USPA delegate and longtime member demonstrates passion and commitment to polo
September 19, 2012 (Wellington, Fla.) – The U.S. Polo Association (USPA), the national governing body for the sport of polo, has appointed Robert A. McCloskey as the Southwestern Circuit Governor. Elected by his Southwestern Circuit constituents, McCloskey has a longstanding history with the USPA spanning an impressive 22 years. In addition to assuming the role as the Southwestern Circuit Governor, he is also a USPA delegate for the San Antonio Polo Club, a position he has held for over a decade. His story is an unusual, yet extraordinary one revealing that a true passion for the sport can be ignited at any age.
McCloskey began playing polo in his 50’s, falling in love with the sport and fully committing himself to become a competitive player. At age 63, he achieved an impressive 2 goal rating and today, at 72-years-old, McCloskey is still a force to be reckoned with posing a 1.5 goal rank. McCloskey’s polo and equestrian passions are evident in his daily routine as the sole caretaker for his horses, which includes feeding, doctoring, shoeing, driving his rig and tacking and untacking all without any assistance. McCloskey is a huge advocate for polo’s growth and will look to support the sport’s continued advancement, utilizing his experience and enthusiasm in the new position of Southwestern Circuit Governor. He was appointed to a two-year term and will represent the Circuit in its relations with the USPA.
“I am honored to be appointed the Southwestern Circuit Governor and look forward to begin working on my tasks and responsibilities that go along with my new role, “ said McCloskey. “It is an exciting time to assume this position as the sport of polo is gaining incredible momentum and growing at an impressive rate in the US, across all age groups and skill levels.”
McCloskey’s passions have taken him to new heights on and off the polo field. He is a successful businessman with a background in the aerospace industry and helped make history as part of global security and aerospace company Lockheed Martin’s “Man-on-the-Moon” team. For the past 40 years, he has operated a small control systems design and manufacturing company in Texas as well. McCloskey’s career has provided him with extensive travel opportunities that have taken him across the U.S., Canada and Mexico to design, build and install systems.
On the field, McCloskey says his favorite memories include an Argentine polo vacation and playing with impressive former and current professionals such as Tommy Wayman, Mike Azzaro, Vince Azzaro, Joe Barry, Bart Evans, Adolfo Cambiaso along with actor and film director Tommy Lee Jones. McCloskey is a father of five and grandfather of nine.
The USPA was established more than a century ago and has become a worldwide leader in promoting the game of polo and coordinating activities including rules and handicap regulation, player development, umpiring and the health and welfare of horses.
For more information on polo in the U.S., or to get in on the action and schedule a lesson, visit www.uspolo.org.