Iglehart Award

 

Below you can search inductees by name, in alphabetical order, or by their year of induction, from 2001 to the present day, and read a short biography listing their accomplishments and contributions to the sport.

Arrange by:
  • George Alexander
    2012
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    George Alexander

    Elected 2012

    For well over 30 years George dedicated his life to the service of the sport of polo, serving as Central Circuit Governor, Governor-at-Large, USPA Secretary/Treasurer, USPA Executive Director, a member of the USPA Executive and chairman of the Constitution, Rules and Rules Interpretation, Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Committees, as well as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Polo Training Foundation. As Patron of the Lake Run Team, he has competed throughout the Central, Mid-States and the Florida-Caribbean Circuits. Some have called him "Mr. USPA."

    George was the recipient of the Hugo Dalmar Award in 2005. George and his hitch of Cyldesdales have performed in a wide variety of polo venues around the country.

  • Willis Allen, Sr.
    2003
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    Willis Allen, Sr.

    Elected 2003

    A true benefactor of the sport, Willis Allen, Sr., fostered the development and growth of polo on the West Coast. Willis was one of the original founders of several California polo clubs, including Eldorado in Palm Desert, Lake Farms in Indio, the San Diego Polo Club in Rancho Santa Fe, and he continued the tradition of support in Lakeside.

    Willis served as a USPA Governor from 1969-1974 and played on numerous national and international teams. He raised top quality, award-winning polo ponies, and was the sponsor of the national title-winning polo ponies from San Diego. According to many, Willis' enthusiam for the sport was infectious. Still playing polo at age 89, his love of the game kept him in the saddle and others playing alongside him.

  • John B. Armstrong
    2019
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    John B. Armstrong

    Elected 2019

    A second-generation polo enthusiast, John Armstrong played and won his first tournament in 1937. That started a career spanning 65 years, during which he attained a well-earned 6-goal handicap. Armstrong’s true contribution to polo, though, was his influence and the example of sportsmanship and good character he set for generations of players both on and off the field. He guided them with tips on horsemanship, team play, and general good advice. Armstrong helped organize polo across South Texas and put on a number of special events to benefit others: a match with Prince Charles, a special match to honor Cecil Smith, and an international match between the USA and Spain at Retama. He took teams to England, Pakistan, and Guatemala. He was, in a manner, a lifelong ambassador of polo.

  • Roy L. Barry
    2018
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    Roy L. Barry

    Elected 2018

    In his twenties, Roy Barry began playing polo in Texas and made a name for himself buying, training and selling top horses. With his natural ability, he quickly attained a 7-goal rating in 1948 and won the Monty Waterbury Cup in 1951, was a finalist in the U.S. Open and played in clubs across the United States, often managing the clubs as well as his sponsors’ strings of ponies. In 1954, at the young age of 45, Roy suffered a stroke while playing in the Monty Waterbury tournament. He was advised to quit playing polo and working with horses but, just three years later, he returned to club polo and was able to enjoy the sport he loved for many more years. He taught his son, Roy Matthews Barry, the game well; he became a 9-Goaler who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1995.

  • Bert B. Beveridge
    2021
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    Bert B. Beveridge

    Elected 2021

    Starting polo in the late 1930s, Bert Beveridge remained committed for over 30 years, helping to invigorate the sport throughout the 1950s and '60s as it struggled to come back after WWII. In those pivotal times Beveridge was instrumental in rejuvenating San Antonio Polo Club, keeping it alive and thriving, and went on to help found, develop and run Boca Raton Polo Club. He sponsored many teams in the major high and medium goal tournaments around the country giving several noted players their start in polo. A 3 goal player, he was remembered as a formidable back notching major American tournament wins of the 20 Goal (now the Silver Cup) twice, the Butler National Handicap the 12 Goal Inter-circuit Cup and was a finalist in the U.S. Open. 

  • Virgil Christian
    2001
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    Virgil Christian

    Elected 2001

    Virgil Christian was adamant when he said that he owed his success to his friends. He was humble when he said, "Polo was good to me." No one would argue that he was good for polo and had truly devoted his life to the sport.

    He started playing the game as a young man in the early '20s, inspired by his polo-playing father. Although he never became a high-goal player, he was dedicated to introducing this sport to anyone and everyone. He tirelessly traveled the United States and started many polo clubs, from Connecticut to California to Florida and everywhere in between. He said the most fun he had was with the youngsters he started and thought that inspiring and teaching them was perhaps his greatest accomplishment.

  • Tony Coppola
    2006
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    Tony Coppola

    Elected 2006

    A by-the-bootstraps polo player and entrepreneur, Tony Coppola created a successful polo career and polo equipment and supply business. Introduced to polo as a young man by Joe Rizzo, he went on to compete in many outdoor and arena national, circuit and club events, eventually winning the Monty Waterbury Cup in 1983 and 2000. He managed several important polo clubs in his time, including the Burnt Mills, Gilbertsville and Saratoga clubs.

    For more than 30 years, his business, The Tackeria, evolved from humble beginnings as a field-side tack trailer to become one of the best-known international polo enterprises. Tony has also been called the Voice of Polo for his colorful and insightful commentary as the announcer for polo tournaments across the country. And for nearly 40 years, he continued to be a true friend to polo by initiating and supporting many worthwhile charitable organizations.

  • Hugo Dalmar
    2009
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    Hugo Dalmar

    Elected 2009

    Hugo was a talented four-goal player (rated five in the arena) who played on the Oak Brook teams that won the U.S. Open Championship in 1971 and 1973, won four USPA Twenty Goal/Silver Cup Championships (1961, ’64, ’65, ’72), three USPA Butler Handicaps (1955, ’58, ’72) and the 1956, ’57 USPA 12-Goal Championships.

    However, Hugo is better remembered as a caring man who always looked for the best in his fellow players. He embodied the spirit of sportsmanship honored by the USPA trophy bearing his name – the Hugo Dalmar Award – presented annually to an individual who exemplifies good sportsmanship on and off the polo field. Hugo was always giving back to the sport he enjoyed by serving as USPA Secretary, President and then its Chairman in 1975-76. He is recognized by all for his dedication to the game as well as his acknowledgement that “winning is not everything.”

  • Patrick Dix
    2020
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    Patrick Dix

    Elected 2020

    Playing polo since the age of 13, Pat Dix went on to become the leading scorer of the winning Cornell 1963 National Intercollegiate Championship team and won many nationally recognized events. Dix earned a 5-goal rating, received the Hugo Dalmar Award for Sportsmanship and was inducted into the Cornell University Polo Hall of Fame. Along the way he volunteered for over 60 years leadership positions with the USPA as an Executive Vice-President, Pacific Northwest Governor, National Rules Committee Chairman, Governor-at-Large, and Chairman of the Pacific Northwest Circuit Handicap and Rules Committee. He was a leader in establishing a new Pacific Northwest Circuit which had previously been part of the Pacific Coast Circuit. 

     
  • Alfred E. Fortugno
    2007
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    Alfred E. Fortugno

    Elected 2007

    Alfred "Fred" Fortugno's passionate participation in and enthusiastic contributions to the sport of polo have spanned four decades. For more than 30 years he has served as USPA Eastern Circuit governor and continued his stewardship of the game by serving on the USPA Nominating, Constitution and Executive Committees.

    Fred played in the 1977 U.S. Open Championship and won the Monty Waterbury Cup (1977), the 26-Goal Sunshine League (1972), 16-Goal (1972), the Delegate's Cup, Bronze Cup, National Copper Cup (1977, 1980, 1990) as well as five Eastern Circuit 12-Goal titles and the Gerald Balding Tournament.

    Fred was known for his sportsmanship and encouragement and for being ready with a kind ready word of encouragement, a steady horse or a sympathetic ear. Generations of players credit Fred for starting, mentoring and sustaining their interest in polo.

  • Tim Gannon
    2013
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    Tim Gannon

    Elected 2013

    Tim Gannon’s Outback teams won five U.S. Open Championships between 1995 and 2001 with Tim playing on them three of those years. He includes in his playing record wins of the 1999 Gold Cup, 1995 Silver Cup, 1997 American Cup, 1994 National Copper Cup, 2005 and 2006 President's Cup, the 1993 Delgates Cup and numerous other league and foreign championships.

    However, his most outstanding contributions to the sport are undoutedly through his charitable giving, for which he is legendary. He has supported such causes as the Polo Players' Support Group, Chukkers-for-Charity, Work-To-Ride, the Capital Hospice Polo Cup, the Museum of Polo, the British Forces Foundation Women's Polo, Beach Polo and countless other charities inside and outside of polo...the list goes on.

  • Karlene Beal Garber
    2019
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    Karlene Beal Garber

    Elected 2019

    A born leader, Karlene Beal Garber has paved the way for a bright future for polo. From 1997 – 2011, she chaired 11 of 14 annual charity events on behalf of the Polo Training Foundation. What began as a small gathering quickly became an international affair. It was a catalyst for major donations to the PTF and polo. On the playing field, she made history in 1999 with her all women’s BTA team of Caroline Anier, Susan Stovall, Kristy Waters and Karlene by defeating the entire field of 13 mixed teams in Eldorado Polo Club’s January four-goal league. That season they also won the February four-goal league and the Junior Officer’s Cup. Karlene has proudly served as PTF Chairman, as USPA Governor-at-Large, as an ambassador to FIP, and as an owner of the Eldorado Polo Club.

    Karlene Beal Garber (far left) on the winning BTA team

  • William "Bill" Gilmore
    2013
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    William "Bill" Gilmore

    Elected 2013

    Bill Gilmore was a powerful force in California polo in the days after WW II, when polo was only a vision of the past and a hope for the future. There were no fields, few players and fewer horses, but Gilmore wouldn't let the sport die and set about to rebuild its foundation. He encouraged players to return to the game and is credited with mentoring many polo stars of the era. 

    He helped revive the San Mateo and Menlo Park Clubs and further south he helped Santa Barbara to regain its place in the sun and became a charter member of the Eldorado Polo Club. American polo and California polo in particular owe Bill Gilmore a great deal for his unwavering commitment to the game.

  • Thomas "Tommy" Glynn
    2001
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    Thomas "Tommy" Glynn

    Elected 2001

    Without Mr. Glynn's knowledge and dedication, polo in the Northeast would not be nearly as vital as it is today. Quite possibily, high- and low-goal polo, both in the Northeast and Florida, would not be where they are now. He is respected for his influence and contributions to the survival of modern polo as the seeds planted by Mr. Glynn over the past 20 years have become the polo instructors, players and patrons of today.

    Mr. Glynn was also a consummate trainer of polo ponies. Many have remarked that he had an incredible set of hands that could work wonders with even the most difficult horses. His accomplishments include winning the Indoor Intercollegiate Championship as a member of the Harvard Team in 1929, serving as a governor of the USPA and remaining involved in club affairs, particularly in the New York and Connecticut areas. He has been very active with the Greenwich Polo Club.

  • Alexander Haagen III
    2023
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    Alexander Haagen III

    Elected 2023

    A man whose name is nearly synonymous with polo in California, Al Haagen focused his efforts on growing polo on the West Coast in Indio, California, both on and off the field. He started Empire Polo Club in 1987 and built the 11-field into a juggernaut that hosted the first 40-goal event in the U.S., the first U.S. Women's Open, the Townsend Cup, and the Arena Open tournament. The busy club featured at least 15 teams playing every winter, along with a polo school and Sunday polo with record-setting attendance. Haagen, who started playing polo in 1983, was patron of the Empire polo team for 30 years.

  • Sue Sally Hale
    2004
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    Sue Sally Hale

    Elected 2004

    At the age of nine, in a Hollywood restaurant with her show business parents, Sue Sally wrote on a napkin, "I want to be a polo player or a bronc buster." Polo won! Single handedly, with sheer determination, she worked her way up to become an integral part of the sport. Hale became an avid activist for women in polo, staunchly campaigning to have women rated on the same basis as men. She achieved her goal in 1972, when she was one of only a few women who made a historical debut by achieving an official USPA, 1-goal handicap. 

    For well over 55 years, her career was spent mentoring and reinforcing the positive role of women as professional players, instructors, managers and organizers of the sport. Along the way, Hale raised two polo playing daughters, Sunny and Stormie Hale, who carried on her legacy of excellence and perseverance.

    Sue Sally Hale on Maya, Santa Barbara Polo Club 1977

  • Clark Hetherington
    2004
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    Clark Hetherington

    Elected 2004

    Clark spent a lifetime dedicated to polo. An avid player since age 7, he later captained the Oklahoma University team. He started Broad Acres Polo CLub in 1954 and served four years as a USPA circuit governor. At his own expense, he produced educational films such as Charlie Chukker and an umpire training presentation. Called by many the father of professional umpiring, he tirelessly promoted a uniform standard for all umpires to the USPA amd to clubs around the country.

    After his appointment as USPA chief umpire, he developed umpire-training programs and conducted numerous clinics across the nation, furnishing horses and equipment. More than 250 polo players, including several Hall of Fame inductees, claim Hetherington as their mentor.

  • Thomas Edward Hughes, Jr.
    2023
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    Thomas Edward Hughes, Jr.

    Elected 2023

    Tom Hughes, whose career spanned 55 years, was an early proponent of professional umpires and diligently worked to improve the quality of umpiring. Working with the USPA, club officials and committees, he drove the creation of the professional polo umpire system currently in place. A man of many talents, Hughes umpired high-goal matches in the U.S. and England, managed several polo clubs and held a 4-goal handicap outdoors. He enjoyed a robust career winning many tournaments, including the inaugural USPA Gold Cup in 1974, the Silver Cup in 1974, as well as its predecessor, the Twenty Goal, four times in a five-year span. He also won the 1970 American Cup and the Butler National Handicap in 1973 and 1975. 

  • Merle Jenkins
    2011
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    Merle Jenkins

    Elected 2011

    Merle Jenkins was the founder of the Detroit Polo Club in 1962 and was an avid supporter of Intercollegiate polo, sponsoring the Michigan State University and University of Michigan Polo Clubs. He served as a USPA Governor (1973–1979 and 1984–1988), Secretary (1988-1991), and was the CEO of USPA Properties, Inc. (1981-2003). He was the first USPA Promotion Committee chairman, formed in 1977.

    In the early 1980s, he and his committee began licensing USPA trademarks and formed USPA Properties Inc., whose objective was to develop a marketing program for USPA trademarks that would produce a stream of income for the USPA. Merle served for 32 years on the USPA Safety Committee, initiating the first tests of polo helmets and formulating standards, testing and certification of helmets used in the sport.

  • Walt Kuhn
    2005
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    Walt Kuhn

    Elected 2005

    Walt "Papa" Kuhn contributed a lifetime of devotion to the sport of polo through his longstanding efforts as a mentor of numerous players who sought his training and guidance in learning how to play the game. For more than 30 years, his Fairlane Farms locations in both Illinois and Florida allowed many players a simple and affordable way to become part of the polo world.

    He is credited with starting the youth polo tournament at Palm Beach Polo & Country Club and the original Carlos Avendano tournament. Along with his wife, Shirley, and his three polo-playing sons, and the sacrifices of a non-polo playing sister and fourth son, Walt built a fine family reputation for training people from all walks of life without regard for money or prestige. Always a presence fieldside in both high- and low-goal matches, Walt continued to encourage new generations of players with his infectious laugh and hearty smile. 

  • Dr. Horace Albert Laffaye
    2022
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    Dr. Horace Albert Laffaye

    Elected 2022

    Horace Laffaye left a matchless impression on the sport of polo. He grew up in Argentina, playing polo there before devoting himself to medicine and becoming a surgeon. A coincidental reawakening to the world of polo led him to pick up the mallet again and play for two more decades at clubs in the Northeastern United States. After his playing days, he took his knowledge and passion for the sport and became polo’s most eminent historian. Dedicated and concise, he painstakingly researched, wrote and published historical treatises on polo, including nine books and innumerable articles in both Spanish and English. To our lasting benefit, Laffaye served on the Board of Directors and the Nominating Committee for the Museum of Polo, helping i to grow immensely with his guidance.

  • Frederick Mannix Sr.
    2015
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    Frederick Mannix Sr.

    Elected 2015

    Starting at age 40, Frederick Mannix found himself immersed in polo for the next 30 years. A consummate sportsman, gentleman and humanitarian, he was recognized with many awards throughout a career in which he played avidly and won much.

    But his real contributions to polo came from his efforts to improve and preserve it both in Canada and the United States. He commissioned and sponsored a major historical chronicle, Polo - The Galloping Game, oral histories, facilities and training equipment. To insure the future of Canadian polo he founded the Polo Training Foundation of Canada, the National Polo Association and many other charitable and developmental endeavors, and with the teams he sponsored, Mannix also established himself as one of the great patrons of polo.

  • Leverett S. Miller
    2017
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    Leverett S. Miller

    Elected 2017

    Leverett Miller’s legacy is born of his extraordinary vision and unwavering effort to build the only Museum of Polo in the world. One of the original founders of the Museum in its infancy, he took the reins when Chairman Philip Iglehart passed. Lev was a steady force driving the construction of the Museum - putting up money, time and endless energy, and challenging others to do the same. In 1997 this magnificent monument to polo was completed and proudly serves as a home to the art treasures and historic content celebrating our sport. The dream had become a reality. Part of the Whitney family polo dynasty, Lev has donated and facilitated many of the Museum’s invaluable art treasures. Jack Oxley summed it up best stating “Lev grabbed that ball and ran it in for a touchdown.”

    Leverett Miller - 1971

    Leverett Miller (right) - 1975

  • George Miller
    2017
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    George Miller

    Elected 2017

    As many recall it, George Miller was a man who, more than anyone else, could be credited with building the foundation of polo in Texas. The founder of Austin Polo Club and owner of Miller Field, San Antonio, he was known for his horses and horsemanship. Offering his expertise, wisdom, opportunities and a no-nonsense work ethic, he mentored and launched the polo careers of greats like Cecil Smith and Rube Williams as well as countless others, putting both Texan players and horses on the map. The horse-savvy sage also patented a hackamore and a bit known as the Miller Gag which became favorite training tools for the top players. A sign he hung over the entrance of his Miller Field may have summed up his devotion to the sport. It said, ‘I Don’t Want Nothin’ But a Good Polo Pony.”

    George Miller - 1929

  • Joseph A. Muldoon
    2010
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    Joseph A. Muldoon

    Elected 2010

    “Big Joe” Muldoon was not only an iconic figure of polo in Maryland, Virginia and throughout the East in the 1980's and 1990's, his influence stretched around the globe. A versatile horseman who did not get into polo until middle age, his tournament wins included the Monty Waterbury, Association and Chairman’s Cups and the 8-Goal Championship with his Gone Away Farms team.

    He helped raise millions of dollars for various charities through polo. From 1981-1989, Joe conceived, underwrote and mounted players in a dynamic series of high-goal "All-Star" international polo games featuring the best of both foreign and American high-goal players. He was president of the Potomac and Poolesville Polo Clubs where he helped to train an entire generation of polo players, including his well-known and talented polo-playing progeny Michael, "Little Joe," Mary and Charlie.

  • Jimmy Newman
    2018
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    Jimmy Newman

    Elected 2018

    With 54 years of polo under his belt, Jimmy Newman is well known in polo. He worked his way through the sport, respected for making countless polo ponies for medium and high goal polo. During his career, he served as manager and organized tournaments for several of the biggest and best polo clubs in the world; Retama in Texas, Palm Beach Polo and Country Club, Santa Barbara Polo Club and International Polo Club Palm Beach. He has managed an impressive 27 U.S. Open Championships. Jimmy also has served the sport in service to the USPA as the Southwest Circuit Governor, Governor at Large, and for many years on the Tournament, High Goal, Handicap committees and Team USPA. As a player, Jimmy attained a 3-goal outdoor handicap and 4 indoor, and notched a win in the 1985 U.S. Open Handicap.

  • Alfred G. "Herbie" Pennell
    2012
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    Alfred G. "Herbie" Pennell

    Elected 2012

    Herbie Pennell as the consummate professional polo club manager and horseman. He was the long-term manager of Palm Beach Polo and Country Club in the 1970's and 1980's. He was a pioneering mentor to many polo managers and was "the glue" that held a great many players and clubs together over his many years managing both small and large clubs - and starting and sustaining so many people throughout his lifetime. He started hundreds of people in polo and was generous with his time and support to people from all walks of life.

    Herbie won rhe Indoor Twelve Goal in 1955 and the Delegates and Monty Waterbury Cups in 1956. He was handicapped at 6 Outdoors and 8 Indoors and won numerous USPA and club events.

  • James Rice
    2002
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    James Rice

    Elected 2002

    James Rice earned his reputation as one of the most respected polo trainers in America. As a youngster in the 1920's, he started his career by exercising horses and cleaning tack and stalls for the Farish family at the Houston Riding and Polo Club.

    His natural ability and uncanny rapport with horses was observed by the famous 8-goaler, Ray Harrington, who hired Rice to work for him at Brandywine, Pennsylvania. There he refined the fine points of horse management that made him an expert horse trainer and polo player. He later worked for Cecil Smith, Michael Butler and Matt Richardson and has the distinction of having a tournament named after him at the Santa Barbara Polo Club. 

  • Richard Riemenschneider
    2016
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    Richard Riemenschneider

    Elected 2016

    Richard C. Riemenschneider started playing at Joy Farm, earning his way from hot-walking to playing practice games at the Milwaukee Polo Club. At the University of Virginia Polo Club, he was Captain, President, Intercollegiate MVP, and Coach (while in Law School). A great supporter of youth, he started many players in the VA/MD area. With Rodger Rinehart, he instituted and managed the 501(c)(3) fundraising for VA Polo, resulting in the program’s facility and success. Currently he is the Chairman of their Endowment Committee. He played in 16 states, Canada, and represented the U.S. teams in England and Pakistan. “Remo” has been a USPA Circuit Handicap Chairman, Governor, Tournament Committee Chairman, Treasurer, EVP, President and Chairman. Presently he is Chairman of the PTF.

  • Joe Rizzo
    2003
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    Joe Rizzo

    Elected 2003

    Joe Rizzo helped to rekindle the flame of polo that was nearly extinguished after World War II. His horsemanship and enthusiasm earned him not only a place on the polo field, but the respect and endorsement of his fellow players. For nearly fifty years, his Huntington and West Hills Polo Clubs provided a welcoming place for aspiring players to learn and appreciate the rudiments of the sport.

    Long after his playing days ended, Joe became a friend, coach and mentor to a wide range of players. Literally hundreds of men and women can attest that Joe put them on a horse and placed the first polo mallet into their hands. His philosophy was if one really wanted to play polo, it could be done without too much regard to cost.

  • Dave Rizzo
    2010
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    Dave Rizzo

    Elected 2010

    A well-known figure in polo for over 60 years, Dave Rizzo was, for over 30 years, the longtime manager of the famed Meadow Brook Polo Club, and was also the manager of the Squadron A Armory and the Old Westbury Polo Club. Being an accomplished outdoor and arena player, horse trainer, seller and club manager made it possible for him to help many new players get started in the sport of polo. He was known as a skilled horseman and well-known sportsman in many parts of the country by a variety of players. Considered a mentor to many, he made it possible for others to experience polo, and in many cases, go on to become accomplished players and team sponsors.

  • Jules Romfh
    2011
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    Jules Romfh

    Elected 2011

    Jules “Tiger” Romfh played polo for over 40 years, dating back to the “Golden Era” when the Orange Bowl in Miami and Gulfstream were the South’s polo centers. Jules played with such great names as Cecil Smith, George Oliver, Stewart Iglehart, Billy Post and the Firestone brothers. His nickname “Tiger” was given him in prep school for his aggressive boxing efforts. Tiger was an alternate for the American team competing for the 1950 Cup of the Americas. In 1960 and 1964 he played on the winning National Inter-Circuit and National 12-goal teams. In 1960 he won the Monty Waterbury Memorial Cup in New York against several higher rated teams and the Chairman's Cup in 1974. Jules Romfh was respected as a fierce competitor both on and off the polo field.

  • Danny Scheraga
    2022
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    Danny Scheraga

    Elected 2022

    Danny Scheraga has devoted his career to nurturing polo players and improving the sport. He began playing at Cornell University and was named head coach in 1975. He built programs for Intercollegiate Women, taking Cornell to the finals nine years in a row and winning three championships. Working for the USPA, he focused on instructional clinics and Intercollegiate/Interscholastic (I/I) polo. Scheraga spent 25 years with the Polo Training Foundation, serving as its first Executive Director. He developed player and umpire programs and improved polo infrastructure, ran a polo center at Brushy Creek, and pushed for an expanded I/I tournament to improve opportunities for Intercollegiate players. Over his lifetime Danny Scheraga has made a great impact on the sport.

  • Russell Sheldon
    2016
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    Russell Sheldon

    Elected 2016

    For over 25 years Russ dedicated countless hours to the sport of polo. He has been recognized with numerous awards for umpiring, sportsmanship, mentoring and volunteering that are a testament to his contagious passion and excitement for the sport, a love that he eagerly passed on to his children, grandchildren and countless others. He started Poway Polo Club and was a champion of “grass roots polo” in California, a passionate promoter of Arena Polo and a devout mentor and supporter of youth polo programs. His contribution to the USPA Intercollegiate/ Interscholastic program and the initiatives that he put in place will continue to benefit the sport for decades to come.

  • George Sherman, Sr.
    2020
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    George Sherman, Sr.

    Elected 2020

    Known as the “father of indoor polo,” George C. Sherman Sr. was almost single-handedly responsible for organizing and refining this ever-popular version of the sport. He introduced the inflatable ball, redesigned standard polo equipment for the arena game’s specific needs and modified the rules of outdoor play for indoor use. He was the founder and first president of the Indoor Polo Association from 1915 to 1926, which was not merged with the USPA until 1956. He was zealous in introducing young players into the sport, and presented the first Interscholastic Cup in 1928. Since all collegiate and scholastic polo is now played indoors, he may be said to have innovated this invaluable training ground as well. 

  • Michael C. Sifton
    2015
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    Michael C. Sifton

    Elected 2015

    After a dormant era in polo following WWII, Michael Sifton worked tirelessly to help rebuild and further Canadian polo. He founded the Toronto Polo Club in 1959 and served as its president until 1992, helped form the Canadian Polo Association, and operated a polo school for over 30 years. An advocate of intercollegiate polo, he coached teams that won the North American Interscholastic and Intercollegiate tournaments. Internationally, he was a strong advocate for Canadian polo in the FIP. At home, he organized and led the Polo for Heart Tournament and raised more than $2 million for Toronto’s Heart and Stroke Foundation. He was a USPA Governor at Large for many years and has been honored as one of the “Polo Pioneers” of Canada.

  • William S. Tevis Jr.
    2014
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    William S. Tevis Jr.

    Elected 2014

    William “Willie” S. Tevis, born in 1891, was a colorful character who played polo for over sixty years and reached a respectable 6 goal handicap. Dubbed the "Iron Man of California," he was revered for being an active proponent in keeping the sport alive in California during its difficult rebuilding years. Tevis had enduring influence with polo clubs in northern California, most notably the San Francisco Polo Club and in southern California he was founder of the Eldorado Polo Club, listed as its first delegate in 1957.

    Highly regarded for his superb skills as a horseman, he was asked to help launch the famous 100 mile endurance ride that became known as the "Tevis Cup," named for his grandfather, and is still competed for today. Willie Tevis served in both World Wars and died in 1977.

  • Henry Trione
    2008
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    Henry Trione

    Elected 2008

    For more than 50 years Henry Trione has promoted polo on the West Coast. He started the Wild Oak Polo Club and is a founder of the Eldorado and Santa Rosa polo clubs. He served from 1972 to 1976 as governor of the USPA Pacific Coast Circuit. Known for his generosity, he has sponsored many teams and tournaments, including the Geyser Peak Seniors Tournament since 1982.

    He supports the University of California-Davis polo team, is a champion for women's and seniors' polo and has worked on behalf of the FIP for 25 years. His Wine Country Polo Club in California is home to many players who have begun and who stay in polo because of the Trione family.

    His philosophy continues to be that of the Trione tradition—enjoy the polo, the people and the wine.

  • Jesse Upchurch
    2009
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    Jesse Upchurch

    Elected 2009

    For more than 35 years, Jesse has been an avid supporter of Intercollegiate and Interscholastic polo. Since 1992, he had hosted their national tournaments at his Brushy Creek Ranch. He donated his ranch year round to the Polo Training Foundation to support their teaching programs. The polo school and camp at Brushy Creek provided the foundation for many young players to learn the basics of horse care and polo and was a fulltime facility for college and high school games, PTF clinics, PTF summer camp and the PTF adult winter coaching league. Jesse was the first large donor to the PTF’s endowment campaign in the early 1990s, served on its Board of Directors and has been one of PTF’s principle benefactors He served as PTF chairman from 1998 – 2003 and he continues to be a vital member of the PTF board.

  • Paul von Gontard
    2014
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    Paul von Gontard

    Elected 2014

    Paul von Gontard has a legacy of unselfish contribution to polo, not only at the clubs with which he has been involved but also nationally and internationally and successfully championed the right of women to play polo on an equal basis with men. As the backbone of two major clubs, Jackson Hole and Eldorado, Paul's support and leadership spans nearly half a century. Playing polo since 1949, he has been one of the longest continuous active members of the USPA. Paul severd on the USPA Board of Governors from 1973-1974 and 2001-2009, was one of the first Ambassodors to the FIP, has served as Zone A (North America) coordinator for many World Championships and spent many years on the USPA International Committee, promoting and supporting international competition at all levels. 

  • Paul Wollenman
    2021
    Recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award

    Paul Wollenman

    Elected 2021

    During a career that spans 48 years, Paul Wollenman's expertise as a veterinarian caring for the horses of some of the nation's finest polo teams has been an important factor in helping the sport of polo. Noted for his sound, practical advice as well as ingenious solutions to compilcated injuries, he has spent most of his lifetime striving to improve the care and welfare of the horses that make polo possible. He also played polo, reaching a 2 goal handicap. Paul has served the sport by advising the USPA Equine Welfare Committee, mentoring Team USPA participants and the National Youth Tournament Series teams in Wyoming, giving lectures, and counseling young members on horse care and veterinary issues.