USPA Circuit Delegates Arena Cup at Santa Barbara Polo Club

July 13, 2016

Santa Barbara CA. The USPA Circuit Delegates Arena Cup took place this past Saturday in Santa Barbara. Better known as “Arena Fun Day” here at the club, it provided just that and more. The chairs were set, drinks in the wheelbarrow, horses tacked, arena watered, lines painted, and spectators present as the first crisp sound of the air horn was heard. Weeks of hard work and preparation went into this event but now it was time to sit back, or rather on the edge of your seat, and watch the game that we all love.

Radhika

As the first 0-1 Goal flight took place, the weather reached an ideal 70 degrees as teams competed to move to the next round. Four different teams competed in a two-chukker bracket tournament. Players came from many places including the Central Coast, Pasadena, Malibu, Santa Barbara, Texas and Mexico City to come and enjoy this day. The first match brought much excitement and ended in a penalty shoot out. All of the chukkers were enjoyable to watch and team CPC came out victorious consisting of Kristen Ludwig, Lovive Laverdure, and Troy Crumley.

Radhika avoids a case of beer with Kirsten Ludwig’s help

As the bracket play finished, the arena was prepared for the Delegates Arena Cup. A high level of play was expected and the players delivered. The first team featured Tony Uretz, Luke Klentner, and Remy Muller representing Klentner Ranch. This talented team faced off against the experienced faced off against JRB/Central Coast Polo Club consisting of Lizzie Peck, Joel Baker and Jake Klentner. It was a back and forth match with much drama. With passion and teamwork, both sides fought hard for the custom knives and bragging rights as the reward of a victory. Klentner Ranch came out with much poise and took an early lead. The first few chukkers were interesting due to unorthodox play as diverse styles emerged from the talented players. As the chukkers continued, both teams came together as a unit and the quality of play heightened. As the fourth chukker began and developed, the observers neglected all food and other distractions as the intensity increased. JRB/Central Coast Polo Club took the lead as cheers and groans alike filled the air. Down by 1 and the 30-second horn sounding, the exciting match seemed to be soon concluding. As many fans assumed JRB/Central Coast Polo Club to be victorious, the talented Klentner boys had no such though and fought hard against one another for the love of the sport. Older brother Jake played hard to the last second to ensure victory for JRB/Central Coast Polo Club. As the seconds winded down, the ball traveled to the goalmouth of Klentner Ranch and far past it to the corner. The athletes fought hard for the line and Luke Klentner found the gap he was looking for and sprung forth. With seconds left, Luke smashed a beautiful neck shot and the crowd went silent as Tony Uretz shouted “yes”! The ball moving with velocity, dug itself into the corner of the goal to tie things up. Spectators for both sides united in shouts of praise and excitement except for one man. Polo Patron Justin Klentner, father of Luke and Jake, sat in his golf cart wearing the proudest smile on his face that resonates in the hearts of fathers. Nothing else mattered in this moment and as hands covered mouths and the crowd stood to their feet, I couldn’t help but smile at the beauty of this simple game. In the name of “Arena Fun Day”, both teams shook hands and ended in a satisfying tie at 9. JRB Polo won the handmade Mooremaker knives on the coin toss.

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Written by Michael Esparza, USPA Intern at the Santa Barbara Polo Club.  

Photos by David Lominska.