21st Annual Polo Match
Ends Hill City Drought in 5-4 Victory

On Saturday, August 27, 2011, as predicted Hill City’s Rushmore Polo & Social Club stepped onto Lippman Field at Newton Fork Ranch looking for retribution.  Their team had been handed a defeat two years running and to add insult to injury, Tim Gregson, captain and local favorite, had to sit out last year’s event due to a medical issue.  That pent-up frustration bore fruit quickly as Tim and his mount streaked up the field scoring a goal that was soon followed by yet another.  With assists by teammate and nephew Boe Gregson along with Boe’s wife Angela, the first 7 ½ minute chukker ended in a 2-0 shut-out in favor of Rushmore Polo.

The second chukker began with Rapid City scrambling to put some numbers on the board.  Rich Jensen of Double Diamond Ranch at Three Forks replaced Duane Lammers and, with the help of teammates Kurt Ketelsen and Dan Gylten, fought vigorously to catch up.  Ketelsen’s family has long been involved in polo in the Hills as both his father and grandfather rode for the Calvary team at Fort Meade in the 1930s.  Ketelsen finally managed to break through Hill City’s defense and score.  That goal was answered in short order by Tim Gregson who posted two more of his own for Hill City.  The teams, usually evenly matched, saw the first half end with a powerful lead for Hill City, 4-1.

At halftime, with champagne glasses in hand, spectators were invited to come out on the field and participate in what has become an annual tradition of “stomping divots.”

Black Hills Polo Club made a strong rebound in the third chukker.  Mary Sitts, who was assigned to throw the ball in each chukker, along with flag persons Judy Ketelsen and Bob Gartner had their flags in the air more often than not as points were traded fast and furious.  As scorekeeper Rachel Taylor, usually more comfortable behind the counter at Jewels of the West, scribbled furiously, Rich Jensen drove the ball downfield, avoiding the previously successful defensive moves of Team Gregson, to score.  It didn’t take Hill City long to answer the call with Boe, a former NCAA indoor polo team player, driving the ball home to further stretch their lead with another goal.  A strong surge was now mounted on Rapid City’s part by former Hermosa rancher and buffalo wrangler Duane Lammers who replaced Kurt Ketelsen.  He moved the ball up field to waiting Dan Gylten who out-maneuvered Angela to score a high flying, “tell-my-grandchildren someday” goal for the struggling Rapid City men.  Gylten, the only newbie, with but a few years of polo play under his belt, has proven to be a crowd favorite.  He is an accomplished horseman and natural athlete whose enthusiasm for the sport never disappoints.

The fourth and final chukker was a dramatic battle.  Tim Gregson, who had his nose in every play was determined to not lose the lead.  “I tried to hook, ride-off, do whatever it took to deny Jensen that goal,” chuckled Gregson.  But Rich Jensen managed to elude Tim “The Terror” and posted another goal for Black Hills Polo Club.  At one point though, the clock and play had to be stopped due to injury.  Rushmore’s Angela Gregson took a mallet to the hand but after a few minutes chose to continue, much to the players’ and spectators’ delight.  Despite a scoreless fourth chukker for Hill City, the final horn sounded handing them their first win since 2008.  Tim graciously accepted the Paul E. Lippman Memorial Polo Cup at the awards ceremony, although a slight smirk was detected.

Afterwards, fans gathered to enjoy a picnic with lots of delicious food provided by guests, Moni Matush of the Alpine Inn, Wally Matush, and Newton Fork Ranch.  The celebrants enjoyed the rest of the gorgeous afternoon, recapping the excitement, visiting with friends, and enjoying the burgers and hot dogs seasoned and served up by the culinary talents of Grill Chefs Bob Stanfiel and Rich Sitts.

The polo trophy is on permanent display in the bar area located in the historic Alpine Inn.

Next year’s event will once again, occur the Saturday one week prior to Labor Day.  So mark your calendars: the 2012 match will be held on Saturday, August 25th.