Team

The team works together to fulfill the mission of the PTF, encouraging the growth of polo by supporting training programs for players and umpires at all levels of ability. The PTF promotes goodwill and sportsmanship, and encourages human development through teaching the principles and organizational and managerial skills necessary to successfully participate in the game of polo.

Danny Scheraga

Executive Director

Mr. Scheraga, better known to most folks as Danny, has shared his expertise with clubs and colleges throughout North America. Since 1996, as Executive Director, his passion for the game and respect for the players and fans have defined the focus of the training programs offered by the Foundation.

In conjunction with the Board of Directors, Danny believes that polo training is the future of this sport. Working to fulfill the mission set forth by the Board, he insures there are programs for training from the basic skills in 4-H and pony clubs up through and including Senior Games using each opportunity to foster appropriate play. Instruction and play with an eye toward skill and safety will continue to yield the excitement and camaraderie traditional in the sport of polo.

Jeff Phelps

Operations Manager

Jeff joined the Team in 2005. Working out of the PTF Office, he provides IT support, financial tracking as well as operational support. In addition to keeping the office linked to each other as well as the outside world, Jeff has available a wealth of financial reports and statements at his finger tips. Programs are designed as new projects warrant enabling the most expedient use of time. Though Jeff is not a polo player, he does provide support for many of the activities within PTF. Danny expects soon to get his sons on a horse to a stick 'n ball.

Steve Lane

Head Umpire Instructor

Steve joined the PTF full time in 2006 and has been in the Professional Umpire Program since January of 1993. Steve has been in polo since he was big enough to wield a mallet and has been professionally involved with umpiring and umpire training since 1992. As an internationally recognized trainer of polo umpires he brings his expertise at clinic instruction to the PTF as he oversees all aspects of umpire training. Steve will be based at the Eldorado Polo Club in Indian Wells, California from January through March and based at his home in Summerfield, Florida the rest of the year. PTF's goal is to grow the umpire training program with Steve at the helm, while he continues to be an umpire role model in the saddle umpiring games.

Robin Sanchez

Field Director

 Robin took over the reigns at the Brushy Creek Ranch in 2007, after finishing a terrific season for the PTF with Florida Junior Polo. Her polo playing began regularly at the age of 11. She has contributed to every aspect of the sport from training horses to officiating games and has played tournament polo up to the 16 goal level.

Robin helped organize the largest women's tournament in the country, The Tribal Cup. These experiences and skill afford her a background of experience which enhances the programs she offers at Brushy Creek from the summer polo camp for juniors to the added clinics for groups, families, and adult players, available year-round.

Wilbur O'Ferrall

Field Director

Wilbur has been with the Polo Training Foundation since 1996 when he became the Field Director. His responsibilities include teaching clinics at colleges, highs schools and with other youth groups such as Pony Club and 4-H. He also helps these organizations manage their programs and during tournament season he helps the USPA manage some of the Intercollegiate and Interscholastic tournaments. His ability as an instructor is exemplary; he is the proof that "if its Training, its PTF.

Wilbur is also an accomplished umpire and player; Arena Umpire of the Year in 1997, PTF Intercollegiate Player of the Year in 1990, All-American Intercollegiate Polo Player in 1990, and he won four Intercollegiate Pacific Coast Polo Championships.

Executive Assistant

Barb signed on with the PTF in 2002. Chances are if you've called PTF, you have talked with Barb. As part of the team she coordinates information coming into the office; weather you need a video (DVD), cage plans or a clinic/camp application she can help you find it. Her day is filled with keeping track of activities that affect PTF from records of deposits, to who's registered for what event, to making sure Danny is off the phone and ready for his next conference call.

Diana Burchhardt

Executive Assistant

Diana has been with the PTF since 1997. During her tenure she has been attuned to the growth and development of the organization which has given her the opportunity work with everything from receiving gifts in kind to sending out Junior Grants in Aid. Her experience with the variety of programs and projects of the PTF account for the reason you will most often find her creating behind the scenes to facilitate and support projects and special programs.