Four California Players Selected for NYTS National Championships
Jake Klentner, Cory Williams, Bayne Bossom and Athena Malin were selected to play in the NYTS National Championship to be held at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club over Labor Day weekend.
Established in 2013, NYTS is the first national outdoor tournament series for juvenile competitors—providing opportunities for young rated players who do not exceed 19 years of age to compete against their peers. Allowing youth players the opportunity to compete against their friends is a unique and crucial step in developing a young player. At each qualifier, NYTS All-Stars are named for their exceptional horsemanship, sportsmanship and skill, both on and off the field. Players nominated as All-Stars are eligible for selection in their respective zones at the National Championship for the Cecil Smith Cup. The NYTS season runs from March 1 through August 1, and the championship is held over Labor Day weekend.
Four teams will once again take to the field to compete for the most prestigious youth outdoor polo title. Defending champions Zone 3 are back with newest members Mackenzie Weisz and Lucas Escobar. This year's Zone 3 is a family affair, with the Escobar duo of brothers Nico and Lucas. Both Zone 1 and Zone 2 brandish numerous NYTS veterans with the inclusion of newcomers Harrison Azzaro (Zone 1) and Canadian Mich Ward (Zone 2). Zone 4 on the other hand boasts a roster of four new faces who will travel to California to represent the Northeastern and Eastern Circuit.
New this year is the addition of the East vs. West Challenge, created to represent a wider range of All-Stars selected at qualifying events. The maximum handicap for East vs. West Challenge competitors is A.5 and two female players must play on each team. Players will have the opportunity for one coached practice match before the featured East vs. West Challenge which will take place before the National Youth Tournament Series Championship Final.
For Team Rosters and more information, please visit the USPA NYTS webpage by clicking here.
- United States Polo Association