HPC Newsletter: 9.29.24

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WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

 

 

 

 

TEXAS OPEN

Another beautiful Fall afternoon graced the Houston Polo Club as spectators enjoyed the final of the USPA Texas Open presented by Lockton. 8 goal team, 3L Energy Solutions/CW Petroleum challenged the 9 goal team, Old Pueblo/Propaganda.

 

 

3L Energy Solutions/ CW Petroleum’s Bryan Middleton and CJ carry the ball down the field during the Texas Open Final
 

During the first half of the game, teams attempted to find their rhythm on the field, but fouls kept the game choppy. Old Pueblo/Propaganda’s substitute of the day, Jeff Hildebrand, was the sole scorer for the team, converting one penalty shot and a run down field after receiving a long pass from teammate Jeff Hall. After starting flat footed in the first chukker, 3L Energy Solutions/CW Petroleum’s Steve Krueger and Bryan Middleton answered Hildebrand’s goals in the second and third chukkers to end the half leading 2.5 to 2 as the teams took their halftime break.
During halftime, the crowd stretched their legs, and enjoyed the nice weather  stomping divots as complimentary champagne from American National was served center-field. Not only did everyone stomp divots, but they also had the chance to take photos in front of the iconic Farish Field scoreboard and had first looks at the new Mossy Ineos Grenadier, the Bill Fick Ford F250 and the Shoppa John Deere Tractor. Eventually halftime came to an end, and the second half of the Texas Open resumed!

 

 

Old Pueblo/Propaganda’s Jeff Hall (green jersey) and Felina keep the ball out of reach of 3L Energy Solutions/CW Petroleum’s Steve Krueger and Armani
 

Krueger and Middleton jumped out in the fourth chukker, scoring three goals to extend their lead, however Old Pueblo/Propaganda surged back as Hildebrand converted two penalty shots, along with additional goals from teammates Nick Cifuni and Jeff Hall. For the second time in the game, Old Pueblo/Propaganda lead the match with a half goal lead of  6 to 5.5. To start the fifth and final chukker, Krueger and Hildebrand traded goals yet again, leaving the crowd in suspense as to how this game was going to end! Krueger pushed his team’s offense forward, as he scored back to back goals, followed by goals from teammates Middleton and Chris Williams. 3L Energy Solutions/CW Petroleum walked away with the first place Texas Open trophies with the final score of 10.5 to 7.

 

 

Winning team: 3L Energy Solutions/ CW Petroleum
Chris Williams, Nick Dunbar, Steve Krueger, Bryan Middleton
pictured with Shirley Krueger, presented by Will Barto with Lockton

 

MVP: Jeff Hildebrand,
presented by Will Barto from Lockton

BPP: Jolie, owned and played by Steve Krueger,
pictured with Shirley Krueger and grooms, presented by the Sydenham Clinic and associates

 

 

 

6 Goal: USPA Governor’s Cup

After two and half weeks of the 6 Goal USPA Governor’s Cup,  teams Pegasus and 3L Energy Solutions/C-Bar Thoroughbreds remained undefeated out of the eleven teams entered in the tournament and faced off in the first final of the season!

 

 

3L Energy Solutions/C-Bar Thoroughbreds’ Bryan Middleton keeps his eye on the ball while riding Magnolia

 

As the first chukker kicked off, Pegasus teammates Mason Wroe and Joe Bob Lequerica scored quick back to back goals, but 3L Energy Solutions/C-Bar Thoroughbreds Vaughn Miller Jr. kept his team in the game with his first goal of the day to end the chukker trailing 1 to 2. 3L Energy Solutions/C-Bar Thoroughbreds dug into their defensive strategy as they held Pegasus scoreless in the second chukker and tied the game 2 to 2 with a goal from Carin Middleton.

 

 

Pegasus’ Mason Wroe (white jersey) and Sol run the ball to goal during the final of the USPA Governor’s Cup

 

Pegasus took note of their opposition’s defense and dug in their heels, surging to a 5 to 2 lead while holding 3L Energy Solutions/C-Bar Thoroughbreds scoreless in the third chukker. But the game was not over…3L Energy Solutions/C-Bar Thoroughbreds held Pegasus scoreless for the second time in the match and eventually tied the game 5 to 5 with a goal from Bryan Middleton to send the final into overtime. As overtime commenced, tensions were high, but after missing one run to goal, Pegasus made the second run count as Lily Lequerica scored the golden goal to win the game 6 to 5.

 

 

Winning Team: Pegasus
David Andras, Mason Wroe, Joe Bob Lequerica, Lily Lequerica,
pictured with Olivia and Evelyn

 

MVP: Mason Wroe,
presented by Kimo Huddleston, pictured with Evelyn & Olivia

BPP: Jubilee, played and owned by Mason Wroe,
pictured with Lytha Wendt and Evelyn

 

 

 

 

Winner’s Cirlce

 

 

12 Goal: 2024 Brazos Cup

Winning Team: BTA/ Traveller’s Rest

KC Krueger, Juan Gonzalez, Robert Orthwein, Mason Wroe

ProAm: Fall Fandango

Winning Team: Sentinel Trust

Debbie Shelton, Joe Bob Lequerica, Rikus Cilliers, Asa Gangjee

2 Goal: Fall Invitational

Winning Team: Douglas Elliman

Cindy Case, Joe Holzer, Helen Sellers, Rikus Cilliers

 

6 Goal: USPA Constitution Cup

Winning Team: Piney Woods Polo

Jack Kiely, Drew Luplow, Hank Stout, Marit Stout

BPP: Doobie,

played and owned by Harrison Azzaro,
pictured with groom Lucas Gonzalez

 

 

 

Special thank you to our 2024 sponsors!