Last weekend delivered big hats, big swings, and an even bigger win for Virginia Polo at the 41st Harriman Cup. The annual match pits Yale and UVA alumni teams against each other in a day of tailgating, polo and live music to raise funds for both schools’ polo programs.
I joined Garvy Beh (UVA ’14), Katie Mitcham (UVA ‘18), and Leopold Schwarz (Yale ‘24) representing UVA against a Yale side of Nico Trigo (Yale ‘22), Sam Clemens (Yale ‘97), Vlad Tarashansky (UVA ’24), and Danielle Lyons (Yale ‘18). Handicaps ranged from –1 to Garvy’s impressive 5. Credit to Garvy for joining us all the way from Malaysia. To ensure an even handicap, two players switched teams.
UVA Team: Garvy Beh (UVA ’14), Katie Mitcham (UVA ‘18), Griffin Keffer (UVA ‘22), and Leopold Schwarz (Yale ‘24) and Yale Team: Danielle Lyons (Yale ‘18), Nico Trigo (Yale ‘22), Vlad Tarashansky (UVA ’24), and Sam Clemens (Yale ‘97)
The event was presented by J. Press, who designed several garments specifically for the match, including a jersey in collaboration with U.S. Polo Assn.
By late morning, fans were streaming into Bethpage Polo grounds, greeted by sunshine, food trucks, and a UVA side hungry to reverse a two year losing streak. Attendance has steadily grown over the past few years following a COVID hiatus. Fans are encouraged to follow the action from the sidelines, with some tailgates receiving awards for their outstanding showing.
UVA Alumna Katie Mitcham carries the ball
UVA's Beh promptly scored the match's first goal, followed by teammate Mitcham's field goal. Yale's Lyons responded with a goal. At the end of the first chukker, UVA led 2-1. In the second chukker, Tarashansky tied the score, taking the ball downfield and scoring through the uprights. UVA's Schwarz and Beh scored consecutive goals, putting their team ahead 4-2 at halftime. In the third chukker, Keffer scored, giving UVA a three-goal advantage. Yale responded with an impressive goal by Clemens. At the end of three chukkers, UVA led 5-3. In the fourth and final chukker, Yale tied the score with a field goal by Trigo and a penalty shot by Tarashansky. With the score tied at 5, the fans were on the edge of their seats, cheering for their favorite team. With three minutes remaining, the game's outcome was uncertain. At the bowl in, Keffer brought the ball toward his goal and scored, putting UVA ahead. As the clock ran down, Beh sealed UVA's victory with the final goal, securing a 7-5 win over Yale.
On the field, Garvy Beh lit up the scoreboard with three goals, the most in the game, earning him the Chevy Beh Most Valuable Player Award. Named in tribute to his late brother, the award carried extra meaning, making Garvy’s award deeply moving.
Matt Paco (right) presents Garvy Beh with the Chevy Beh Most Valuable Player Award
The polo awards ceremony closed on a high note as the Harriman Cup board proudly presented Liz Brayboy with the prestigious Harriman Cup Award, a well-deserved recognition of her visionary leadership in growing and elevating the U.S. Polo Association’s Intercollegiate and Interscholastic programs. Thanks to her tireless efforts, 29 colleges and universities now boast polo teams, fueling the future of the sport and inspiring the next generation of players. Each year, this honor celebrates individuals whose vision, dedication, and service to polo echo the legacy of the Harriman Cup’s namesake, W. Averell Harriman — a Yale graduate, accomplished polo player, and former Governor of New York.
UVA Team: Leopold Schwarz (Yale ‘24), Griffin Keffer (UVA ‘22), Katie Mitcham (UVA ‘18), and Garvy Beh (UVA ’14), Liz Brayboy (Yale), and Yale Team: Vlad Tarashansky (UVA ’24), Danielle Lyons (Yale ‘18), Nico Trigo (Yale ‘22), and Sam Clemens (Yale ‘97) after the match
Following the awards, Suthern Exposure, an NYC based band, launched into “Dancing in the Moonlight.” At the same moment, the skies opened and monsoon level rains thundered down on the VIP tent. Eventgoers remained dry and happy, enjoying the live music and cash bar covered by the large tent.
The Harriman Cup is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the sport of polo and supporting the collegiate polo programs at Yale and the University of Virginia.
If you are interested in attending, supporting, or collaborating on next year's event, email theharrimancup@gmail.com
This year’s match was made possible through the generosity of other sponsors including the Yale Club of New York City, the Virginia Club of New York, Quinn Rosé, Brez, Ivy Style, the Preppy Handbook Fan Club, Tri-County Feeds, and Hanks Giardiniera.
Award Winners:
Best Playing Pony: Fortuna, ridden by Leo Orines, won a cooler provided by Tri County Feeds, located in The Plains, Virginia.
Best Dressed Man: Guerre received a J. Press tie from the Harriman Cup Collection and a Seward feather pocket square by Brackish
Best Dressed Woman: Irene Gencarelli stunned in Cascade 2.0 feather stud earrings in emerald, white, and black, framed in gold, along with a flowing kimono designed by artist Annika Connor
Top Dog: Won by Kodak, won a bag of goodies provided by Tri County Feeds, located in The Plains, Virginia.
Best Hat: Gabrielle McLymont took home gifts from Suzanne Couture Millinery and a two-night stay at the Yale Club of New York.
Best Fascinator: Tiffany Frasier took home gifts from Suzanne Couture Millinery
Best Tailgate: Won by Virginia Club of NY, received a basket of goodies including Quinn Rose, Hank’s Giardineira and Brez Drinks.