Polo Players' Edition is the official publication of the U.S. Polo Association. Dedicated to the sport of polo, it features player profiles, game strategy, horse care, playing tips, polo club news and tournament results.
Issue link: https://polo.epubxp.com/i/31965
The following players participated in the Dawn to Dusk Chukker Challenge: Melissa Ganzi is congratulated for her record. Leo Benjamin Ed Bernard Peter Bibeau Lydia Bibeau Shea Brooks Dawn Brown Dori Burner Heather Careberry Christine Cato Ed Connelly Fiona Eagle Kate Echeverria Jenny Elkus Luis Escobar Matt Fonseca Tony Fonseca Rodney Fragodt Carlitos Galindo Carlos Galindo Melissa Ganzi John Gobin Charlie Hutchinson Nicholas Jenks Brandon Kircher Jack Kousins Lucas Lalor Brien Limehouse Barry Limehouse Eliza Limehouse Chip Limehouse Alex Lopez Kirsten Ludwig NanC Mark Alan Martinez Collin McCosh Francisco Medrano Luis Escobar receives recognition for his record. 11th. We took a 15-minute break between the 10th and 11th chukkers, and with it being so cold, starting to play again was a bit of a challenge. Then the 27th chukker was a bit of a struggle. The easiest was the 30th!” said Ganzi. Escobar also prepared for the event by riding more every day and for longer periods of time, and working out. “I changed my workout, [doing] strictly physical conditioning—running, sprints and cross training.” He also stayed very focused on managing his energy so he could last all 30 chukkers and not injure himself. He used 18 horses, doubling the first 12. “I started getting tired around chukker 22. I had two main challenges. Seven of the 18 horses I had never ridden before so, no matter how quiet the horses are, they take more energy from you,” explained Escobar. “Second, but most challenging was that we were in temperatures of 30, 40, and low 50s throughout the day. Once my body warmed up it would take two to three minutes to get cold, therefore every chukker was very challenging. It would have been easier in 60 or 70 degree temperatures.” Players began arriving in the dark at 6:30 a.m. and tacked up under large rented lights. The Polo America staff of Arshia Rios, Lorrie Chadd and Kirsten Ludwig ran a flawless game. In fact, things ran so smoothly that the staff had to start calling players and telling them to come because they were running ahead of schedule. Signs were held up indicating the chukker number. David Andrews and Charlie Herrick did a fantastic job announcing this marathon polo game. Paul Wheaton had his own mini marathon as he umpired 14 chukkers. Ganzi was thrilled to hear the last whistle. “It was music to my ears! And I felt proud to have achieved my goal in support of our troops.” A tired Escobar was equally Clint Nangle Marcos Onetto Neil Osburg Barbara Parker Tess Pimsner Karen Reese Owen Rinehart Arshia Rios Jose Rodriguez Randy Russell Chris Shelli Adam Snow Bob Stanton Tom Thayer Kegan Walsh Paul Wheaton John Whittemore happy to hear the final whistle. “I always get a kick every time I read the Guinness Book of World Records so it is fun.” At the end of the game the scoreboard was brought up to the stage where Brigadier General Lynn presented the players with certificates of accomplishment along with special trophies to Escobar and Ganzi for playing 30 chukkers. The Dawn to Dusk Chukker Challenge was a benefit for the Wounded Warriors and soldiers at Fort Gordon. The players who came to support the troops ranged from 8-goal to minus 1-goal players. The top four scorers were Melissa Ganzi with 21 goals, Luis Escobar with 15 goals, Randy Russell with seven goals and Collin McCosh with five goals. So, what does it feel like to play 30 chukkers? Escobar said he needed a four- hour nap the next day and walked around slowly, like a zombie. “My wrist, calves and lower back were a bit sore and stiff, but it all went away by the third day,” he explained. Ganzi surprisingly felt pretty good the next day, other than being a bit tired. “I was super excited about [the record]. It was an amazing experience. Not only was it an accomplishment for me but also for my organization. Juan Bollini, Tiana Smicklas and Joni Castillo worked equally, if not harder than I did,” she said. POLO PLAYERS EDITION 29
