USPA
Pacific Coast Circuit

"UC Davis and Cal Poly Intercollegiate Women's Teams."

Central Valley Polo Club hosted a benefit polo tournament showcasing women's teams from Cal Poly, Stanford, and U.C. Davis Saturday, April 28 with proceeds of the fundraiser going to the three collegiate clubs. A small but enthusiastic crowd paid $12.50 per person for an entire fun filled afternoon under sunny skies in Stevinson, California. T-shirts sales were brisk and a bar-b-que, dixieland band, and free wine and beer were all included for the 150 or so participants, players and lively audience.

"The Stanford Women's Team"  "Mrs Tom Conant assisting with t-shirt sales."

"Megan Towle and UC Davis Coach Michael O'Ferrall."  "Dr. John Madigan talking with a tournament umpire."

Dr. John Madigan, a local veterinarian from U.C. Davis, and terrific professional announcer, gave the audience a play by play description of the proceedings including many points of the game for the first time polo attendees. Round robin games consisting of 5 minute chukkers were led off by U.C. Davis and Stanford. The U.C. Davis Team included Erin Cronin-Prather, Alexandra Dove, Christina Burger, and Bonnie Magill. Bonnie, a high school teacher in Yuba City, graduated from U.C. Davis in 1981, still lives in the area and is very actively involved with polo in her region. She led the charge against Stanford coming away with a 6-3 win for the first round..

The Stanford team, was accompanied by coach Greg Wolfe, a City Planner and Stanford alumni. Stanford players included Dana Conly, Brandy Moses, Alexa Christy, and Jennifer Lake. Stanford then took on the Cal Poly team which included veterans Megan Towle, Class of 2000, Cindy Kelley, class of '87, Kristi Pittson, class of 2000, and Susie Solvin, now a Newman (Cal.) veterinarian and graduate of Cal Poly 1980. Cal Poly prevailed with a score of 3-1.

The finale round pitted U.C. Davis against Cal Poly with U.C. Davis winning 5-1 thanks to outstanding team work and strong play by Bonnie Magill and Erin Cronin-Prather. The team is coached by Michael O'Ferrall.

The afternoon rounded off with a 10 Goal Match between local players and alumni from U.C Davis and University of the Pacific. Bob Kelley, Dan Carstens, Dr. Noel Muller, and Mike Conant, made up the U.C. David Squad, playing the University of the Pacific/UC Davis Alumni Kevin Kelley, Sean Cooley, Mark Demetre, and Dan Juarez.

"Don Prather, his wife and two polo playing kids (in blue T-shirts) ,U.C. Davis Coach Michael O'Ferrall and Central Valley Polo Club Manager Kevin Kelley."

"A U.C. Davis Player."

The Hogan's Hero's band, a local Dixieland Jubilee favorite knocked out tunes the rest of the beautiful sunny afternoon. There were a number polo demonstrations and horse back riding opportunities for first timers. Ads in the local papers brought out a number of new visitors to the polo club and after a sensational afternoon, they were thrilled to say they would certainly be back for more as the 2001 polo season is just getting started in California's Central Valley. For more information please contact Bob Kelley (209) 634-4908 or (209) 495-0048 or visit their web site at http://www.pccpolo.com/htmldocs/clubpages/USPA_clubpages/CentralValley_2.html

Submitted by Sandy Herron, Pacific Coast Circuit Administrator for Governor Patrick Nesbitt.