Crowder's Column

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On Saturday, January 25th, way down south in Florida, Master Mannix, Jr. was showing his magic with a mallet as he helped Canadian compadre Daniel Roenisch get a big win for Millarville. With their 3rd win they have the January 2002 Sunshine League in the bag as they beat an all pro team from San Saba, TX.

Another California kid from Carpinteria replaced actor Tommy Lee Jones and played an outstanding game by all accounts. The kid is Peter Ganibi and his name is carved into the 2001 Governor's Cup right here at Eldorado Polo Club to mark his win with the Bradley Bulldogs. Well done Peter! Mariano Gonzalez, Captain of the Millarville teeam, said "Peter was a real pain to our team." In overtime, Peter was just inches away from stopping the winning goal.

It was, however, a Mannix who provided the magic for January as he scored 17 goals in 3 games and provided massive fire power for the Canadian's. Daniel and Frederick are proving that it is possible for kids to play polo in North America.

While back on the West Coast, the head Master Mannix was showing us that a major heart surgery does not always stop a man. He was won both ends of the 14 Goal League at Eldorado. Showing how the kid learned to score , Fred Mannix speed 200 yards flat out to put Fish Creek ahead to stay as they walloped the Antelope Team 12 to 6.

This was the second finals for the January league. Two weeks ago Master Mannix did the same to the Bulldogs. It must be the cold weather because the Wolfpack is definitely having a very good month of hunting. Also on the down side with Peter Ganibi, the "Palamino" Jason Crowder, lost the Palm Beach finals with 5 wins, 2 losses. The Everglades had some bad luck while winning the semi finals, nine goal scoring machine Thomas Lorente broke his arm. He was replaced by Adam Snow. Adam, who has one of the best polo strings in North America, was playing strange horses during the tournament and they just could not overcome Azzaro-Gracida combo and lost by 2.

We can be very proud of the West Coast connection as we are for sure, being well represented on the East Coast. See ya soon at Polo.

-- Steve Crowder

Florida Polo News & Events
by Steve Crowder
January 24, 2001

Jason Crowder, the Palamino, reached the finals in Palm Beach with the Everglades as they took on Isla Carrol. The only team to beat them in 2002. The Everglades were defeated by Isla Carroll in the finals, 13 - 11.

Just to the South, an unkown comes to haunt the old boys playing in the 22-goal Sunshine League and he comes from our So. Calif. Clubs (SBPC and Eldorado). On Sunday, January 26th, across the line from Daniel Roenisch and Frederick Mannix (Millarville) will be someone we all know . . .Peter.

Peter Who? Well remember the kid Dayelle and Bob Bradley brought to the Governor's Cup, Peter Ganibi? Well, he is 3,600 miles away, taking Tommy Lee Jones' place on the San Saba Polo Team and doing very well.

Pete has been grooming, attending college and working his butt off to play polo. You know what . . . he did it. He is playing 22 goal polo and does not even own a horse. Pete has what it takes, a heart like a great polo playing horse. Well done Peter, you deserve it!

Sunday's Results . . .

Millarville and San Saba played against each other on Sunday, 27th. In a very close match, Millarville defeated San Saba in overtime, 11-10. Millarville is now 3-0 and San Saba 3-1.

---Steve Crowder