Player Profile

Meet the Man on the Cover.

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2015 SDPC Magazine Cover

Meet the man on the cover of 2015’s annual 116-page San Diego Polo Club Magazine, Christopher Collins. Chris Collins grew up at the San Diego Polo Club, learning to play polo from his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Willis Allen, the original founders of the club. Chris has grown into a tremendous player and great guy both on and off the field.

How did you get into polo?
My Father, Grandfather and most importantly Great Grandfather got me into the sport at a very young age.  They all shared their individual passion for the sport, which ultimately got me passionate about this great game.
Collins Family

What is a special memory you have with the SD Polo Club?
Having the opportunity to play with my dad, my grandfather, and my great-grandfather, is definitely one of my best memories at the San Diego Polo Club. I was only 11 years old but I can still remember how nervous I was before the game. Another great memory is winning the Spreckels Cup for the first time in 2010 with my dad. Finally, even though I’m not sure how much of this I actually remember, one of my best memories was attending my first polo match just two days after I was born. I was in a stroller on the sidelines for the very first game at the San Diego Polo Club.

Where would you like to see the sport head in the next 10 years?
We need to keep the sport growing and continue to get more people involved, informed and in love with this amazing game. I want to see more people taking lessons and I strongly encourage everyone to do so. I think the USPA has done a great job with Team USPA in farming young American players and giving them opportunities they would have never had 5 years ago. If we can keep improving young polo players we will improve the sport here in the U.S. and make us even more competitive on a global scale.

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What has been your favorite moment in polo?
My favorite moment was when I was playing on team USA, and we beat Canada in the qualifying rounds to move on to the World Cup tournament in San Louis, Argentina. We were defiantly the underdog going into that final game of the tournament and we all played as hard as we could to eventually win the game.

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Where have you traveled to for polo?
I have been fortunate to play in many countries including, England, Argentina, and South Africa and the Dominican Republic.  I have also be able to travel to Wellington Florida, Dallas, TX, New York, Virginia, New Mexico and Colorado.

  Spreckels-winners-2013
What do you hope to accomplish still in polo?
I am still trying to achieve the highest handicap I can while being a full-time professional in commercial real estate.  I would also like to keep traveling and playing around the world as often as time allows.
Chris-Collins-Action

What player most influences you?
Willis Allen was a huge influence on me growing up.  He had such a drive for not only the game but the horses.  He had an understanding for the horses that most people overlook.  I pride myself on being half as good as he was with the horses and with the patience he exhibited in the time I was able to spend with him.

What do you love most about polo? 

The adrenaline every time you step on the field. After that, the horses and team aspect of the game.  Nothing beats those three things.
Pick up your copy of the 2015 San Diego Polo Magazine on Opening Day, Sunday, May 31, 2015.

Meet Colton Bancroft.

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Meet Colton Bancroft.

SDPC: Colton, you probably get asked this a lot but, why polo?

Bancroft: I love polo because there is no other sport like it. I started playing when I was 10 and haven’t stopped since. I love it.

SDPC: Do you have any rituals you perform before a match?

Bancroft: Not really, I always try to stay relaxed before a big game.

SDPC: How do you feel about playing in front of such a large crowd on Polo Sundays?

Bancroft: I love having the crowd there, however, when I am playing I do my best to just ignore them.

SDPC: Tell us about your horses! Any funny memories or stories come to mind?

Bancroft: I love every one of my horses and i am so grateful to be able to play them.

SDPC: When you aren’t on the field, what other hobbies or sports interest you?

Bancroft: I play lacrosse for my high school, but polo is much more serious for me.

SDPC: You and Jesse Bray are good friends, how long have you two been playing polo together and how did you first meet?

Bancroft: Haha, I met Jesse on the field when I was 12 and we have been playing ever since. He and his dad, Graham Bray, have taught me everything I know.

SDPC:  Were you born and raised in San Diego? If so, what is your favorite way to spend a “day off” here?

Bancroft: I was born in Utah, but I was raised in San Diego.  I love to go to the beach or hang out with friends.

SDPC: Do you have any long-term aspirations for your polo career? If so, tell us about them!

Bancroft: I would love to eventually go pro and get paid to do what I love.

SDPC: With this year’s summer polo season winding down and school starting back up, what gets you most excited looking forward to the 2013 polo season and your upcoming school year?

Bancroft: I can’t wait for next season. In the mean time, I will focus on my grades and practice polo as much as I can so that I am ready for next season.

SDPC: What is one of the most important lessons you have learned either from playing polo or your fellow players?

The most important lesson I have leaned from polo is to be grateful for everything I have and never take any of it for granted. I am extremely lucky to be able to do what i do.

Meet Colleen Wilson.

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Meet Colleen Wilson of team Adeptus, and Vice President of the San Diego Polo Club!

Colleen is known in the equestrian world as Dr. Wilson, or the “Horse Lady,” due to her popular horse, animal and human supplement line, Adeptus.  Dr. Colleen is a Ph.D. nutritionist/physiologist, as well as a life long avid equestrian and pet owner.  Dr. Wilson is one of the only physiologists that has patented her own scientifically based Adeptus® products and offers consultations to clients on a regular basis.

Dr. Colleen’s Adeptus products are well known in the horse and pet community, and as her Health & Beauty line for humans develop, we’ll be sure to hear more wonderful things about her products.

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Oh, did we mention she and her dog model from time to time?  Just kidding!

A few tidbits we didn’t know about Colleen Wilson:

1.    I was an Associate Dean and Professor after I finished my PhD.

2.    I eat dark chocolate twice a day and 3 Brazil nuts a day.

3.    My only addictions are horses and polo.

4.    I love going to concerts. My favorite was the Eagles in 2010.

5.    I love sitting by the tack room with Stu on my lap and listening to the horses munch hay.

6.    My favorite pre-game breakfast is blueberry buckwheat pancakes.

7.    I used to play hockey with my brothers, and gladly played goalie while they took slap shots at me.

8.    I used to have a pet goose named Gus. Now I have 8 horses and a dog.

9.    I love the smell of flowering honeysuckle trees.

10. My most loyal and trustworthy boyfriend ever is Stu (my dog).

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Meet Dirk Wray.

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How does small town entrepreneurial kid from Michigan end up playing the Sport of Kings on the graced shores and World renown San Diego Polo Club?

After advance international degrees, corporate and Wall Street stints; advising many leaders including sovereign leaders, Dirk by accident insulted a member of the British aristocracy when he said, “You’re full of manure, they don’t play polo on Elephants!” Which resulted in a honor challenge to play on the Brit’s team the following month in then war torn Sri Lanka.

From his mixed martial arts and various sports background, Dirk surprised all by becoming the high goaler of the tournament; and, when asked which polo club he played at as a professional, he had to confessed to never riding a horse!

Back home in SoCal Dirk ventured to try his luck at the famed SDPC arena and on the third attempt met fate head on. Her name: Alisha. A local SD model beauty and competitive long time hunter jumper that “saw the light” and was “reborn” a polo player. The then single’s first match in the arena lead to a show of chivalry; that later lead to Dirk calling Alisha to ask her where she got her polo boots (nice line Dirk – Where there is a Wray; there is a Way!). Passionate love ever since and one of the rare couples in polo that can play the game together and win!

After a great nine years at the club, Dirk and Alisha hope that you will support the Club’s efforts to keep the 100+ year tradition of the oldest sport in history in San Diego. The couple’s businesses and charities are economic development focused: supporting health care, education, agriculture, water and energy in many countries, including the great U.S.A!

Meet Jake Brumby.

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Meet Jake Brumby.

SD Polo: How did you get involved in polo?
Brumby: I’ve raced motocross my whole life.  I spent a lot of time with my dad on dirt bikes.  I raced and did very well, but after a few injuries, my family wanted me to try something a little more safe.  I was going to either play football or hockey, but my mom wanted me to try a polo lesson before I made my decision.  So, here I am two years later and I’m addicted.

SD Polo: How old are you?
Brumby: I’m 15.

SD Polo: What are some of your accomplishments?
Brumby: Polo related?  I’ve played at a few different Polo Clubs, including Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA and Orange County Polo Club.  I won my division in the Pacific Coast Polo League and was overall MVP for the division.  I was -1 last year and was raised to 0.  Also, we just won the 3-Goal Chukkers for Charity match in June.  Not bad for 2 years under my belt.

SD Polo: What do you like to do when you aren’t playing polo?
Brumby: Anything adventurous.  I’d probably be playing football or lacrosse.  School, polo and friends are my life.

Meet Roberto Estudillo.

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Was born in San Diego, California and was raised in Baja California Mexico. Both his paternal and maternal heritage comes from prominent ancestry. The Estudillo family was one of the first European settlers in southern California and have been in this land for over 200 years, since it was New Spain, then Mexico and today, United States. They lived in Casa de Estudillo, considered the finest house in Mexican California; it is located in Old Town San Diego and is now a Museum and National Historic Landmark. Roberto is the seventh generation Estudillo in California. His maternal lineage comes from Yucatan, were the family was well known in the region for owning land and cultivating henequen plant. His grandfather was a very distinguished, award winning Civil Engineer and also served as Governor of Baja California.


Roberto’s first years of grade school were coursed in San Diego and later he went to Tijuana to continue his studies; he entered law school and earned his Juris Doctor degree.   He studied Polynesian martial arts in the style Lima lama. He also enjoys and practices tennis, golf, wind surfing, and traveling.  Roberto has visited over 100 countries in the world.
Roberto’s professions are Attorney at Law, Entrepreneur, and Real Estate Developer. He is currently assembling Charity Donor, a non-profit organization, whose sole purpose is to facilitate people to donate to their individual cause.

He was introduced to polo by his brother in law Fernando Gutierrez Barron. His polo career started in Rosarito, Baja California, where they played polo at Rancho San Fernando, and this is the reason why Roberto’s team name is San Fernando.  He currently owns over 20 polo ponies and they are distributed amongst San Diego, Mexico City, and Rosarito. He has been a member of the San Diego Polo Club for 15 + years.  He is one of the very few members that have remained playing continuously for the last 15 years.

Roberto’s philosophy in life is that we are all here for a purpose, we each have our own mission to fulfill; we must find it, accomplish it, and when we leave this world, we would have made it a better place.

Meet Gaston Von Wernich.

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A native of Argentina, Gaston Von Wernich grew up on a farm about 3 hours west of Buenos Aires. Gaston came from a home of polo players, and he learned to play from his uncle–a skilled, 10-goal player who lived close by.  He has been playing in San Diego for a handful of years with Chris Maloney.

To prepare for competition, Gaston employs a few simple tactics: he makes sure to ride early in the morning and, before any match, he makes sure to focus his mind entirely upon the game.

He enjoys being with his family and drinking maté with his friends in the barn.  Thus far, the highlight of his polo career was winning the Spreckels Cup in 2007 with his brother and Chris Maloney.

Gaston’s long term polo goals are to continue to compete professionally and, one day, to play alongside his sons.

Meet Jared Sheldon.

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SD Polo: Where are you from and how did you get involved in polo?
Jared: Poway, CA.  My family plays polo so I was on a horse pretty much from birth. I didn’t start playing with adults until I was seven.  My dad’s side of the family is very involved in polo. My grandfather Russ Sheldon is currently rerunning for Governor at Large (of the USPA). My father, Billy Sheldon is 7 goals in the arena and has represented the USA in the FIPS and in the arena. My cousins Shane and Danika Rice are currently working in polo in Houston and their mother Sherry Sheldon also plays.

SD Polo: What did you do before you became pro?  What do you do in the off-season?
Jared:  Before Polo I attended New Mexico State University where I played on the intercollegiate team there. On the off seasons I manage the Bel Air Polo Club, located in Burbank, CA which is open year round.

SD Polo: Where have you played and what is your favorite place to play?
Jared:  I have mostly played on the California Circuit, (Santa Barbara, Indio, San Diego) but I have also been lucky enough to go to clubs in Florida, Canada, Texas, and a few other East Coast locations.  Santa Barbara is my favorite place to play because it has the best mix of quality polo and quality fields. It definitely doesn’t hurt that its across the street from the beach.

SD Polo: Have you ever had a bad injury?
Jared:  I have had a few good injuries. I broke my orbital bone (eye socket) back in 2006 and in Santa Barbara this season I broke my collar bone. Luckily I was able to get a plate put in so I could be back in time to play here (in San Diego).

SD Polo: Is there any technique to falling off the horse?
Jared: Tuck and Roll, and try not to get run over, I guess.

SD Polo:  What do you do when you’re not playing polo or spending time with the horses?
Jared: Playing XBox with friends, hitting the gym, and taking my girlfriend and our two dogs to the beach.  I love mexican food too, especially if its from the Poway Taco Shop on Midland road.

SD Polo:  What does the future hold?
Jared: I’d love to go to Europe and catch an Arsenal game or travel to Argentina.  Hopefully my life involves polo, polo, and more polo.

Meet Mariano Gutierrez.

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He’s known in the polo world for his polo skills, but more importantly, he’s Britney Spears’ heart throb in the music video RADAR.  Check out the video below:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PctD-8y0FRg]

SD Polo: Tell us about the Radar video.  How did you get chosen to be the heart throb?
Gutierrez: I had nothing to do with it.  The producer looked at photos and chose me.  I thought I was going to be an extra.  I didn’t know I was the main guy until that day.  I thought it was just for polo.  Britney was really polite.  She was laughing a lot when we were taping and kept apologizing.

SD Polo: Have you done any previous acting or modeling?
Gutierrez: No but yes.  After the Radar video I was on a billboard in Argentina.  I was paid with wine.

SD Polo: Are you from Argentina? How long are your visits?
Gutierrez: Yes, I am from Buenos Aires.  I am usually there about 6 months out of the year, which is more than it used to be.

SD Polo: What do you do in Argentina?
Gutierrez: I love to play soccer and rugby.  I hang out with my family, play drums with my little brother and work at a skateboard shop.  I’m part owner.  We took this old building and fixed it up.  We put a skateboard ramp in the store and we have live music, parties and also sell skateboard clothing.

SD Polo: What about polo?  Do you want to play forever?
Gutierrez: Forever, no way.  Not as a job.  I want to do other stuff.  Maybe go back to school.  I went to law school in Argentina, but quit to play polo professionally.

SD Polo: How did you get involved in polo?
Gutierrez:  All 5 of my brothers play, but I am the only one who plays professionally.  I came to the United States in 2001 with my cousin, Miguel Gutierrez.  I started playing in San Diego in 2003, came back for 05, 06, 07 and now in 2011.  I’ve played for Rick and Robin Paicus for the past 5 years in Indio, CA and Aspen.

SD Polo:  Are you happy to be back in San Diego?
Gutierrez: Of course!  I love San Diego.  The people, the place and the enviroment.  It’s a fun place.

SD Polo: Last question: are you single?
Gutierrez: Yes!

Meet Jesse Bray.

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We heard Jesse picked up four new “green ponies,” so we met him at his barn to admire the new animals.

Jesse: “What’s your favorite beach?”
SD Polo: Flamenco Beach in Puerto Rico!  Why?
Jesse:  I am naming my horses after beaches, at least these two year olds.  The four year old needs to be named after a beer.

SD Polo: Stella? Why do you name your horses in waves?
Jesse:  Well, I won’t play these two year olds for another 4 years.  They’ll all be named after beaches then.

SD Polo:  Four years is a long time!  How do you prepare them to play polo?
Jesse:  You have to spend time with them.  Brush them, groom them, ride them everyday.  The more time you put into them, the better they’ll be.  That’s the idea, anyway.

SD Polo:  Wow, that sounds like a lot of work.  You’re 18, just graduated high school.  How long have you been playing polo and what would you be doing if you didn’t play?
Jesse: I’ve been playing ever since I can remember.  I moved here from New Zealand when I was two, and I was definitely on a horse before then.  Playing polo is my life.  There is no other path.

SD Polo: So you didn’t really have a choice.  You were born into it because your father plays.
Jesse:  I did have a choice.  I played soccer growing up and eventually had to choose between soccer and polo.

SD Polo:  What do you think about playing with your dad?
Jesse:  It’s just another job.  There is always competition, but it always brings out the best in both of us.  Obviously, I’d rather play against him so I can beat him.

SD Polo:  Did your dad teach you to play polo?
Jesse:  I had a lot of help from different people… Kimo, Danny Rowland, Gaston VonWernich, but mostly my dad.

SD Polo:  When you’re playing with sponsors, do you ever give them feedback, or do you leave that to the older pros?
Jesse:  We all help each other.  The sponsors usually ask for feedback or how to improve.  I’ll help anyone that wants to learn.

SD Polo:  What was Team USPA about?
Jesse: The USPA picks 8 players between ages 18-31 to be on the team.  We go to clinics, they help with internships, networking and jobs too.  It gets my name out of California.   I worked with Julio Arellano, one of the best players in the United States.  He was one of the mentors in the program and I really learned a lot from him.

SD Polo:  You’re young and you have your whole polo career ahead of you.  Where do hope the sport takes you?
Jesse: Ideally, I’ll travel the world and play polo.  I’d love to travel Europe and Argentina.  I’ll be the best I can be.