17th Annual Pacers and Polo Recap

Aiken, SC (04/06/2022) — The 17th annual Pacers and Polo, the third jewel in the Aiken Triple Crown, was back in action on Saturday, April 2 after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19. The well-attended event was hosted by alumni, donors, and friends of the University of South Carolina Aiken (USC Aiken) in partnership with the Aiken Polo Club. All proceeds from the event went to student scholarships and programs at USC Aiken.

Gates opened at 10:30 a.m. and throughout the day guests in the VIP tent enjoyed an open bar, buffet-style lunch, shopping sponsored by White Rose Eclectics, and a silent auction. USC Aiken assistant professor, Grammy winner, and 12 time Grammy nominee, Keely Rhodes, sang the national anthem, and Dr. Daniel Heimmermann, chancellor, threw out the ceremonial ball to start the match. As part of the official party, he was driven onto the field in a Lexus convertible driven by Ms. Billie Murphy. The official party also included his wife Mrs. Claudia Heimmermann and their daughter, Lucie.

The match began at 1 p.m. and was colorfully emceed by Tiger Kneece, polo manager for Aiken Polo Club. The competing teams were sponsored by AB Beverage and Alison South Marketing. AB Beverage team players were Tony Natale, Luis Galvan, Chilo Cordova, and Eduardo Perez. Alison South Marketing team players were Deep Sing, Eden Ormerod, Pedro Lara, and Jewel Gregoncza.

At intermission, spectators entered the playing field to participate in the traditional stomping of the divots - using their shoes to press dirt back into the holes created by the horses' hooves during the first half of play. This is to help ensure that the horses don't turn an ankle in the second half. Also, during intermission, Ashlyn Broderick won the hat contest and a $100 gift certificate to White Rose Eclectics, located on Laurens Street in downtown Aiken.

The Alison South team won the match 10 -9. The Best Playing Pony award went to Manolo and the MVP Player award went to Eden Ormerod.

Mary Driscoll, vice-chancellor of Advancement at USC Aiken expressed her excitement that the event was back. "We were delighted to have the 17th annual Pacers and Polo back as a tradition with USC Aiken the Aiken Polo Club, especially this year with it being the university's 6oth anniversary and Dr. Heimmermann's first year as chancellor. That makes it especially exciting to have the success that we had on Saturday."

Sponsors for the event included Aiken Physicians Alliance, AB Beverage, Alison South Marketing, Merrill Lunch, AgSouth Farm Credit, Aiken Saddlery, AllStar, Security Federal Bank, Coca-Cola, Cold Creek Nurseries, University Housing, USC Aiken Catering, Palmetto Package, Augusta Aiken Orthopedics, USC Aiken 60th Anniversary Committee, Dumpster Depot, Whiskey Alley, The Taproom, White Rose Eclectics, Chancellor Heimmermann, and Taylor BMW.

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