Dec 19, 2017 11:30 AM
Lakeside Polo Club in Lakeside, California, founded by Rear Admiral Eugene R. Hering MC USN in 1956, was proud to host the Admiral Chester W. Nimitz Arena Polo Tournament, December 9-10, 2017, in their newly completed arena.
Four teams made up of retired military players and/or dependents of fathers who had served in one of the four branches of the military battled it out for two days, under the threat of hot, dry Santa Ana winds and Red Alert Fire Danger in San Diego County. The club was fortunate for marine breezes from the west that prevailed and the Santa Ana conditions did not develop in the valley.
The first day of play saw the Air Force team of Nicole de Berg (daughter, USAF), Rik Crane (grandson, USA) and Barbara Bowers (daughter USAF) win 8-6 over the Navy team of Ethan Bankhead (grandson, USN), Abby Purdy (daughter, USN) and Frankie Questel (Cavalry, Dom.Rep).
In the second match of the day the Army team of Jeff Trout (son, USA) Kimberly Foy (daughter, USA) and Brenda Phillips (daughter, USA) won 9-6 over the Marine team of Lt. Col. Dean Daggett (USMC, retired), Kip Hering (USA, retired) and Natasha de Berg (granddaughter, USAF) who split chukkers with Laura Lilly (granddaughter, USMC).
Following play on the first day, the teams gathered at the Pepper Tree Cantina to enjoy a catered lunch, some Polo Christmas Cheer and lots of camaraderie.
On the second day of play, the Santa Ana winds held off and the consolation and final matches were played under pleasant conditions. In the consolation, the Navy defeated the Marines 8-6 and in the final, the Army in their camouflage team jerseys bested the Air Force 11–9 to take the Admiral Chester W. Nimitz Trophy.
Kimberly Foy, the “Stealth Bomber,” was named Most Valuable Player for her quietly efficient, but deadly play. Rik Crane’s quarter horse, Cinnamon, was awarded Best Playing Pony honors. USPA Certified Umpire Kimo Huddleston and ranch owner Nicole Bankhead, umpired all four matches and kept play fast, but safe. It was a very successful polo event and Lakeside Polo Club looks forward to hosting many military tournaments in the future.
Effective Date: Saturday, May 16, 2020
The suspension of USPA Tournaments and Events will be lifted for USPA Member Clubs in locales where hosting polo matches and tournaments is permitted under applicable state and local laws, executive orders and similar decrees. The USPA Member Clubs in these locales are encouraged to follow all such requirements of their state and local authorities with respect to polo operations. In addition, we also encourage all USPA Member Clubs to take the precautions recommended by the CDC. We are preparing a detailed list of best practices for USPA Member Clubs as they return to hosting USPA Tournaments and Events and plan to circulate these guidelines within the next week. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely and will notify you if we determine a different course of action is necessary.
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