STEPHEN ORTHWEIN MEMORIAL CUP
TOURNAMENT HISTORY
Honoring an American polo icon, the Stephen Orthwein Memorial Cup, a 10- to 12-goal sanctioned tournament has been awarded as a 2024 Legacy Polo Series event. Stemming from a USPA initiative to recognize individual memorial tournaments at the medium-goal level, the Legacy Polo Series aims to tie the rich history of the sport and create a prestigious series that unites clubs around the country. Recognized as a Legacy Polo Series tournament for the second consecutive year, this year's edition will proudly return to Port Mayaca Polo Club (PMPC) in Okeechobee, Florida.
Born in 1945, Stephen A. Orthwein’s storied career took him from his young playing days in St. Louis, Missouri, to captain of the Yale University polo team, to a decades-long career as both a professional player and ambassador of the sport, boasting numerous prestigious USPA tournament victories. In the early 80s, Orthwein became involved with the USPA, serving in various integral roles within the Association to further the development of polo across the country, including President (1988-1991) and Chairman (1991-1995). Following his passing in 2018, Orthwein was awarded a second Hugo Dalmar Trophy by the USPA in recognition of his uncompromising code of conduct on the field and desire to give back to the sport he loved. Orthwein is commemorated in both the Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame and the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame.
In 2023, Dracarys (Chetan Krishna, Leon Schwencke, Facundo Obregon, Brandon Phillips) went head-to-head against BTA/San Saba (Dawn Jones, KC Krueger, Steve Krueger, Santiago Zubiaurre). Dracarys blasted off with offensive contributions from Schwencke and Obregon holding a five-goal lead at the half. A late comeback effort from BTA/San Saba was ultimately no match for the lead that Dracarys had accumulated to seal an 11-6 victory. Read article here.
This year's edition will field four teams battling for the Stephen Orthwein Memorial Cup. 2022 finalists Dawn Jones and Santiago "Santi" Zubiaurre will reunite once more under the new moniker San Saba/Manderleigh, with Ashblue, Beverly Polo and Faraway Polo rounding out the talented competition. Representing Team USPA is alumnus Cody Ellis (Ashblue).
Photo: 2023 Stephen Orthwein Memorial Cup Champions: Dracarys - Chetan Krishna, Leon Schwencke, Facundo Obregon, Brandon Phillips, presented by Ginny Orthwein. ©David Lominska
