By JAMES BELL
Hays Post

The Ellis County Historical Society hosted a rare sight in modern Hays — the game of polo. On Saturday, near the Bickle/Schmidt Sports Complex, people young and old set out to enjoy a sport that was at one time wildly popular in northwest Kansas.

While the event was something to see, Francisco Llosa, a professional polo player who participated in the demonstration said for him, “being out there is just like another day in the office for me.”

Donald Westfall, director of the ECHS, said he was pleased with the turnout and hopes that polo can once again become a part of the area culture.

“Well it was beyond expectations for me, I’m very pleased to see the number of people we had here today,” Westfall said. “There is a tradition of polo in Ellis County which we wanted to revive and remind people about that. Then, of course, we’d like to see if it can result in having polo played here on a more regular basis for the entertainment and education of the public.”

Bringing the demonstration to Hays was in itself valuable, he said, but it is only a first step in bringing the sport back to the area permanently if there is a strong interest. Judging by the excitement and the crowd at the demonstration, it seems feasible.

“I think there is definitely a need for it in town, especially anything equestrian,” said Chelsea Dickey, Munjor resident who brought her family to watch the event. “We have horses ourselves and so it is just an interesting sport to watch.”

“The people who are playing here today from Liberal and Wichita are willing to help us get started here again if there is enough interest,” Westfall said.

Saturday’s match was held in conjunction with the ECHS’s “Polo on the Plains” exhibition at the downtown museum.

“It’s something different, but it is a lot of fun,” Llosa said.