By, Amanda Hersey
Team USPA wrapped it’s up action-packed fall season in true Aiken style with a competitive tournament game consisting of two rival teams; “Team Adam” vs. “Team Owen.” Six members including; Nick Snow, Josh Shelton, Pedro Lara, Jorge Estrada, Neil Osburg, and Brett Gearwar were divided up and led by their captains where they showcased their improvement after spending the season training with their mentors. Advancing from playing intercollegiate arena polo at UCONN, Brett Gearwar came to Aiken in September with almost no outdoor experience and deservedly received the award for Most Improved Player. One Best Playing Pony Awards was given to each team which included Pedro Lara and Neil Osburg (mounted by Team USPA Committee member, Joe Meyer).
“Team Adam” L to R: Pedro Lara, Adam Snow, Neil Osburg and Jorge Estrada
At the Team USPA Aiken Training Center, Adam Snow and Owen Rinehart are the two lead program mentors among other top polo professionals including; Julio Arellano, Alan Martinez, Tiger Kneece, Ruben Coscia, Willie Hartnett, John Gobin, and Horacio Onetto. These and many other professional players are invited to Snow and Rinehart’s polo fields to practice two to three times each week to assist them in mentoring the young players. As of January 1, 2012 there will be a total of 39 Team USPA members and 15 were in Aiken this season participating in the various training offered through the program as well as any members of the USPA’s Young Player Outreach Program who were invited to participate in the events.
Brett Gearwar (blue) executing Team Owen’s “Man First” strategy against Pedro Lara (white)
Between coached practices, the participants spent their time working one on one with their mentors learning all aspects of the sport from green horse training to everyday equine nutrition. The Team USPA lecture series continued with speakers such as PoloSkilz’ Kim Snider on Branding & How to Create an Effective Internet Presence, and Snow’s wife Shelley Onderdonk, DVM educating the group on the Equine Athlete – Part II. The Aiken Training Center was also fortunate enough to host the semi-annual USPA Governors’ Game at Chairman Tom Biddle’s field.
Owen Rinehart coaching teammates Nick Snow, Brett Gearwar and Josh Shelton
The action was not limited to Aiken, SC this fall for Team USPA players, as many were scattered around the country and abroad playing the sport they love. Members Mason Wroe, Nick Snow and Chris Collins competed for the USA in the Federation of International Polo World Championships in San Luis, Argentina with Jake Stimmel and Sterling Giannico as official team alternates. In California, Team USPA defeated WrightWay Regional Polo Center in the Pacific Coast Arena Polo League Exhibition with Jared Sheldon, Collin White and Jesse Bray competing for Team USPA. A number of the talented members played at the USPA Regional Polo Center at the Houston Polo Club, including Jesse Weaver, Carlitos Galindo, Steve Krueger, Trevor Allen and Remy du Celliee Muller.
After an extremely successful fall season, Team USPA players are preparing for their winter polo seasons on the West Coast and in Florida. On the West Coast, Tiamo Hudspeth, and Jared Sheldon will be playing in the desert along with Jesse Bray. Mason Wroe will be competing in the 20 goal with Bendabout as well as Jake Stimmel with the Hawks. High goal players such as Julio Arellano, Sugar Erskine, Hector Galindo and Mike Azarro will be mentoring Team USPA’s Jorge Estrada, Brett Gearwar, Pedro Lara and Ty MacCarty. Several members are competing in the 14 goal at IPC including Nick Snow, Carlitos Galindo and Steve Krueger. With 14 members playing at International Polo Club, Gulfstream, and Palm Beach Polo Club there will be endless opportunities for the polo community to see these young Americans in action.