NEWS

On Friday, March 14, the National Arena Delegate’s Cup wrapped up in thrilling fashion between Bar-Spur (Stephanie Colburn*, Mark Osburn, Chad Bowman) and TAMU Men (Zak Coleman, sub. Mitch Coventry, sub. Mark Coventry) at Brookshire Polo Club (Brookshire, Texas). Capping off an unforgettable Texas Arena League (TAL) season, the 6- to 9-goal final culminated in an unforgettable showdown following four weekends of intense competition.

During bracket play, TAMU Men narrowly defeated Bar-Spur by just one goal, 18-17. Having secured the top spots through win/loss records, the stage was set for the anticipated rematch. Bar-Spur, a finalist in last year’s competition, returned with its consistency and skill required to capture the title. TAMU Men made a dramatic lineup change by adding alumni Mark Coventry and his son Mitch Coventry, who traveled all the way from Zambia, Africa, to bolster TAMU Men’s championship push.

In the first chukker both teams were locked in a fierce battle, finishing in a 3-all stalemate. The tension carried into the second period, where Bar Spur held a slim 7-6 edge. Bar-Spur’s Bowman came out strong to open the second half, scoring back-to-back goals, followed by a booming two-pointer in the final moments of the chukker to extend the lead, 11-8. In the final minutes of the match, Bowman added three more goals, bringing his total to 14 on the day, securing Bar-Spur’s victory, 14-9.

“It was great to win the [National Arena] Delegates Cup, said Osburn. “After being second three years in a row- winning sure feels good. I actually didn’t feel like I had a great game and never even scored a goal, but knowing my mallet was a little off, I buckled down and went to work clearing ground for Chad [Bowman] and Stephanie [Colburn].” Reflecting on the match, Bowman added, “Going into the final it was a rematch from our last game, which we lost by a goal and as a team didn’t play well. So, we were looking forward to a rematch. In the final we knew they had subs coming in- it was going to be a feeling out process. But we knew if we played our game we could dictate the play.”

Playing a pivotal role for TAMU Men, Mark Coventry was named the Galvin Agency Most Valuable Player. Relecting on the experience, Coventry shared, “Being awarded MVP is a compliment and honor. I'm relieved to have helped contribute to the match and cannot thank Victor Aguilar and Zak Coleman enough for their generosity providing the pony power. The icing on the cake was playing alongside [TAMU Men’s] captain, Zak Coleman and my son, Mitch. I was a little skeptical to come back and play after a 25-year break from indoor, after all, nobody likes to be schooled by their children and the younger generation of polo, not to mention my complete lack of "indoor fitness.” Coventry continuted, “We hope to see more of Texas Arena [League] in the future, with more Coventry’s looking to cross over to the [United] States for their university education. Thank you for your warm and welcoming Texas hospitality. Everything IS bigger and better in Texas!”

The Cavalor/Catena Sportsmanship Award was presented to Stephanie Colburn for embodying the spirit of fair play throughout the tournament.

The Nutrena Best Playing Pony was awarded to Simba, played and owned by Chad Bowman. Sharing insights on the stallion, Bowman said, “Simba is going to be 10-years-old in June. He has a couple babies on the ground, the oldest of which is getting started now as an almost 3 year old. He is out of a mare of mine I bought when I turned pro out of college in 2010 from Crab Orchards’ farrier in Kentucky. His dad is an ex-race horse that Billy Mudra owns named Sculpted.” Bowman continued, “Simba has been a joy to have as my first homebred horse. My wife and I broke him together and he has been a saint since getting a saddle on his back. Everyone that rides him enjoys him. When I play him I have such confidence in him. We have a bond that I enjoy and he keeps surprising me with how he is still getting stronger and better everyday.”

Showcasing the incredible talent and versatility of thoroughbreds in arena polo, Awesome Sauce, played by Shane Rice and owned by Hidden View Farm was named The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program (TJCTIP) Best Playing Thoroughbred.

The conclusion of the weekend’s competition marked the end of the 2025 Texas Arena League Classic Division.

*Stephanie Colburn 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.