NEWS

Aiken Preparatory School Challenge Cup
May 23, 2001

This past May 23rd marked a special day in the history of polo for the United States, and especially for a small equestrian town in South Carolina. The Aiken Preparatory School Challenge Cup was held in the middle of town on Historic Whitney Field, and welcomed back a level of the sport, which was once so popular in the golden era of Polo. The 32 goal benefit match was held to raise funds for the Aiken Preparatory School and the Aiken County Sheriff's Office Reserve and Posse. It also allowed players that were in town for The Pete Bostwick Memorial 16 goal held at Langdon Road Polo Club to showcase their skills. Many present watching the match sensed a great opportunity for Aiken to be once again a Mecca for polo in the U.S.

Whitney Field is the oldest continually played field in the United States. During the 1930's, local player Tommy Hitchcock could be seen competing before large crowds. His mother, Mrs. Louise Hitchcock founded Aiken Preparatory School with a polo program that eventually turned out some of the best players in the world, including ten graduates who have been inducted into the Polo Hall of Fame. The families of some of the inductees are still active in the Aiken Polo scene today including the Coreys and Bostwicks. Recently, some of the highest rated players in the U.S. have made their homes in Aiken and all donated their time and resources to make the fundraiser possible. Adam Snow (9) was the driving force behind the whole idea, combined with the enthusiasm of Owen Rinehart (8) and the much appreciated organization of Tara Bostwick (all of whom have children attending Aiken Prep) the exhibition match found willing sponsors and grateful beneficiaries.

The players proudly wore jerseys donated by Mr. Gary Fellers of Polo Gear in the colors of the Palm Restaurants, sponsored by Mr. Walter Ganzi, and the Boathouse Restaurants, sponsored by Mr. Richard Stoney. All three of these gentlemen are avid polo players themselves. Recruiting teams was an easy task with so much local talent available. Tommy Biddle (7) and Tiger Kneece (7) both of whom grew up in Aiken were joined by Adam Snow (9) and visiting Argentine player Matias Magrini (9) to represent the Palm Restaurants team. Owen Rinehart (8) took to the field with neighbor John Gobin (7), South Africa's Sugar Erskin (7) and Polo Hall of famer Memo Gracida (10) for the Boathouse Restaurants. Other local businesses such as Aiken County Farm Supply, Heider Construction, Aiken Regional Medical Center, Equine America and Cortaflex, Aiken Aviation, Garry McElmurray Construction, H&D Stables, and Chime Bell Station, made donations for the cause.

The day of the match was delightful with a large crowd enjoying fantastic late spring weather. The Sheriff's Posse and Reserves were there along with the K-9 unit for display. The Aiken Prep students had all received an exhibition stick and Ball session a few days prior to the game, and were do doubt expertly telling their parents all about the game. The atmosphere at the pony lines was festive; the grooms were jovial as were the players who put aside their rivalry in order to play a great game! Overall there was a great sense of anticipation, history was being made and it sure felt good! The game started quickly with the two local boys teaming up. Kneece received a pass from Biddle and scored on a long neck shot. Gracida answered with a nearside neck shot and tied in the end of the first. In the second Chukker Gracida converted a penalty 4 but again Biddle and Kneece combined to score with a back shot from Kneece. The only goal scored in the third was a penalty conversion for Gracida. The half time entertainment consisted of a bicycle polo demonstration provided by Bill Matheson. The Boathouse took an even greater lead on an end-to-end play with Rinehart knocking into Gracida, sending a long pass to Erskine who outran a defensive Biddle and scored. From the bowl in Palm Restaurants retaliated with Snow sweeping the ball and leaving it for Magrini to score from 60 yards out. Kneece then rallied and dribbled through thundering hooves to tie the score again. Gracida passed to Gobin who certainly did his part, and scored. The fifth was tense and exciting but scoreless for both teams. The Pros were determined to give the crowd a thrill in the sixth, Snow dribbled one in to tie the score again but Rinehart chalked one up for The Boathouse with a pass from Erskine and there were only two minutes left! Then the master, Gracida, set up Gobin for a final goal to cinch the game. The final score was The Palm Restaurants 5, and The Boathouse Restaurants 7.

The prize giving afforded spectators a chance to meet the players. Children swarmed the players for autographs. Most valuable Player was presented to John Gobin proving his elevation to 7 goals this year was well deserved. He received a $200.00 gift certificate to the Palm Restaurants courtesy of Mr. Walter Ganzi. Best playing pony was awarded to Adam Snow's chestnut mare Spy, who was played by Memo Gracida. She received a sheet donated by Aiken Saddlery and Supply. The players all received trophies created by Miss. Cynthia Corey of New York in her "Aiken" design. There were many people behind the scenes who donated their time and energy to see this event to its successful completion. Special thanks must go to all those who lent their horses and equipment for the match. The Sheriff's Office, and Aiken Preparatory School gratefully appreciates everyone's efforts, and we appreciate their involvement in bringing the glory of high goal polo back to Aiken.