NEWS

Hosted by Texas Military Club (Poteet, Texas) and played at the G2 Ranch in Stockdale, Texas, the USPA sanctioned General Pershing was awarded on Sunday, October 27. The 0- to 2-goal tournament is named in honor of General John J. Pershing, who had ties in his early military career to the South Texas area during the times of Poncho Villa, the Mexican Revolution and the Punitive Expedition. Pershing led troops and horseback calvary from across the nation and contributed to the creation of polo in Texas.

Kicking off the action on Saturday, October 26, Bar Spur (Ismael “Mayelito” Vasquez, Fabian “Chileniti” Osses, Mark Osburn, Jocelyn “Joss” Leufrancois) faced G2 Polo (Lauren Sterr, Wesley Alston, Luis Mancebo, Fabian Osses). A two-goal run by Fabian Osses and Mancebo put G2 Polo in control and following four chukkers of competitive play, G2 Polo ultimately prevailed 6-3.

Next was Proton Polo (Ariel Rodriguez, Victor Aguilar III, Stephen Stout, Javier Insua) against San Antonio Polo Club/Shweiki Media (Ursula Lipari, Mario Maldonado, Lily Brennan, Sonja Lisowski, Gal Shweiki). The fast pace was highlighted by an amazing run by Proton Polo’s Aguilar III. Play was heated and following back-and-forth goals, the game ended 8-4 in Proton Polo’s favor.

Sunday’s championship match began with Mancebo and Osses leading G2 Polo’s offense, as Alston and Sterr complimented on defense. Responding for Proton Polo, Insua and Aguilar added their names to the scoreboard. In the final chukker G2 Polo remained steadfast, sealing the 7-4 win and earning Texas trophy belt buckles.

The Lt. Col. Tommy Hitchcock Jr. Most Valuable Player was awarded to Ariel Mancebo. Sorpresa, played and owned by Victor Aguilar III was named Sgt. Reckless Best Playing Pony. The Col. Gordon Johnston Sportsmanship Award was presented to Gal Shweiki for his continued positive attitude, fairness and support for his peers on and off the field.

All photos courtesy of ©David Murrell.