all get a better handle on the rules. It was also terrific to see I/I chairman David Wenning being there for all these young players. All of us at SMU would like to thank Robin Sanchez, Nacho Estrada, I/I, the Umpires, and the USPA as a whole for making this tournament available.”

Aside from qualifying matches, a club member tournament was held with teams wearing military jerseys in honor of Veteran’s Day. The salute to the military continued through the weekend with USPA Armed Forces tournaments being played – the Admiral Chester W. Nimitz and General Lewis B. Chesty Puller. Additionally, some fast and furious polo was seen in the USPA Alumni Cup.