Student Spotlight: Jack Stutts, ’24
In early October, TNCS 7th grader Jack Stutts competed in the American Polocrosse Association National Championships in Harvest, Alabama. His brother, Calder (10th grade), and mom, Elizabeth, also played, although on separate teams. Polocrosse is a sport that combines the sports of polo and lacrosse. It is, essentially, lacrosse on horseback. The rules of play are similar to polo, and a team is composed of 3 players with a goal at either end of the field. The #1 player is the offensive, or scoring, player. The # 2 player is the midfielder (this is the position Jack plays) and the #3 player is the defensive player. There are various levels of play, From E grade (entry level) to A grade (international level).
The APA Nationals draw players from across the country from as far away as Washington State, Minnesota, Canada, Montana, Colorado, Texas, the Midwest, and the East Coast states. Jack played on a team with a lady from Minnesota and one from Canada. In the last round of the tournament, Jack’s team was pitted against his brother, Calder’s team, for first place. Jack’s team won with a last minute score! He received a large silver and gold championship belt buckle for APA Nationals, 2018!
Polocrosse requires not only excellent riding skills and hand/eye coordination, but also teamwork and strategy. Most important, it requires a thorough knowledge of horse care, as the team requires one pony or horse, per player, and each player is responsible for the care of his or her equine partner. The pony requires complicated equipment and protective leg bandages, as well as careful monitoring for over exertion, soreness, and general well-being. Jack competed on a pony called Jack, so was known at the competition as “Jack-on-Jack”.
Thank you to Elizabeth Stutts for sharing this update on Jack and Calder’s Polocrosse activities, and for explaining the sport. Great job Jack and Calder!
