Lindsay Shafer
Polo Article
2.8.05
Intercollegiate Polo : Deep In The Woods Of Storrs
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Lindsay Shafer
Intercollegiate Polo : Deep In The Woods Of Storrs |
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One of the more hidden treasures in the equestrian world is the sport of polo. It is considered by many to be the oldest team sport, originating over 2,000 years ago. Amidst the speculation and rumors that polo is forever the “game of kings,” it is also a growing trend in the collegiate ranks, as well. Intercollegiate polo has slowly emerged into the light as one of the more exciting games on college campuses today. Sure, it can’t boast the popularity of basketball or football, but it sure should. Far more dangerous than any of the other collegiate sports out there, polo players must be graced with the skill and technicality of a golfer, the athleticism of a running back, and the arm of a highly touted pitcher.
Intercollegiate polo is played in an arena that is 300 feet by 150 feet, with three players per team. The walls surrounding the playing surface are at least four feet high, allowing the walls to become part of the playing surface. The game is divided into four chukkas (or periods), each lasting seven and a half minutes. Horses are changed during chukkas and usually, each horse will play t wo alternating chukkas so they can get their rest in between. The ball is equivalent to a small soccer ball, not like the hard, rubber outdoor ball. With high speeds and quick changes in direction, polo is easily a very popular spectator sport.
Deep in the woods of Storrs, Connecticut, shaded by two National Champion basketball teams, lies the University of Connecticut Polo Club. Outside of other equine enthusiasts, little is known about the history of these champions. With three National Championships each, the men’s and women’s polo teams are quietly leaving their own mark on the Storrs campus. Polo has been a part of UConn since 1969 when the men created a team, and in 1976 the women also began competing intercollegiately. More recently, the women’s team won the 2004 Field Invitational Intercollegiate Polo Tournament and currently has a 12 - 2 record. The men were Reserve Champions and are 9 - 4 on the season. Both team’s finished 3rd in the nation last year.
The polo program at UConn may be a secret to many; however, to those that know, it is a diamond in the rough program. Eight women make up the women’s varsity team, while there are four members of the men’s varsity squad. However, the polo practicum’s that are also offered as weekly, lessons in the game of polo are booming with popularity. Forty seven students, along with the twelve varsity members of the team, take to the arena weekly to work on technique and various skills of the game, as well as scrimmage. The program has become so popular that students are being turned away due to lack of arena time and polo ponies.
Even more exciting for the University of Connecticut, is the opportunity to host the Northeastern Intercollegiate Regional Tournament. Teams from the Northeast will come and compete for a Regional Championship. The Tournament will be at the Horsebarn Hill Arena on the University of Connecticut - Storrs campus March 18 - March 20. Games will be at Thursday at 7 pm, Friday at 7 pm and 9 pm, and on Saturday and Sunday at 9 am and 11 am. Admission is free.