The United States of America qualified for the FIP World Polo Championship after winning the Zone A Playoffs in Wellington, Florida. They edged Mexico 9-7 to earn their ticket to Sydney. The American team will be in a group alongside locals Australia, Spain, and Argentina; they will face the latter on the opening day of the championship, on Saturday, October 21st.
Read about the day the the USA’s qualified for the FIP World Polo Championship here.
PLAYERS & COACH
JESSE BRAY
Age: 24.
Place of birth: Otahuhu, New Zealand.
When started playing: Peewee polo, at 2 or 3.
Where started playing: Eldorado Polo Club, Indio, CA.
Handicap record: 5.
Major tournaments played in: Gulfstream Pacific Open (Finalist, currently playing), Joe Barry Memorial (Winner), FIP Championship 2015 (Runner-Up), Robert Skene Trophy (Winner), Mayor Cup (Winner), Silver Cup (Runner-Up), 12 Goal 50K 2016 (Winner), Aspen Snow Polo Championships (Winner), Skins Tournament (2 times Winner).
Countries played in: New Zealand, Chile, Dominican Republic, USA, Switzerland.
Represented country: USA.
Ambitions: My dad achieved a 7-goal handicap, so I need to at least get there!
Other interests/information: I enjoy working with young horses and playing golf.
FELIPE VIANA
Age: 27.
Place of birth: New York, USA.
When started playing: 1997, At 7 years old.
Where started playing: Carrasco Polo Club (Montevideo, Uruguay).
Handicap record: 5 Outdoor, 8 Arena.
Major tournaments played in: East Coast Open, Monty Waterbury, Joe Barry, Ylvisaker, FIP World Championship- Runner Up, Copa Provincia.
Countries played in: Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, United States, UAE (Dubai), Australia.
Represented country: USA.
Ambitions: To win the FIP World Championship, to become better version of myself, make a difference in the sport.
Other interests/information: First of my family to play polo, Bachelor in Economics from University of Virginia.
DANIEL GALINDO
Age: 24.
Place of birth: Palm Springs, California, USA.
When started playing: At 5 years old.
Where started playing: San Diego Polo Club.
Handicap record: 2 Outdoor/ 3 Arena.
Major tournaments played in: 14-16 goal league at Flying H Polo Club.
Countries played in: USA, Italy, Australia.
Represented country: USA.
Ambitions: Work in the Oil & Gas Industry.
Other interests/information: I enjoy watching the English Premier League and La Liga.
KENNETH “JIMMY” WRIGHT
Age: 21.
Place of birth: La Quinta, California.
When started playing: 12 years old.
Where started playing: Eldorado Polo Club, California.
Handicap record: 2.
Major tournaments played in: Pacific Coast Open, USPA Intra Circuit 12 Goal, Eldorado Skins Tournament.
Countries played in: USA, Canada, Argentina.
Represented country: USA.
Ambitions: Try to become 10 goals. Try to live a balanced life in terms of family, friends, building a sustainable polo career.
Other interests/information: Love playing soccer and golf.
MATIAS GONZALEZ
Age: 19.
Place of birth: Columbus, Ohio.
When started playing: 6 years old.
Where started playing: Wellington, Florida.
Handicap record: 2.
Major tournaments played in: Joe Barry, Ylvisaker, Gold Cup, National 50K.
Countries played in: United States, Argentina, England, New Zealand.
Represented country: USA.
Ambitions: Reach the highest handicap possible, be as well mounted as I can.
Other interests/information: Riding Green horses, Physical Training.
CB SCHERER
Age: 27.
Place of birth: USA.
When started playing: Young age.
Where started playing: S. Forty Polo Club, Wellington, FL.
Handicap record: 2.
Major tournaments played in: East Coast Open, Chairman’s Cup, 3 Collegiate National Titles.
Countries played in: USA, Colombia, Barbados.
Represented country: USA.
Ambitions: Continue to compete at a high level and to keep polo in my life as a hobby outside of my professional career.
CARLOS ARELLANO JR
Age: 39.
Place of birth: Nicaragua.
When started playing: At 10 (1993/1994).
Where started playing: Wellington, Florida.
Handicap record: 5.
Major tournaments played in: 1998 and 2001 FIP World Championship. played Intercollegiate at UVA, play in most major Low, Medium and High Goal American Tournaments.
Countries played in: Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, South Africa, Chile, Argentina, Australia, Canada.
Represented country: USA.
Ambitions: Still want to try to be 10 goals, one day sell an entire ready made string of horses, and love to be part of a successful USA team.
Other interests/information: Family is very important and I have 4 year old twins, whole new adventure with my wife.
JOEL BAKER (COACH)
Age: 71.
Place of birth: USA.
When started playing: 1968.
Where started playing: California, USA.
Handicap record: 7 goals Outdoor / 8 Arena.
Major tournaments played in: Won most every major tournament in the USA. Won 2 Australian Easter shows. Australian Open, Mexican Open, NZ Open.
Countries played in: Argentina, South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, China, England, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Chile, Canada, India.
Represented country: USA.
Ambitions: Be a good coach for my team.
Other interests/information: Skiing, Tennis, Financial Consultant.
BOB PUETZ (MANAGER)
Age: 57.
Place of birth: Chicago, Illinois.
When started playing: At 13 years old.
Where started playing: Fairlane Farms, Napperville, Illinois.
Handicap record: 5 Goals Outdoor / 7 Arena.
Major tournaments played in: Butler Handicap, Eastern Challenge, Continental Cup, Oakbrook Cup, President’s Cup, Arena Open, All-Pro Arena Leagues.
Countries played in: Mexico, England, Argentina, Jamaica, Canada.
Represented country: USA.
Ambitions: To help grow the sport of polo and help America reach a higher International competition level.
Other interests/information: Enjoy Hiking, Tennis, and anything outdoors.