“Classic Car Day” was the theme at the Oak Brook polo grounds this last Sunday 19th July, 2015. The 1:00pm first match was led by an impressive 17 classic car parade. The Oak Brook Polo Club team was captained by Jim Drury playing at back, and John Greene playing in the number 1 scoring position. Horacio Onetto, and Jason Wates did the heavy lifting in the middle for the team. Hinsdale Magazine was back again in force with Samantha Falbe and Bob McMurtry playing up front, while Del Walton played at 3, and Matias Obregon at 4. For the first 4 chukkers Hinsdale Magazine played strongly and had a 3-goal lead just after half time. McMurtry won a few hard ride offs, and Samantha Falbe got in some good hooks in defense. Del Walton made some big 80-yard hits, and Jason Wates and Matias Obregon chased the ball down in a few horse races 15 yards out from the VIP tent. In the end, Horacio Onetto again displayed his horsemanship, and ball skills, closing the goal gap, and eventually winning the game 9-8 for Oak Brook Polo Club. Bob McMurtry got the MVP award, and “Bristol,” owned by Horacio Onetto, took the Best Playing Pony award.
In preparation for the day’s second match, patrons were entertained by an impromptu performance by guitarist, songwriter and founder of the American rock band “Survivor” from Chicago, Jim Peterik. Jim performed two popular hit songs: “Vehicle”, by the Ides of March and “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor and theme from the motion picture Rocky III. His performance of “Eye of the Tiger” included a fun back-story of how the song was written and conversations with actor and lead of the Rocky film franchise, Sylvester Stallone.
The 3:00pm second match was played between Hotels of Oak Brook, and Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). Mimi Shirey and Clifton Yandell played up front for RMHC, with Bill O’Leary at 4, and Tod Rackley in the middle at 3. Hotels of Oak Brook had Tony Sekera and Carlos Font playing up front, while Diego Miquel played at 3, and Augustin Molinas at 4. Bill O’Leary worked hard on defense for RMHC, and kept a close eye on Tony Sekera of Hotels of Oak Brook all game. Tod Rackley hustled well for his team continually feeding the ball up to Mimi Shirey, and also putting in some strong back shots. Clifton Yandel playing at 2 got away with the ball a few times on offense but also seemed to play quite defensively in his own goal mouth. Augustin Molinas and Diego Miquel were the big hitters for Hotels of Oak brook in this game, and used a very effective cross field neck shot a few times against RMHC. Carlos Font was well positioned to pick up the passes from his teammates in offense. This was a lower scoring game, but a tight one. In the end, Hotels of Oak Brook won it 3-2. Clifton Yandel got MVP, and Best Playing Pony went to Tony Sekera’s “Apple”.
Oak Brook Polo Club’s next event will take place on Sunday, July 26th beginning at 1:00 PM CDT (Gates Open at 12:00 PM) with Family Day. Bring the kids for a fun-filled day with a special appearance from Ronald McDonald. A few of the many activities include face painting, balloon art and magic tricks. Polo players will be autographing your very own souvenir polo ball. Take advantage of this special photo op! A kid-friendly menu will be available. The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, the Oak Brook Polo 2015 Season partner, will receive a portion of the ticket sales. For event information and to purchase tickets, visit www.oakbrookpoloclub.com.