NEWS

Article courtesy of Karl Hilberg.

The fourth annual Allied Services Cup took place from Saturday, June 1, to Sunday, June 2, at the Texas Military Polo Club LLC in Poteet, Texas. A national 2- to 5-goal arena competition, Texas Military Polo Club LLC has proudly hosted the tournament on the club’s unique grass arena from inception in 2021. Dominating the competition in recent years, two-time defending champions (2022, 2023) Patton Legacy Sports (Lauren Sterr, Karl Hilberg, Luis Mancebo) went head-to-head against Scuderia SA (Wesley Alston, Fabian Osses, Tiamo Hudspeth*) for the coveted title. Entering the fourth and final chukker with a narrow one-goal lead, standout plays from Osses along with a Penalty 4 conversion from Hudspeth capped-off a strong offensive effort from the team in camo to capture Scuderia SA’s first Allied Services Cup 11-7.

Saturday’s single elimination games kicked-off between Patton Legacy Sports (PLS) and Visage.Jobs (Eric Birdsall, Fabian “Israel” Osses, Jocelyn Leufrancois). Awarding Patton Legacy Sports one goal on handicap, it was off to the races for the defending champions. PLS’ Mancebo led the way early from the field and Hilberg took command from the penalty line to establish a 13-2 lead at the half. Following a two-pointer from Leufrancois to open the second half, Mancebo continued to apply the pressure, securing Patton Legacy Sports’ spot in the Allied Services Cup final for a third consecutive year with a 20-8 victory.

The second match of the day featured Scuderia SA against Williams Polo (Amanda Massey, Wendy Stover, Brady Williams). Alston opened a productive first chukker for Scuderia SA that included a run of four unanswered goals. Responding for Williams Polo, Stover and Massey combined to bring their team back within one at halftime. Following the break, it was all Scuderia SA, splitting eight goals between the team including a two-pointer by Osses. Matching each other with four goals apiece in the fourth chukker, Scuderia SA emerged from the fast-paced chukker earning the 19-14 victory.

Following Saturday’s action, players gathered with a meal provided by Big Will’s Cajun. Bonding with his fellow competitors, Jocelyn Leufrancois reflected, “Participating in the Allied Services Cup at the Texas Military Polo Club is one of my favorite polo events of the year. It’s a fantastic mix of camaraderie, competition, and culinary excellence with the best étouffée I’ve ever had. The fun and competitive spirt of the event make it truly special.”

Championship Sunday pitted the two highest scoring teams of the tournament—Patton Legacy Sports and Scuderia SA. Alston once again ignited the scoring for Scuderia SA, but Patton Legacy Sports quickly answered with a goal from each player. The second chukker was commanded by Scuderia SA’s Osses and Hudspeth, bringing the challengers within one at the break. Opening the third chukker with three goals, Scuderia SA took their first lead of the match. Osses struck once more, as Mancebo kept Patton Legacy Sports within striking distance. Capping off the competitive back-and-forth match with a crucial Penalty 4, Hudspeth sealed Scuderia SA’s 11-7 triumph.

Leading Scuderia SA with six goals in the final, Fabian Osses was awarded Lt. Colonel Tommy Hitchcock Jr., Army Air Corps, Most Valuable Player. Varro an 8-year-old gelding, played and owned by Tiamo Hudspeth was named Sgt. Reckless, U.S. Marine Corps, Best Playing Pony. “I purchased [Varro] from McFaddin Enterprises’ Bob McCan in Victoria, Texas, as a yearling,” said Hudspeth, “He’s my favorite in the barn and always elevates my game. He’s a horse that is a little particular to ride, but if you get on with him, he’ll give you absolutely everything. I absolutely adore this horse.” Seriously, played by Brady Williams and owned by Karl Hilberg took home Best Playing Pony Thoroughbred honors.

Earning his first Allied Services Cup title, Alston expressed, “The Allied Services tournament was one of my most anticipated of the season. We had a great team with the goal of beating the previous champs who had dominated since the inception of the tournament. Tiamo is awesome and played well, her ponies were even better, Fabian was truly the MVP of the weekend. It was unseasonably hot, but still a series of great games played by all the teams. Looking forward to next year already.”

The Colonel Gordon Johnston, U.S. Army, Sportsmanship Award was presented to Eric Birdsall for his continued positive attitude, fairness and support for his peers on and off the field. Demonstrating consistent riding ability and equine care throughout the tournament, Wendy Stover received the General Ulysses S. Grant Horsemanship Award.

Sharing her sentiments from the weekend, Stover shared, “Karl and Julie Hilberg can always be counted on to provide a super fun yet very competitive polo tournament at the Texas Military Polo Club, and the Allied Services Cup did not disappoint. The weather was very hot, and the play was intense. Every team played hard, yet the sportsmanship and camaraderie were apparent throughout.”

*Tiamo Hudspeth is Team USPA alumna. Team USPA is a USPA program designed to enhance and grow the sport of polo in the United States by identifying young, talented American players and providing mentored training and playing opportunities leading to a pool of higher rated amateur and pro players and the resultant giveback to the sport of polo.

All photos courtesy of ©David Murrell.