NYTS All-Stars to Compete in the 2015 Championships

LITTLETON, Colo. - Aug. 14, 2015 - PRLog -- The most celebrated United States Polo Association (USPA) players under the age of 19 will compete in the 2015 National Youth Tournament Series Championship (NYTS) for the Cecil Smith Cup on Sunday, Sept. 6 at 11AM at the Columbine Polo Club in Littleton, CO.

Each NYTS tournament has the opportunity to award All-Star status to players who have demonstrated outstanding horsemanship, sportsmanship, and the ability to navigate team dynamics all while playing at or above their current handicap level. This year 321 players competed in 30 qualification tournaments that were held at member clubs across the country.

A total of 135 players achieved NYTS All-Star status, and from that group 16 individuals, who possess a combination of skill, strength and aptitude to play well with their peers are invited by the selection committee to compete for their respective zone at the national championship.

2015 National Youth Tournament Series Zones 1-4 Rosters:

Zone 1

Vaughn Miller, Jr., 1, Sloan Stefanakis, A.5,  Ronnie Puente, A, Conrad Kissling, 1

Zone 2

Turner Wheaton, 1, Pierce Alworth, A.5, Evan White, Jr., A,  Eddie Margalef, A.5

Zone 3

Benji Daniels, A, Nico Escobar, A.5, Grant Ganzi, 1, Justin Daniels, A.5

Zone 4

Tommy Huber, 1, Marissa Wells, 1, Barrett Coke, A.5, George Hempt, A

In 2013, the USPA created a national tournament series to provide more opportunities for youth players to compete outdoors with and against their peers at a local and national level. In an effort to grow and sustain the sport of polo in the United States, NYTS is a training module that prepares youth for formal outdoor tournament competition, challenges players to get to know their team, and identify their opponent’s strengths and weaknesses.

“Since the programs inception, the number of USPA members ages 19 and under playing with a handicap rating has increased from 77 to 416,” said Duncan Huyler, United States Polo Association CEO. “As the USPA celebrates its 125^th anniversary, the substantial growth in youth players through the NYTS and other programs is an indication of the continued advancement and sustainability of our venerable sport.”

The 2014 NYTS Championship team from USPA Zone 3 will defend the title in Littleton, after winning two years in a row. Returning team member Grant Ganzi will play with Nico Escobar and 2013 returning team member Justin Daniels. Also competing for the third year in a row is Zone 4’s powerhouse female player Marissa Wells.

The semi-finals begin on Saturday, Sept. 5 at 10AM, with a consolation match on Sunday, Sept. 6 at 10AM, prior to the start of the championship final at 11AM. The NYTS championship is open to the public and spectators are encouraged to watch the thrilling action at 7270 South Polo Ridge Drive, Littleton, CO.

About the United States Polo Association ®

Founded in 1890, the United States Polo Association (USPA) is the national governing body for the sport of polo in North America and is the second oldest sport governing body in the United States preceded only by the United States Tennis Association. With nearly 300 member clubs and 40 national tournaments, the USPA governs polo handicaps, tournament rules and safety regulations, to ensure the welfare and well being of both pony and player. Funded by sales from the officially licensed consumer brand, U.S. Polo Assn., the USPA purposefully re-invests revenue by underwriting numerous development programs to expand and sustain the sport of polo. For more information please visit www.uspolo.org.