NORTHRUP KNOX CUP
TOURNAMENT HISTORY
Established in 2003, the Northrup Knox Cup is a national tournament that has been hosted exclusively at USPA Member Clubs in Aiken, South Carolina. Named in memory of Northrup R. “Norty” Knox, the magnificent sterling silver, double-handled trophy was donated to the Museum of Polo & Hall of Fame by the Knox Family, “For his lifetime achievements and his love of the sport,” to be used as an award for the tournament to be played in his honor. In 2013, the tournament found a permanent home at New Bridge Polo & Country Club.
Detailed by the Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame, “Born to polo, Knox could claim considerable achievements both on and off the field. The only amateur in the postwar era to reach an 8-goal rating, he captained the U.S. team in the challenge for the Cup of the Americas in 1965 and 1969, distinguishing himself as one of America's finest offensive players. Among his other accomplishments on the polo field are a National Twenty Goal Championship, and a Butler Handicap title. In his many years of service to the sport, including chairmanship of the USPA (1966-1970), Knox insightfully championed the cause of low-goal players establishing the Twelve Goal and lower-goal Governor's Cup, along with the minus-one rating. These actions served well the subsequent resurgence of the sport.” Three inductees into the Museum of Polo’s Hall of Fame have earned the Northrup Knox Cup title, including Owen Rinehart, Adam Snow and Tommy Biddle Jr.
Inaugural Northrup Knox Cup champions in 2003, New Bridge (Russ McCall, Kris Kampsen, Matias Magrini, Tommy Biddle Jr.) set the standard of competition, holding the title for three consecutive tournaments including back-to-back years in 2005 and 2006, defeating Dahlwood in each final game. Following New Bridge’s three-peat, SD Farms became the second team to reach the impressive feat claiming the championship in 2018, 2019 and 2020.
In 2020, a game of offensive momentum saw three four-goal runs from both SD Farms (Aiden Meeker, Trevor Niznik, Cesar "Peco" Polledo, Carlos "Carlitos" Gracida Jr.) and Hit Air (Jack Whitman, Justin Pimsner, Alan Martinez, Jesus "Pelon" Escapite), but it ultimately came down to Polledo’s golden goal in the last seconds of overtime to seal the thrilling 14-13 victory. Read article here.
Traditionally held at the 12- to 16-goal level, the Northrup Knox Cup will be played at the 4-to 8-goal level in perpetuity to increase participation and retain the competitive standard of the tournament.
Following a two-year hiatus, the Northrup Knox Cup proudly returns to New Bridge Polo & Country Club and will field a deep competition of seven talented teams including, CAA, Field One, Glen Farm, LBL, Mint Eco Car Wash, Skaneateles and Upatoi Green.
Representing Team USPA is Active Member Hope Arellano (Glen Farm). Among the strong contingency of youth talent in the Northrup Knox Cup, Joaquin "Pelo" Vigre La Madrid (Glen Farm), Robyn Leitner and Reagan Leitner (Mint Eco Car Wash) join the competition fresh off appearances in the National Youth Tournament Series Championship.
2020 Northrup Knox Cup Champions: SD Farms - Aiden Meeker, Trevor Niznik, Carlos "Carlitos" Gracida Jr., Cesar "Peco" Polledo. ©Katie Roth. ©Katie Roth
