CHARACTERS OF LONDON

Nash Cup – September 18-20

The last few years, it has been a struggle to get our DAC members to join me on this tournament weekend road trip. Even though every time I rave about the event, the squash, the professionals, the social life. I realize it can be a frightening prospect to venture into unfamiliar territory, a foreign club with unknown opponents, most of whom converse in an alien form of the perfect English language we speak here in Michigan (eh?), but I guarantee you that the uneasy feeling dissipates rapidly as soon as you enter the quaint little building known as the London Squash Racquets Club.

In order to help you acclimatize even quicker, I have listed below a few of their more ‘prominent’ members so you can be welcomed by a recognizable friendly face on your arrival – quite possibly with an outstretched arm holding a cool, amber liquid…

 

Jay Nash. He is the reason this tournament runs. Hence the name “Nash Cup”. He does virtually everything and anything, as does it all with a smile on his face. If he isn’t promoting, he’s emceeing, if he isn’t emceeing, he’s marketing, if he isn’t marketing, he’s socializing, if he isn’t socializing, he’s playing squash, if he isn’t playing squash, he’s kissing babies. The list goes on and on. I’m not sure he sleeps.

Brad Hanebury. Also known in some circles as the “Squash-Bot”. Brad has played the DAC Classic for many years running now and has actually won the 5.5 category 3 times. Many of you already know him, so make sure you spend some time over the weekend and share a beer or two... or three… or four… or five… or shicks… or sheven… hic!

Rob Doherty. Rob also honors us with his presence every year at the DAC Classic, and is one of the most mild-mannered people you will meet. (Except when we played in the Doubles Nationals a couple of years ago and, provoked, morphed into a killer!) If you stick around long enough on the Saturday night, there is a good chance Rob will demonstrate his other ‘not-so-hidden’ skill of transforming into Michael Jackson and breaking out the moon-walk!

Lindsay Smith. Lindsay has been playing squash longer than it has been invented. He’s a doubles expert, but will no doubt be hanging out during the weekend mixing it in with the lads downing some brewskis, spilling a few yarns of yester year, and sharing some invaluable advice to any padawan that will listen. The force is strong with this one.

Srini Krishnamtd..something-or-other. I’m not sure Srini will be able to make the event this year since he moved to New Orleans, but the Nash Cup wouldn’t be the same without him. He’s the easiest to recognize, he’s the one who cannot frown. Hopefully he can make the trip, he’s always good for an upbeat conversation – but word or warning: too much Srini exposure and he can “friendly” you to death.

So, now that have ‘met’ some of their members, it’s time for you to make the leap and enter the tournament. Categories are as follows, be prepared for tough matches! There is no doubles.

1. Open. If you can compete with me, enter this one.
2. Men’s A. If you can compete with Jed (our club champ), enter this one.
3. Men’s B. If you are a 4.5 – 5.0+, enter here,
4. Men’s C. If you are a 3.5 – 4.4, this is your domain.
5. Men’s D. If you are 3.4 or below, you belong here.
6. Women’s A. 4.5 +
7. Women’s B. 3.5 – 4.5
8. Women’s C. 3.0 – 3.4
9. Women’s D. 2.9 and below

All entries are allowed to watch the men’s and women’s professionals play on the Friday and Saturday nights. It’s definitely worth your efforts to do so. If nothing changes with their pro draw, you may get a chance to see the current world junior champion in action – Diego Elias from Peru. He is currently ranked 37 in the world and rising. On top of that, you will certainly meet and befriend many more characters of London over the weekend! All this for $70 Canadian dollars!

For registration and accommodation information, check out the link: http://www.nashcup.com/amateur-draw/ . The deadline to enter is September 11.