University of Kentucky Wins First-Ever Division II Men’s National Intercollegiate Polo Championship

In a thrilling finale at the John T. Oxley Equestrian Center, the University of Kentucky (UK) made history by capturing their first Division II Men’s National Intercollegiate Championship title. Facing off against defending champions Cornell University on their home turf, UK held strong to seal a hard-fought 17-13 victory.

A Championship to Remember

The Wildcats team—Alaric Renshaw, Rehan Kumble, and Alejandro Puyana—came out strong from the opening throw-in. Despite Cornell’s best efforts and second-half surge, UK’s early dominance was enough to bring the national trophy back to Kentucky for the first time.

Freshman rider Alaric Renshaw, with just four months of riding experience, joined seasoned teammates Kumble and Puyana to form a high-energy, fast-paced team that proved too much for Cornell’s rotating roster of Max Sponer, Christian Finlay, Dylan Tung, Benito Jaramillo, and Fin Maroney.

Road to the Final

This year’s tournament hosted by the Cornell Polo Club brought together five collegiate polo teams from across the U.S. The competition kicked off on April 9 with a decisive quarterfinal win by Texas Tech University (26-6) over Cal Poly, powered by the dynamic duo Grayson Price and Cole Faires.

Semifinal Highlights:

• University of Kentucky defeated Babson College 14-8, thanks to incredible teamwork and multiple two-pointers by Puyana and Kumble.
• Cornell University overcame Texas Tech 21-7, with a dominant second chukker that included seven goals and standout play from Jaramillo.

A Final Full of Firepower

The championship match opened with a burst of scoring. UK set the tone early with six goals in the first chukker, including a strong drive by Kumble. UK’s momentum continued into halftime, with back-to-back two-pointers from Puyana, giving the Wildcats a commanding 12-2 lead.

Cornell responded fiercely in the second half, led by Jaramillo and Sponer, scoring multiple two-pointers to energize the home crowd. Despite outscoring UK 11-5 after halftime, Cornell’s rally fell short as UK’s first-half performance held strong for a 17-13 final score.

Individual Awards & Honors

• All-Stars:
  • Alejandro Puyana (University of Kentucky)
  • Rehan Kumble (University of Kentucky)
  • Benito Jaramillo (Cornell University)
  • Grayson Price (Texas Tech University)
• Clyde C. Waddell Jr. Memorial Sportsmanship Award:
  • Jack Dresick (California Polytechnic State University)
• Horsemanship Award:
  • Benito Jaramillo (Cornell University)
• Best Playing String:
  • Kingswood – Babson College String
• Best Turned-Out String:
  • Cornell Polo
• Best Playing Pony:
  • Dominga – Owned by Tony Condo