Cecil Smith (polo) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cecil Smith
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| Born | February 14, 1904 |
| Died | January 21, 1999 |
| Occupation | Rancher, polo player |
| Spouse(s) | Mary (Miller) Smith |
| Children | Charles Smith Sidney Smith |
Cecil Smith was a famous American rancher and an amazing polo player who lived from 1904 to 1999. He was known for his incredible skill on the polo field, holding the highest rating in the sport for many years.
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Who Was Cecil Smith?
Cecil Smith was born on February 14, 1904, on the Moss Ranch near Llano, Texas. Even as a child, he showed a talent for working with horses. He won many prizes in roping at rodeos.
His Polo Career
Cecil started playing polo in 1924. He was working for George Miller, a horse trader in Austin, Texas, at the time. He also played alongside Albert Buckman Wharton Jr. at his El Ranchito Polo Club. This club was located on the Waggoner Ranch.
Playing with Famous Friends
As he became more famous, Cecil played polo with many well-known people. These included the actor Will Rogers, film producer Darryl F. Zanuck, Walt Disney (who created Mickey Mouse!), and actor Reginald Denny.
A Top Polo Player
Cecil Smith was an incredibly talented player. From 1938 to 1962, he was a "ten-goal player." This is the highest possible rating a polo player can achieve! He held this top rating for 25 years in a row, which is the longest record for any American player.
He often competed at the Meadow Brook Polo Club in Westbury, New York. He won the Monty Waterbury Cup in 1930. He also won the important U.S. Open Polo Championship five times! Cecil also played for the U.S.A. team against Mexico three times.
Life Off the Polo Field
Besides playing polo, Cecil Smith was a rancher. He owned a 100-acre ranch in Boerne, Texas. There, he spent his time riding and training horses.
In 1935, he married Mary Miller. Their two sons, Charles and Sidney, also became polo players, following in their father's footsteps.
His Amazing Legacy
Cecil Smith passed away on January 21, 1999, in Boerne, Texas. His incredible achievements in polo are still remembered today. On April 6, 1990, he was honored by being inducted into the Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame. This museum is located in Lake Worth, Florida.
