Poway was pleased to host the USPA 2001 National Arena Sherman Memorial Cup (3-6 goal) Tournament on, Nov. 3-4. There were four teams entered, Anaconda (Bob Harman, San Diego Polo, Louise Mayer & Jessica Bailey, California Polo), Leather CPR (JP Hyan, Peter Hyan, Domingo Questel, California Polo), Pick Up Sticks ( Gary Martin, Sherry Sheldon, Shane Rice, Poway Polo, Ardeshir Radpour, Will Rogers Polo ) NISYS (Cary Burch, Billy Sheldon, Poway Polo, Mark Register San Diego Polo)
Saturday had NISYS (17) vs. Anaconda (12) in a very fast paced, well played game. Second Game, Pick Up Stix (19) vs. Leather CPR (12) in a very hard fought game, long hits, fast runs and smart plays - lots of excitement for
the spectators.

Sunday - after a brief delay for the first rain in 154 days - Anaconda (10) vs. Leather CPR (13) in a hard played game that showed the need for good umpiring, proper handicapping and team management. Final Game, Pick Up Stix (10) vs. NISYS (17), again a super fast game, long down field hits of the balls, good passing and team work. All the games were very exciting, the crowd while small was greatly impressed with the level of play and horsemanship of the players.

At the award ceremony, all players were presented a Sherman Memorial Cup plaque for participating by the Poway Arena Polo Club, First Place USPA awards were presented to the NISYS Team of Cary Burch, Mark Register & Billy Sheldon, in a close ballot, the MVP Award went to Billy Sheldon, with Shane Rice, Domingo Questel, Mark Register, Sherry Sheldon & Louise Mayer all getting consideration for their level of play.

The toughest award to determine was the Best Playing Pony awarded to Harley owned & ridden by Billy Sheldon, a very close second was Cedar owned by Sherry Sheldon and played by Shane Rice, Devin owned and played by Shane Rice. The level of horses made this so tough as several other horses were considered for this most prestigious award.
Poway Polo wants to thank all of the participants and officials in both the Sherman Memorial Cup and the preliminary games on Saturday & Sunday for making this a good polo weekend.

Source: Russ Sheldon