USPA Honors Tony Coppola as a "Legend" of the U.S. Open Polo Championship

April 24
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USPA Honors Tony Coppola as a "Legend"

of the U.S. Open Polo Championship

WELLINGTON, Fla. - March 29, 2016 - Tony Coppola was honored as a "Legend of the U.S. Open" at an event highlighting the 112th USPA U.S. Open Polo Championship®, which begins April 2 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC). Coppola took the stage with fellow honorees and longtime friends Memo Gracida and Mike Azzaro, famed players who were also recognized for their decades of achievements in the tournament.

Introduced as "the voice of polo," Coppola has announced the U.S. Open for over three decades. "Since 1979 that voice has been synonymous with the excitement and the experience of the U.S. Open, as well as major tournaments across the globe," said master of ceremonies Roxanne Stein, an avid equestrian and FOX 29 television news anchor.

From Left to Right: Memo Gracida, Tony Coppola and Mike Azzaro

Photo by: David Lominska of Polographcs.com

Coppola has also announced the Argentine Open and major tournaments across the United States, Canada, Europe, Central America and China. He is widely known for his insightful polo commentary on ESPN and for decades has announced the Sunday afternoon featured match at IPC.

"When Tony calls the game, it's always such fun, and he explains everything so you can follow along and learn as you watch," said Stein. "If anyone can make this sport more exciting than it already is, he can do it."

Introduced to polo as a young man by Joe Rizzo, Coppola went on to compete in outdoor and arena national, circuit and club events, winning many tournaments over the years. He managed several significant polo clubs, including Burnt Mills, Gilbertsville and Saratoga.

RoxanneStein_MemoGracida_MikeAzzaro_TonyCoppola_DavidLominska_Polographics.com

From Left to Right: Roxanne Stein, Memo Gracida, Mike Azzaro and Tony Coppola

Photo by: David Lominska of Polographcs.com

Coppola is a governor-at-large for the United States Polo Association. In 2006 he received the Polo Museum and Hall of Fame's Philip Iglehart Award for lifetime contributions to the sport and for his support of area charitable organizations. Dedicated to elevating youth polo, he is a board member of the Polo Training Foundation (PTF) and currently serves as its president.

Coppola owns The Tackeria, Wellington's leading tack shop, which he founded in 1975. It rapidly became a mainstay for polo players needing top-of-the-line tack and equipment, and has expanded over the years to include the hunter/jumper and dressage disciplines. Each year The Tackeria sponsors the Tackeria Invitational at Grand Champions Polo Club and the PTF's Tackeria Cup. His son, Matthew Coppola, a professional polo player rated at 4 goals, played in the 2016 high-goal season at IPC for the Tackeria/5 Star Builders/Horseware 20-goal team.