The Polo Report
By Steve Crowder
Jan. 26th ‘10
The finals of the Joe Barry are seen in many ways. It is the second high-goal polo tournament of the year and a very important one as well. However, for some of us that knew Joe Barry, it is a surreal type of experience. It may seem odd to people in Palm Beach where this tournament is played, but it is not to the West Coast as it is quite a story.
In 1992 at El Dorado Polo Club in Indio, CA, Joe Barry was playing with Joe Barry in the 20-goal here and Pee Wee Polo was started. It was Pee Wee, not Jr. Polo as they were all 10 years old and under. Most were 5 to 7 years of age. Today, two of the players in this 20-Goal Tournament, Jeff Hall and Fred Mannix, were both part of the first Pee Wee league. Fred’s dad was the reason it could happen as he said we could play anytime.
Anyway for those of you who do not know this story, it was the beginning for many young players in today’s world of US Polo. I find it awesome that these now men, 17 years later and 3600 miles away, are both in the finals of the Joe Barry Memorial. In the big show! It is a tribute to how the world really turns. Matt Gonzalez, the head horseman for Zacara and also a 5-goal player, was one of the first Pee Wee players along with Fred and Jeff. It always comes back around.
Well anyway, as you may already know, Jeff Hall was the winner of this recent 20-Goal Tournament, but only by a little. His team Zacara defeated Fred’s team in the finals. Both of them apparently played awesome and like the Saints and Vikings somebody had to win.
Most young players from the West and I thank Joe Barry and also John Goodman for making this possible. Around the polo world California everyone was watching Football as it rained 3 years worth last week and there was no where to go. So it was football time if you were not in Florida.
Polo is underway in Australia and the Philippines as well as South Africa. I am sure you can get a game in Argentina, but if you are looking for a wonderful holiday just head to Careyes, Mexico and a real fantasy world in Paradise. Visit it on the web costacareyes.com you will say thanks if you come back.
The Polo will continue despite our world problems as it is one place to getaway. I am sure you can even arrange to have Who Dat- Saints and the Colts on the big screen in 2 weeks. I wonder if The Chargers think about Drew sometimes as in Brees.
See ya.
-Crowder