A crowd of approximately 1050 spectators enjoyed a highly competitive match between the MICHIGAN STATE POLO TEAM and the UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN POLO TEAM in the 1st annual CHALLENGE MATCH. The game was played at the outstanding Michigan State University Agricultural Pavilion in East Lansing, MI. CATHERINE WETHINGTON of the UM team sang a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem. The MSU team of NICOLE WOZNIAK, KELLI SMITH and KRISTEN KEYE played the UM team consisting of DANI REWITZER, JULIA SCHROEDER and LAURA CHESS. A very tight and hard-played match saw MSU prevailing 7-6 with a great 4th chukker by the MSU squad. Four goals were scored in the last chukker with Rewitzer and Chess leading the charge. A great program chaired by MELISSA HEACOCK of MSU saw outstanding ticket sales, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle and lots of team apparel being sold by both teams. All proceeds for the event was split between the clubs as the teams are entirely self-funding. A very professional program book was produced for the event by CALEB SMITH and KODI SCHEER of the UM team. MERLE and VERA JENKINS, STEVE and CINDY VAN ANDEL, SCOTT and TERRI DEVON and JIM and ANNE NICHOLSON were the primary sponsors for the event with another 20 or so companies and individuals adding their support. Members of the Grand Rapids, MI based MEADOWVIEW FARM POLO TEAM and the DETROIT POLO CLUB also added their help, support and encouragement. The winning MSU team received beautiful silver trophies with a MVP award going to LAURA CHESS of UM. BPP award went to JACKIE, a chestnut mare, owned by CHRISTIAN TENNANT of the Detroit Polo Club and played by KELLI SMITH of MSU. DANIELLE KUPER of DPC was the MVP Judge.
The second match of the evening was between a GRAND RAPIDS based team playing as TITO’s and consisted of TOM WISEHART, PAUL KNAPP and CHRIS STRATTAMAN versus a DETROIT BLUES team of COLLIN Mc COSH, LES JOHNSON and PAUL WHEATON. It was an outstanding match and the final score was DETROIT over TITO’s 11-6. MVP was COLLIN Mc COSH and BPP was a bay mare named LIGHTFOOT owned and played by LES JOHNSON. MATT JOHNSON, SARAH KNAPP and EMMALYN PARTLOW shared the umpiring duties. SANDE WEILER was Scorekeeper/Timer and JERRY HUTCHESON was the Commentator/Announcer for the event. DPC sponsors ROY LINK and PATRICK SMITH were also on hand to cheer on the teams.
Upcoming events at the Detroit Polo Club find the Detroit club hosting CEDAR RIDGE of Toronto CANADA and the MEADOWVIEW team from Grand Rapids, MI. next weekend.
The MEADOWVIEW polo club will also be hosting a NEW PLAYER POLO CLINIC at their new outdoor arena in Lowell, MI on October 3, 4 and 5. Meals will be served EACH DAY to all participants and WILBUR O’FARRELL (USPA PTF) will help conduct the clinic along with the Meadowview staff.
DPC and MEADOWVIEW welcome any out of town players or spectators. Their Web sites are www.detroitpoloclub.com and www.meadowview-farm.com .
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT J. HUTCHESON, jerry@detroitpoloclub or call (248) 854-7725. Thank you for your help and cooperation.