Jun 12, 2017 4:21 PM
During the spring season, USPA Player Development focused on the advancement of YPO (Youth Player Outreach) participants in Aiken, South Carolina. For the month of May, the USPA Aiken Training Center connected aspiring players with the masters of the game during an intensive training program. As part of the two-week intensive program, talented young players from around the country spent their days at the barn and on the field with Adam Snow, Owen Rinehart and other local professionals learning the nuances of the game. The most recent group of players participated in bi-weekly coached practice chukkers, along with one–on-one stick and ball sessions and game tape review.
Tommy Huber spent the month of May mentored by Owen Rinehart, Beth Skolnik and Campbell Davis gaining experience working with a top breeding facility.
“My time spent in Aiken this spring was extremely helpful. Thanks to the USPA I had the opportunity to advance in my polo career as an athlete and a horseman. I was able to experience and learn something new each day about polo and the breeding operation.” – Tommy Huber, Young Player Outreach Participant.
USPA partnered with the USPA Umpires, LLC to for an umpire boot camp for Team USPA players Remy Muller, Matias Gonzalez, Marissa Wells, Russell Stimmel and Connor Deal.
Team USPA’s Connor Deal also had the opportunity to compete in the Tommy Hitchcock Memorial 12-Goal and Members Classic 8-Goal at New Bridge Polo & Country Club with SD Farms. Similarly, YPO participant Morgan Bowman played in the USPA Congressional Cup 6-Goal at Aiken Polo Club.
“Getting to play in the 8- and 12-goal this spring was such an amazing opportunity. I have learned a great deal from playing competitive polo here in Aiken, South Carolina.” – Connor Deal, Team USPA member.
Apart from two coached practices each week, the YPO participants took advantage of swing analysis offered by Polo Development LLC’s Player Performance Analysis Program on two separate occasions. There were several lectures organized to broaden the player’s horsemanship and polo knowledge. Dr. Shelley Onderdonk, DVM, gave a lecture on equine nutrition and vetting. Kylie Sheehan and Samira Waernlund discussed polo grooming, maintenance and professionalism. Polo Development Coordinator, Elizabeth Hedley, also gave a "Trophy Presentation and Professionalism" lecture. In addition, players also trained at Aiken Crossfit and audited the umpiring rules lecture given by Bradley Biddle.
“My experience in Aiken, South Carolina was amazing!” said YPO participant Morgan Palacios. “It taught me a variety of new things that will stay with me for all of my polo career. The two weeks consisted of two 8-goal practices a week with Adam Snow, Owen Rinehart, and many others. These games were exhilarating. It was an exciting privilege to participate in a game with these highly-experienced players. They shared their knowledge, and I played some of the fastest polo that I have ever played! During the first week, USPA was also holding a three-day umpire training program for the new USPA team members. We were able to sit in on some of their discussions and this definitely increased my understanding of some of the new rules. Overall, the two weeks were fantastic. I met interesting people, created new friends and acquired new polo skills. Actually, fantastic does not even begin to describe this opportunity and experience. It was unforgettable. I am extremely grateful to USPA and to all of the people who build and support these wonderful programs that help young players like myself.”
Following the intensive training program at the USPA Aiken Training Center, the Young Player Outreach Classic was hosted by polo professionals Adam Snow, Owen Rinehart and Pelon Escapite to allow the participants to demonstrate the skills they have been working on throughout the program. The tournament also provided Umpires LLC a venue to certify and observe Team USPA players seeking an umpire rating. Rinehart’s team Isinya defeated both Snow (New Haven) and Escapite’s (E2) teams. Tommy Huber received Most Valuable Player top honors and Hope Arellano was awarded the Sportsmanship Award.
“Exposing young adult players to this level of training is so rewarding. Having access to mentors like Adam Snow, Owen Rinehart and Pelon Escapite is invaluable.” – Kris Bowman, Executive Director of Polo Development LLC.
Training will resume in July in Sheridan, Wyoming, at Flying H Polo Club.
YPO Aiken - Spring Participants: Tommy Huber, Bennett Moore, Armando Frausto, Tom Costello, Molly Agee, Dalton Woodfin, Morgan Palacios, Hope Arellano, Josh Daniels, Parker Daniels, Chilo Cordova, Derek Berg, Malia Bryan, Sydney Jordan.
Team USPA Wyoming Summer Participants: Santi Torres, Cacho Galindo, Carly Persano, Steve Krueger.
YPO Wyoming - Summer Participants: Liam Lott, Shariah Harris, Charlie Caldwell, Harry Caldwell, Kayden Winterholler, Malia Bryan, Rexy Vicardo, Avery Evans.
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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