The Polo Report
By Steve Crowder
As we head to first day of Spring, just a few days away, we are experiencing the warmest weather in 50 years here in Santa Barbara. Yes, I was in High School the last time it was this hot during this time of the year in 1964. The combination of the heat and the fact that we did finally did get a decent rain, the first in 3 years, that has made it very green here. I doubt it is going to help much if we do not get more … a lot more.
The area around Carpinteria is in a lot of trouble especially Montecito and Santa Barbara. Carpinteria has some water and SBPC has a very good well, so they may survive. Meeker fields and Bella Vista maybe a little dusty come Summer as they are in Montecito Water district and under major restrictions already.
The 12-goal season in Santa Barbara looks to be ok, but summer polo may be back to the 70’s era when there was dust coming from the polo fields here on the Gold Coast. We are looking for a 0 to 1 goal Patron to share a very fun and good team for the Santa Barbara 12-goal season. If interested give me a call or e-mail me (805) 896-4406 or scrowder@poloconnect.com.
Polo is flowing along well in the desert this year. Both Empire and Eldorado are drawing huge crowds to keep it alive. The big money tournaments are just around the corner, so it is March Madness for polo.
Florida is smaller this year, but with very good teams. There are some Desert Rats doing very well in FL too. Julian Mannix and his Alegria team are headed to the semis along with desert star and teammate Clement Zavaleta Jr. On the other 1/2 is Santi Torres joining Sapo Casset and Big Bob with Valiente Polo Team.
On the West coast of FL all seems well with more desert rats doing well there including Joseph Stuart, Nick Galindo and Jason Crowder. They all seem to be in the finals. We hear a lot about how great and gorgeous of a place it is to play polo. It is run by the famous Uihlien family of Milwaukee and Schlitz Brew.
Awesome was the Memorial Service presented by Mr. Class himself Tom Barrack in memory of Carlos Gracida. So many people showed up. It was sad but awesome to see the support.
Word from Susan Stovall down in Heaven or Costa Careyes … it is booming and it should be this is the one place everyone should go once. Careyes is like a fantasy because it is!
Great polo is coming back to the desert and there is only one reason … Al Haagen likes it.
see ya