University of Virginia Library

Polo Proves Exciting

One of the least known, but
most exciting sports at the
University, is polo. While the club
has been in existence for fourteen
years, it has been recognized by the
Athletic Council as a varsity sport
for only six.

Formally, the organization is
referred to as the Virginia Polo
Club. Because of its recent
recognition as a varsity sport, all
team members must conform to the
Atlantic Coast Conference
eligibility rules. As a result, varsity
letters are awarded for participation
in the sport.

During its thirteen year tenure
at the University, the game of polo
has become quite popular with
Sunday afternoon crowds in the
spring and fall. Such top flight
collegiate teams as Yale and Cornell
face the Cavaliers each year, as do a
number of excellent club sides.

Although some members of the
team have come to the University
with previous riding and polo
experience, numerous first-year
men have joined the club with no
experience, and have been coached
in the game to become proficient
enough to play on the varsity team
within two years or less. Many of
this number have continued the
game after graduation, and are
playing in local clubs around the
country.

The Club maintains a string of
18 to 24 polo ponies during the
spring and fall sessions. While some
players bring their own ponies, this
is not required, and most use the
Club string.

Returning players who led the
Cavalier efforts last year are Willie
McCormick of Middleburg, Va., and
Ray Norden, of Jericho, New York.
Coaching the team is Harry
Robertshaw, Virginia '67.