Winter 1996 The Official Newsletter from Polo of Dayton


Defining the new Dayton Polo


POLO , n. 1. a game played on horseback by two teams of four players each, who attempt to drive a small hardened ball through the opponents goal with long handled mallets. 2. the sport of kings.

DAYTON POLO , n. 1. the Miami Valley's version of polo, including spirited play and beautiful surroundings. 2. a social event that includes renewing old friendships, meeting new friends, a little wine and cheese, and maybe even the king of beers.
3. Dayton's best kept secret.

Welcome to Dayton Polo 1996! Much has changed since our last polo match in October. We have many new and exciting ideas for Dayton Polo in the coming year. But first, let's look back at 1995.

While the play on the field was on par with the best in recent memory, it was a tough year for spectators, patrons, and sponsors. Mother nature didn't do us any favors. We set a record for the most matches played in a season with 90+ degree heat, and we also had two matches canceled due to rain. This hurt communication. As a result, events were not as well publicized or as organized as the polo faithful had come to expect in previous years. And in the process, we burned out the few volunteers who were shouldering all the work.

So, we are taking dramatic actions to restore Dayton Polo to the level enjoyed a few years back (although we can't do much about the weather). Effective immediately, all of the social and organizational aspects of polo will once again be run by volunteers (nothing like a little pressure). The players' responsibility will be to do what they do best; play polo. Agreement has been reached with the field owners and players whereby the volunteers will have complete control of Dayton Polo, with the exception of the on-field play. Your input will be greatly appreciated!

How has this been accomplished? Three long-time Golden Patrons (Todd Roth, John Hearne, and Dale McCarty), have agreed to act as the 1996 Dayton Polo officers. They are reorganizing every aspect of our club, and are looking for the help and advice of patrons, other volunteers, and friends of Dayton Polo. Their roles, the club goals, and the newly formed committees are listed on page two of this issue of the Stick & Ball.

It will be an exciting new year at Dayton Polo. Get involved. Provide us with your input. And help make 1996 the best year in the long and great history of Polo in Dayton.

Questions from the Sidelines


Q: What is Dayton Polo's direction?

A: South, to a warmer climate (just kidding). Actually, this is the question that has needed to be asked. How can we know our direction unless we know where we want to end up? As a result, the officers have come up with the following guide and goals:

Mission: Increase the enjoyment of all aspects of Polo in Dayton for fans, players, volunteers, and patrons. This will be accomplished by promoting the sport of Dayton Polo, while enhancing its social aspects.

Short Term Goal: Return Dayton Polo to profitability by promoting and organizing the club and its activities in a professional manner.

Long Term Goal: Use profits from Dayton Polo to establish a Clubhouse facility and employ an Executive Director.



Q: How will these goals be accomplished?

A: Several years ago the fun and the black ink were easily attained. Why? Because of an effective committee system of volunteers. There's no "re-inventing the wheel" here. We plan to re-implement that system. The committees will fall under the officers as follows:

Todd Roth - President
(513) 434-1800
- Game Day Prep
- Events
- Social

Dale McCarty - Treasurer
(513) 848-7910
- Golden Patrons
- Newsletters
- Program

John Hearne - Marketing
(513) 298-1109
- 7th Chucker
- Billboards
- Sponsors
- Game Day Volunteers



Q: Who makes up the committees?

A: Hopefully, you! And others we like to call volunteers. They may also be known as fans, friends, or patrons of Dayton Polo. If you are interested in one the above committees, please call the appropriate officer. We can only achieve our goals with your support.

The Golden Patron Membership


Here is a way you can support Dayton Polo this season and benefit by receiving a very special membership that you, your family, friends, or business associates can enjoy all season long. Imagine your own parking space and seating fieldside, as the ponies run the field and friends stroll by to socialize. All reserved specifically for you to enjoy at all of our home games.

By purchasing the Golden Patron Membership you will receive the following:
· Four season passes
· Reserved parking
· Reserved seating area in your name
· Umbrella table with four chairs
· Admittance to all Dayton Polo social functions
· Discounts on Polo Billboards and program advertisements

This special limited membership costs only $300 for a whole season of enjoyment. You can pay it all up front, or pay a $100 deposit now and the balance by May 1st. Simply fill out the return form below, mark your desired seating location, enclose your check made payable to Polo of Dayton, and let us reserve a space for you.

This early bird special is available until March 1st. After that, the Golden Patron membership will go up to $325. If you have questions, please call Dale McCarty at (513) 848-7910 in the evenings or (513) 848-4123 during the day.

Golden Patron Membership Request Form

Please detach this form and return it with your check payable to Polo of Dayton
($300 Before March 1st/$325 after March 1st)

______________________________________
Name
______________________________________
Name for your table
______________________________________
Address
______________________________________
City State Zip
______________________________________
Telephone Number

Seating Location Preference:__________________

________________________________________

________________________________________

Amount Paid:______________________________
RETURN TO:
Polo of Dayton
P.O. Box 294
Bellbrook, OH 45305

Billboards


A popular way to advertise at the polo field continues to be the South Goal Billboards. These large, durable, and highly visible signs promote your company all season long to the Polo faithful (a pretty good demographic). New placements are $150 for the first year, with annual renewals of just $100. Please contact us for information about getting your sign produced.

Additionally, there are discounts available for Golden Patrons, Game Day Sponsors, Team Sponsors, and Program Advertisers. Call John Hearne at (513) 298-1109 with questions or comments.


In the next issue of the Stick & Ball:

The 1996 Schedule · Polo Profiles · Polo '96 Social Calendar
Program Ad Info · The Tunmore Editorial

The Stick & Ball is published four times annually: Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn and is the Official Newsletter from Polo of Dayton. Admissions and comments should be sent to: The Stick & Ball, c/o Polo of Dayton, P.O. Box 294, Bellbrook OH 45305 or may be emailed to: polo@pmv.com

Polo is Dayton's best kept secret!

Copyright © 1996, Dayton Polo