ITHACA, N.Y. -- The Cornell men's polo team enters the 2025 campaign with both confidence and clarity of purpose after climbing steadily under Anthony Condo Jr., the Peter B. Orthwein `68 Head Coach of Polo. Now, in the start of his fourth year at the helm, Cornell's sights are set on returning to the United States Polo Association's Division I ranks - and staying there.

Cornell begins its new quest with a contest against Gardnertown Polo Club on Friday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. at the John T. Oxley Equestrian Center.

"The Division II title (in 2024) was a great moment for our guys, and a reflection of how far we've come and how hard we've worked," Condo said. "But, the next step is to compete at the DI level every single year – and to be consistently among the best."

The Big Red will once again center around senior captain Benito Jaramillo-Samper, a four-year starter whose leadership and growth have mirrored the program's own resurgence. Jaramillo's mastery of the arena game and his mentorship of younger players have been instrumental in shaping Cornell's reimagined identity under the direction of Condo.

"Benito and I started here the same year," Condo said. "Since that time, he's been the cog that holds this team together. He's smart, adaptable, and has set the tone for what we want this program to be."

Cornell brings back three returning starters from the 2025 DII runner-up squad, including sophomores Max Sponer and Dylan Tung, and adds a promising group of newcomers who will be tested early in national-caliber events such as the UVA Invitational and the Fall William S. Field Invitational Tournament - both littered with Division I-level competition. Sophomore UConn transfer Malachi Light joins freshman Jonatan Reshef and key returnees in senior Harry Fredericks and junior Fin Maroney.

"Our roster includes more depth than our men's squad has seen in quite some time. We expect our practices to be fast and furious as we make a run towards the Division I Championships in March."

"I never back down from playing the best out there," Condo said. "We're going to measure ourselves against the top programs early and see where we stand. I think we are absolutely a top-five team in the country right now."

As the Big Red continue to restore the program's reputation and rhythm, the goals are clear: build on the 2024 Division II National Title and 2025 runner-up finishes, earn a permanent place in the Division I field, and remind the collegiate polo world that Cornell remains one of its most tradition-rich and respected intercollegiate polo programs.