Imagine there was this guy – we’ll call him Mo – who loved squash but was a little disillusioned at how the game was developing. Mo was becoming frustrated not with the style of squash, but with how the rules were being applied – specifically, the “let” rule. Rather than sit on his couch and simply grumble away, Mo decided to actually do something about it. Mo became a promoter. He got together with some professional players, they talked about the issues, and came up with the 5-let rule. They then put their theory into practice, ran a tournament, thought it was spectacular, and began to sell their product to clubs around the US. Exhibition tournaments that used Mo’s rule, Mo’s referee, started to pop up here and there. They called it the “Pro Squash Tour” or PST. Riding on their first year’s success, Mo decided to take it a step further and eliminate the let rule altogether. The PST steadily flourished. Their ‘no-let’ rule sparked controversy, but this was Mo’s tour and Mo could do what he liked. He even had a PST ranking. The PST invited current world class players from the “Professional Squash Association” (PSA) to play in their events. David Palmer, Wael El Hindi, Thierry Lincou, Shahier Razik, Julian Illingworth, are just some of the current top 30 players in the world that have played in a PST event. Even ex-world number 1 John White was a regular performer. Sounds like Mo achieved something that initially seemed rather improbable and his PST invention was bumbling along healthily.
Now imagine there was this other guy. We’ll call him Leo. Leo runs the “Professional Squash Association” or PSA. Leo was a happy chap. The PSA own and run the official world ranking tour and all the best male squash players in the world play in the PSA. Initially, Leo didn’t care what the PST did. Their ‘no-let’ rule was surely a gimmick that would never last. But Leo started to get worried when the PST continued to add tournaments to their schedule and the PST tour was growing. The gimmick wasn’t going away. Leo started to get jealous. He thought that the PST was ‘stealing’ potential PSA tournaments away. Were clubs raising sponsorship money to give to Mo rather than to him? So Leo thought of a deviously straightforward plan. Simply not allow any of his PSA players to enter any PST event. Without world class players, the PST would surely crumble…. MUWAHAHAHHA!!
Crazy, right? But true. The PSA have officially banned all of their players from entering any PST event. Now, I am by no means suggesting that the above description is anywhere near the specifics leading up to the ban, and just like the disclaimer on all “Law and Order” episodes: "Although inspired in part by a true incident, the following story is fictional and does not depict any actual person or event".
One of the many attractions of the PST events are – of course - the pros themselves. Current PSA ranked top 10 or 20 players in the draw gets bums in seats, and hands in wallets for sponsorship. Without the pros, the money stops. PST events are exhibition tournaments. Players compete for money, and PST ranking – which in the grand scheme of things doesn’t mean a whole lot on the world stage. They also play by their own rules. It is not a rival tour to the PSA. It is an extra opportunity for touring professional players to earn more money. Money the PSA cannot provide for them. And there are other pro events around the world. The UK runs the BSPA Tour (British Squash Professionals Association), and there are professional leagues in many countries around Europe. The PSA have not banned their players from entering these. So why single out the PST?
Have the PST become too successful? It’s way too early to suggest that. While it is no secret that I am not a convert to the “no-let” rule (see: http://thesquashjoint.blogspot.com/2010/08/interfering-with-interference-rule.html ) it is beside the point. They can have their players playing in tutus and swinging frying pans if that is what fills the bleachers. (Ha ha! Can you imagine John White in a tutu? I’d pay to see that…) Here is the official reason behind the PSA’s decision: “Following consultations with stakeholders, primarily in the US, it was felt that the Pro Squash Tour was having an increasingly detrimental effect on the PSA World Tour's presence in North America, leading to confusion for potential promoters and sponsors.” Confusion? We can’t tell the difference?
Whether that is the truth or not, the PST have certainly struck a nerve. If I could guarantee the membership that for $30,000 (all-up) four top-20 players will play in a tournament here in a PST event, where for the same $30,000 I’d be lucky to get one top-20 player in a PSA event, add on PSA registration fees and a myriad of requirements the PSA ask for, what do you think the membership will go for? I don’t think any of them will ask if world ranking points will be at stake. They just want to see the players. On top of that, a PST event is done in 3 days, a PSA event (including qualifying) takes 6 which can be very taxing on a club to organize and run. Cheaper and easier… no brainer. The PSA should be looking at the PST as a reason to improve their own product - maybe even work with PST in sharing revenues, finding co-sponsors, co-coordinating schedules, etc. To simply stick out the bottom lip and try bully them into submission is a risky venture that may backfire – especially in the US where the underdog is often the crowd favorite.
For the official press release from PSA and PST go to:
http://squashzag.wordpress.com/2010/10/15/psa-bans-players-from-playing-pro-tour-events/
For the official PST website go to: http://www.prosquashtour.net/
For the official PSA website go to: http://www.psa-squash.com/
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
WINKY-DINKS SLINK INTO FIRST
Boasters League Round 2 ~~Albeit, just by a couple of bonus points. Tied with “Threepeat” on top of the standings, the “Winky-Dinks” hold the tie-break by 2 bonus points. Impressively, they already have 17 out of a maximum 24 bonus points in the first 2 rounds and if they can keep that up throughout the season they will be a difficult team to overtake. Also, the “Speed Ballers” find themselves in a pretty good position. They are only sitting 4th, but have already had their ‘bye’ week.
Round 2 was a quiet night. Not a lot of matches on display – in fact all but 2 teams picked up more points by showing up than by winning games. Who was on display, was new DAC member Eric Green of “Court and Pints” [Pictured right] (see interview: http://thesquashjoint.blogspot.com/2010/10/meet-member.html ). He looked rather imposing in his win over Blake Ellis (“Winky-Dinks”) with a resounding 3-0 win. It will be interesting to see as the season progresses who can step-up and seriously challenge him.
Probably the toughest match of the evening was Mike Petix (“Delta Force”) versus Andy Adamo (“Threepeat”). Mike is coming back from a 12 month hiatus and has been struggling to find his pre-break form whereas Andy is no slouch himself – he knocked off Jerry Rock (“Speed Ballers”) last week - but it was Mike who managed dust off enough rust to score his first win of the season with an arduous 2-1 victory.
Already, many players have the first 2 rounds to make up – so don’t hesitate in organizing those matches. It will only become more difficult the longer you leave it.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
STARTING JUST WHERE THEY LEFT OFF
Boasters League Round 1~~
Pat Petz has made a bold statement in naming his team this season “Threepeat”. As the current winning captain of the previous two seasons, his brash prediction of three in a row is simply rubbing salt into everyone else’s wounds and really designed to ruffle some fea
thers. However, his team already finds themselves in familiar territory: top of the standings.
Of course, when you play 8 of 12 matches and pick up 9 bonus points in the first round then it’s not too shocking to see them in that spot. Their round one opponent – “Speed Ballers” – also picked up 9 bonus points and are second. So already, the rest of the crowd will be chasing Pat and his team down. I know, I know: the season is long and it’s early. But no team can afford to take it easy now and expect to make up ground later on, from experience, that usually never happens.
We had 3 matches t
hat literally went down to the wire. Pictured left, Brian Schrage (“Threepeat”) beat Doug Troszak (“Speed Ballers”) 15-14 in the 3rd for a 2-1 victory, as did Tom Fabbri (“Winky-Dinks”) over Terry Lang (“Mongoose”). Anil Kathuria (“Winky-Dinks”) and Bill Seymour (“Mongoose”) actually forgot about the no tie-break rule and played on in the 3rd until Anil took it 19-17. No wonder they crawled off the court close to tears. (Of course that feeling went away once they got their beers!)
Just a couple of important points to make coming off some incidents last night:
1. CALL YOUR OPPONENT. I simply cannot say or stress this enough. We had at least 4 players who turned up without contacting or confirming with their opponent. You cannot expect your opponent to show if you do not communicate with them. It is a courtesy to everyone involved if you simply call and confirm (or if you have to, rearrange) your match time. Avoid no-shows at all costs.
2. Let Calls. This is an in-house social, friendly league. Yes, we all want to win. But arguing has no place on the squash court. If a disagreement occurs between you and your opponent, then compromise with a ‘let’. We are all here for the camaraderie, fun and healthy competition. Please keep that in mind.
So, don’t delay with getting any matches done that you may have missed. They pile up very quickly. Get pro-active, and do what you signed up in the league for: playing squash.
Pat Petz has made a bold statement in naming his team this season “Threepeat”. As the current winning captain of the previous two seasons, his brash prediction of three in a row is simply rubbing salt into everyone else’s wounds and really designed to ruffle some fea
thers. However, his team already finds themselves in familiar territory: top of the standings.Of course, when you play 8 of 12 matches and pick up 9 bonus points in the first round then it’s not too shocking to see them in that spot. Their round one opponent – “Speed Ballers” – also picked up 9 bonus points and are second. So already, the rest of the crowd will be chasing Pat and his team down. I know, I know: the season is long and it’s early. But no team can afford to take it easy now and expect to make up ground later on, from experience, that usually never happens.
We had 3 matches t
hat literally went down to the wire. Pictured left, Brian Schrage (“Threepeat”) beat Doug Troszak (“Speed Ballers”) 15-14 in the 3rd for a 2-1 victory, as did Tom Fabbri (“Winky-Dinks”) over Terry Lang (“Mongoose”). Anil Kathuria (“Winky-Dinks”) and Bill Seymour (“Mongoose”) actually forgot about the no tie-break rule and played on in the 3rd until Anil took it 19-17. No wonder they crawled off the court close to tears. (Of course that feeling went away once they got their beers!)Just a couple of important points to make coming off some incidents last night:
1. CALL YOUR OPPONENT. I simply cannot say or stress this enough. We had at least 4 players who turned up without contacting or confirming with their opponent. You cannot expect your opponent to show if you do not communicate with them. It is a courtesy to everyone involved if you simply call and confirm (or if you have to, rearrange) your match time. Avoid no-shows at all costs.
2. Let Calls. This is an in-house social, friendly league. Yes, we all want to win. But arguing has no place on the squash court. If a disagreement occurs between you and your opponent, then compromise with a ‘let’. We are all here for the camaraderie, fun and healthy competition. Please keep that in mind.
So, don’t delay with getting any matches done that you may have missed. They pile up very quickly. Get pro-active, and do what you signed up in the league for: playing squash.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
TIME TO GET TO WINDSOR
Revenge is just around the corner. Although we didn’t fair very well at the recent Cross Border Challenge (see: http://thesquashjoint.blogspot.com/2010/09/cross-border-belting.html) the opportunity to get back at least a little pride comes on November 5-7 when they host their annual “Fall Down Classic” event.
All players should be eager to soak up some much needed tournament experience and this one is an easy hop over (or under) the river. For $60+ tax Canadian (or $3500 US) you receive a tournament souvenir, food, beer, and prizes if you win your category. Plus not to mention all the squash and fun you could swing your racquet at over the 3 days.
There are singles and doubles categories for men and women. The singles categories includes consolation events so you will get a second match even if you happen to lose (God forbid!) your round one match. Please see the attached poster for all the details. I will be playing too, so come and join me!
You can enter through me and I will pass on your registration details or, you can contact the tournament director directly – the information is on the poster. Registration deadline is Sunday, October 31st… BOO!
~~~~LET’S SUPPORT THIS EVENT~~~~
All players should be eager to soak up some much needed tournament experience and this one is an easy hop over (or under) the river. For $60+ tax Canadian (or $3500 US) you receive a tournament souvenir, food, beer, and prizes if you win your category. Plus not to mention all the squash and fun you could swing your racquet at over the 3 days.
There are singles and doubles categories for men and women. The singles categories includes consolation events so you will get a second match even if you happen to lose (God forbid!) your round one match. Please see the attached poster for all the details. I will be playing too, so come and join me!
You can enter through me and I will pass on your registration details or, you can contact the tournament director directly – the information is on the poster. Registration deadline is Sunday, October 31st… BOO!
~~~~LET’S SUPPORT THIS EVENT~~~~
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
MEET A MEMBER
The squash program continuously sees fresh faces taking to the courts. We all have joined a club at some stage in our lives, and it can be slightly daunting task to get involved and meet others as the ‘newbie’. So, every now and then, I plan to help that process and assist in ‘breaking the ice’ by splattering their face and some personal information on the blog in order for the ‘newbie’ to be better recognized!
MEET… ERIC GREEN
The Squash Joint (TSJ): “Tell us how you came to join the DAC”
Eric Green (EG): Upon moving back to Detroit from San Francisco, I was inclined to investigate the DAC because of the reciprocity with the Olympic Club. Once I met a few people, I knew it was the right place for me.
TSJ: “Where did you learn to play squash? Who got you started?”
EG: I learned to play squash when I attended the United States Naval Academy. While participating in a tennis tournament during "Plebe Summer," the squash coach approached me to learn the game. Despite the techniques to convince me to play (think water boarding), I actually like the game. Ironically, the person most instrumental to my development was another former DAC member, Casey Garwood.
TSJ: “Pizza or Hot Dogs?”
EG: Only after a big night in Vegas.
TSJ: “What line of work are you in?”
EG: I work in the private equity world. We buy and sell companies in the $1 - $10 million revenue range.
TSJ: “What racquet are you using?”
EG: Not really sure as I picked it up from the lost and found at the Olympic Club. I have been meaning to steal one from your office Mick.
TSJ: “You recently moved back to Michigan from San Francisco. Was that a difficult decision to make?”
EG: The decision was easy; getting my wife to move 6 months earlier than me, pregnant with our two other kids so I could have a 1/2 year man-cation in SF prior to my moving was hard. I don't think I am up for either father or husband of the year, but I did have a nice time. [Photo: Eric with his famliy]
TSJ: “What’s your all time favorite movie?”
EG: Snatch
TSJ: “Describe your best ever squash match?”
EG: Penn vs. USNA, fall 1992. The match was for a ranking of 4th in the nation. We won 5-4; I won 3-2. I didn't really understand all the implications and pride that was on the line from all the prep school guys on the Penn team. I was just a kid from Detroit looking for some liberty in Philadelphia. Did I ever describe my best post-match ever . . . ?
TSJ: “You are a Naval Academy graduate. I’m sure you have a juicy tale you could tell us about from those years?”
EG: Speaking of the devil. The four years in Annapolis are some of my best memories. In fact, I returned there to get married in the Chapel. Most of the juicy tales are probably best left unwritten but suffice it to say . . . if the streets could talk, they would recognize my face right near the sewer.
TSJ: “And the most important question of all… Did you enjoy the Sex and the City movie?”
EG: I enjoy sex and the city; both have served me well.
Thank you to Eric for spending the time to answer these tough questions! Make sure you welcome Eric to the DAC when you see him wandering the courts and halls!
MEET… ERIC GREEN
The Squash Joint (TSJ): “Tell us how you came to join the DAC”
Eric Green (EG): Upon moving back to Detroit from San Francisco, I was inclined to investigate the DAC because of the reciprocity with the Olympic Club. Once I met a few people, I knew it was the right place for me.
TSJ: “Where did you learn to play squash? Who got you started?”
EG: I learned to play squash when I attended the United States Naval Academy. While participating in a tennis tournament during "Plebe Summer," the squash coach approached me to learn the game. Despite the techniques to convince me to play (think water boarding), I actually like the game. Ironically, the person most instrumental to my development was another former DAC member, Casey Garwood.
TSJ: “Pizza or Hot Dogs?”
EG: Only after a big night in Vegas.
TSJ: “What line of work are you in?”
EG: I work in the private equity world. We buy and sell companies in the $1 - $10 million revenue range.
TSJ: “What racquet are you using?”
EG: Not really sure as I picked it up from the lost and found at the Olympic Club. I have been meaning to steal one from your office Mick.
TSJ: “You recently moved back to Michigan from San Francisco. Was that a difficult decision to make?”
EG: The decision was easy; getting my wife to move 6 months earlier than me, pregnant with our two other kids so I could have a 1/2 year man-cation in SF prior to my moving was hard. I don't think I am up for either father or husband of the year, but I did have a nice time. [Photo: Eric with his famliy]
TSJ: “What’s your all time favorite movie?”
EG: Snatch
TSJ: “Describe your best ever squash match?”
EG: Penn vs. USNA, fall 1992. The match was for a ranking of 4th in the nation. We won 5-4; I won 3-2. I didn't really understand all the implications and pride that was on the line from all the prep school guys on the Penn team. I was just a kid from Detroit looking for some liberty in Philadelphia. Did I ever describe my best post-match ever . . . ?
TSJ: “You are a Naval Academy graduate. I’m sure you have a juicy tale you could tell us about from those years?”
EG: Speaking of the devil. The four years in Annapolis are some of my best memories. In fact, I returned there to get married in the Chapel. Most of the juicy tales are probably best left unwritten but suffice it to say . . . if the streets could talk, they would recognize my face right near the sewer.
TSJ: “And the most important question of all… Did you enjoy the Sex and the City movie?”
EG: I enjoy sex and the city; both have served me well.
Thank you to Eric for spending the time to answer these tough questions! Make sure you welcome Eric to the DAC when you see him wandering the courts and halls!
Monday, October 4, 2010
THE LONDON EXPERIENCE
Why, oh why, is there a reluctance to play these events? It was unfortunate that not one DAC member could make the easy journey to play this year’s London Squash Tournament. The event is growing in popularity as they accommodated 140 entries along with their professional category. Here is what you all missed:
The Squash
I’ll start with the professionals since they were the stars of the show. With world ranking points up for grabs and a total purse of $6,500, the draw had three top 100 players enter. They may have received more, however the US Open in Chicago and the Commonwealth Games in India were running at the same time and that no doubt hurt them. Czech Jan Koukal came in as the top seed and that is the way he left. But it wasn’t easy for him. A win in five games in round 2, a tough 3-1 victory in the semi, and a spectacular final that went 4 games earned him the title. His surprise finals opponent was a qualifying Mexican ranked 114 places lower than Koukal. Alfredo Avila just turned 19, and is a petite 5 feet 5 inches, weighing around 135 pounds, 120 of which must be his lungs since this guy can run. I mean run. And run, And run, and run… you get my drift. Avila knocked off the second seed in the first round on his way to the final. Although he couldn’t pull off the unlikely victory, he definitely made Koukal work for it. Avila gave new meaning to the words “court coverage”, and somehow reminded me of Speedy Gonzalez, the fastest mouse in all Mexico. I truly mean that in the nicest possible way.
The amateur categories ran smoothly and late into the night. Since no DAC member entered, the results wouldn’t mean too much. But it was a weekend for the youngsters. A 13 year old won the C draw, and a 14 year old won the B draw. In my case – the Open – all four of matches were against players from the Western University Squash Team. Luckily when the players are that young, they do not have the experience, and when the games got tight the unforced errors seemed to appear out of nowhere. I won the event, dropping only one game. My body now feels like it was run over by a truck. Twice.
The Extra Curricular Activities
Beer Pong. Yes, that famous ‘sport’ of Beer Pong is becoming somewhat of a tradition at this tournament. Setting up the table after the pro final on Saturday night, beer pong takes center stage. There is no need to go into details, I believe everyone has some inkling of how it works. I don’t know who won it, but the one staggered out the court with his pupils looking in two different directions didn’t.
Drinking. What!? Drinking at a squash tournament? Startlingly, yes. Libations a plenty. Funny how the consummation of such liquids makes everything hilarious.
The Bars. London has many of them. All walking distance. It was homecoming weekend as well, so the town was awash with college kids, partying hard and filling the bars. The negative side of that is that it does make getting into the bars somewhat difficult but luckily on Friday night we had a helping hand from Ted Hickey (London Squash Club member) who ‘knew people’ and could open doors for us. The walk back to the hotel at 2am was a challenge as you had to negotiate yourself though the throngs of drunken students that zigzag down the sidewalks and trip over the curbs. Felt like I was playing human Frogger.
The Drive Home
Scene: at the Sarnia Border Crossing, US customs booth…
Customs Officer: Nationality?
Me: Australian
CO: What do you do for a living?
Me: I’m a squash pro.
CO: (Eyebrows raised) Really? Didn’t know that went professional.
Me: Ummm, yeah. Been professional for a while now.
CO: What were you doing in Canada?
Me: Playing a squash tournament in London.
CO: Wasn’t it too rainy for that?
Me: Excuse me?
CO: You’d get wet.
Me: Only in the shower after the match.
CO: Isn’t squash outdoors?
Me: (Sigh). No. It’s similar to racquetball.
CO: (Tilts head, inquisitive look on his face – just like your dog when it doesn’t grasp a concept. It was obviously too difficult for the custom’s officer, or he didn’t what to feel like more of a moron as he hands me back my passport.) Have a nice day.
The Squash
I’ll start with the professionals since they were the stars of the show. With world ranking points up for grabs and a total purse of $6,500, the draw had three top 100 players enter. They may have received more, however the US Open in Chicago and the Commonwealth Games in India were running at the same time and that no doubt hurt them. Czech Jan Koukal came in as the top seed and that is the way he left. But it wasn’t easy for him. A win in five games in round 2, a tough 3-1 victory in the semi, and a spectacular final that went 4 games earned him the title. His surprise finals opponent was a qualifying Mexican ranked 114 places lower than Koukal. Alfredo Avila just turned 19, and is a petite 5 feet 5 inches, weighing around 135 pounds, 120 of which must be his lungs since this guy can run. I mean run. And run, And run, and run… you get my drift. Avila knocked off the second seed in the first round on his way to the final. Although he couldn’t pull off the unlikely victory, he definitely made Koukal work for it. Avila gave new meaning to the words “court coverage”, and somehow reminded me of Speedy Gonzalez, the fastest mouse in all Mexico. I truly mean that in the nicest possible way.
The amateur categories ran smoothly and late into the night. Since no DAC member entered, the results wouldn’t mean too much. But it was a weekend for the youngsters. A 13 year old won the C draw, and a 14 year old won the B draw. In my case – the Open – all four of matches were against players from the Western University Squash Team. Luckily when the players are that young, they do not have the experience, and when the games got tight the unforced errors seemed to appear out of nowhere. I won the event, dropping only one game. My body now feels like it was run over by a truck. Twice.
The Extra Curricular Activities
Beer Pong. Yes, that famous ‘sport’ of Beer Pong is becoming somewhat of a tradition at this tournament. Setting up the table after the pro final on Saturday night, beer pong takes center stage. There is no need to go into details, I believe everyone has some inkling of how it works. I don’t know who won it, but the one staggered out the court with his pupils looking in two different directions didn’t.
Drinking. What!? Drinking at a squash tournament? Startlingly, yes. Libations a plenty. Funny how the consummation of such liquids makes everything hilarious.
The Bars. London has many of them. All walking distance. It was homecoming weekend as well, so the town was awash with college kids, partying hard and filling the bars. The negative side of that is that it does make getting into the bars somewhat difficult but luckily on Friday night we had a helping hand from Ted Hickey (London Squash Club member) who ‘knew people’ and could open doors for us. The walk back to the hotel at 2am was a challenge as you had to negotiate yourself though the throngs of drunken students that zigzag down the sidewalks and trip over the curbs. Felt like I was playing human Frogger.
The Drive Home
Scene: at the Sarnia Border Crossing, US customs booth…
Customs Officer: Nationality?
Me: Australian
CO: What do you do for a living?
Me: I’m a squash pro.
CO: (Eyebrows raised) Really? Didn’t know that went professional.
Me: Ummm, yeah. Been professional for a while now.
CO: What were you doing in Canada?
Me: Playing a squash tournament in London.
CO: Wasn’t it too rainy for that?
Me: Excuse me?
CO: You’d get wet.
Me: Only in the shower after the match.
CO: Isn’t squash outdoors?
Me: (Sigh). No. It’s similar to racquetball.
CO: (Tilts head, inquisitive look on his face – just like your dog when it doesn’t grasp a concept. It was obviously too difficult for the custom’s officer, or he didn’t what to feel like more of a moron as he hands me back my passport.) Have a nice day.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
BOOSTING THE BOASTERS LEAGUE
Here we go again – another league season is just about underway. If the participation level of the 1st Dividend / draft night is any indication of how the season will pan out, then we are in for a busy 7 months.
The Boasters League has been on a steady expansion curve for a number of years. When I first arrived in 2004, the league yielded 72 players. The past 3 years we’ve been at 99, and now we stand at 108. Add on the players on the sub list, and we’re looking at 114. That’s a 50% increase, and that speaks volumes.
We also have a record 6 women participating. That may not sound like much, but considering we only had 3 last year, I’ll take the 100% improvement; and 25 players are new to the league. Of course with many fresh faces, the nine captains had a difficult time sorting through it all, but remarkably the draft was completed in record time and without any controversy.
Captain Pat Petz [pictured left] has appropriately named his team “Threepeat”, as he attempts to lead the winning team for a third straight season. As you would expect, there is nothing more the other 8 captains would like to do than prevent that from happening, so it will be important for them to be prop-active with their team and continuously encourage them to get their matches played and collect bonus points.
There are a couple of changes this season to help promote participation:
1. Only the top 6 teams will now make the play-offs in March. The last 3 teams will be eliminated. The top 2 teams will receive a ‘bye’ in the first round of the play-offs. This should make the last few weeks more interesting.
2. A prize will also be awarded to the best point getter in each level over the entire season. This includes bonus points, and for those few who also picked one up for attending the referee clinic last week. The prize will be a shirt with their name stitched on it along with “Boasters League All Star 2011”. (Adjustments will be made if and when players are moved up and down at the half way point.)
So start polishing up your weapon and get yourself ready for battle… and the keg.
The Boasters League has been on a steady expansion curve for a number of years. When I first arrived in 2004, the league yielded 72 players. The past 3 years we’ve been at 99, and now we stand at 108. Add on the players on the sub list, and we’re looking at 114. That’s a 50% increase, and that speaks volumes.
We also have a record 6 women participating. That may not sound like much, but considering we only had 3 last year, I’ll take the 100% improvement; and 25 players are new to the league. Of course with many fresh faces, the nine captains had a difficult time sorting through it all, but remarkably the draft was completed in record time and without any controversy.
Captain Pat Petz [pictured left] has appropriately named his team “Threepeat”, as he attempts to lead the winning team for a third straight season. As you would expect, there is nothing more the other 8 captains would like to do than prevent that from happening, so it will be important for them to be prop-active with their team and continuously encourage them to get their matches played and collect bonus points.
There are a couple of changes this season to help promote participation:
1. Only the top 6 teams will now make the play-offs in March. The last 3 teams will be eliminated. The top 2 teams will receive a ‘bye’ in the first round of the play-offs. This should make the last few weeks more interesting.
2. A prize will also be awarded to the best point getter in each level over the entire season. This includes bonus points, and for those few who also picked one up for attending the referee clinic last week. The prize will be a shirt with their name stitched on it along with “Boasters League All Star 2011”. (Adjustments will be made if and when players are moved up and down at the half way point.)
So start polishing up your weapon and get yourself ready for battle… and the keg.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
GET READY TO BLITZ!
Scheduled for Friday, October 15
Matches start at 5pm
For those of you who believe that only the top ranked players can win tournaments, you should go and talk to Matt Hayduk. Matt won the March edition of the Blitz Tournament, beating quite a few players ranked well above him. In fact, for all the times I have run this event, the top ranked player has won only once.
This atypical event is a handicap tournament that puts all the pressure on the stronger player. The first round consists of round robin groups. Each group will have a wide spread of playing standards. Each match will be one game to 15 points, using point-a-rally scoring. Handicaps will be assigned to even the playing field. After group play, the top two winners in each group will advance to knock-out round where the top three place getters will receive a prize. (If group-play results in more than 2 winners, straws will be drawn to see who advances.)
In case you are wondering why it’s called the “Blitz Tournament”, it’s because matches have been known to last literally 2 rallies and it’s over faster than you can blink.
As usual, a keg will be provided. You must be a Blackballer to participate. If you are not a Blackballer, please see me! Registration deadline is Wednesday, October 13, or until the maximum 40 participants is reached. This is for ALL standards of players, men and women!! Depending on the amount of entries, usually the event runs 2 to 2 ½ hours.
Matches start at 5pm
For those of you who believe that only the top ranked players can win tournaments, you should go and talk to Matt Hayduk. Matt won the March edition of the Blitz Tournament, beating quite a few players ranked well above him. In fact, for all the times I have run this event, the top ranked player has won only once.
This atypical event is a handicap tournament that puts all the pressure on the stronger player. The first round consists of round robin groups. Each group will have a wide spread of playing standards. Each match will be one game to 15 points, using point-a-rally scoring. Handicaps will be assigned to even the playing field. After group play, the top two winners in each group will advance to knock-out round where the top three place getters will receive a prize. (If group-play results in more than 2 winners, straws will be drawn to see who advances.)
In case you are wondering why it’s called the “Blitz Tournament”, it’s because matches have been known to last literally 2 rallies and it’s over faster than you can blink.
As usual, a keg will be provided. You must be a Blackballer to participate. If you are not a Blackballer, please see me! Registration deadline is Wednesday, October 13, or until the maximum 40 participants is reached. This is for ALL standards of players, men and women!! Depending on the amount of entries, usually the event runs 2 to 2 ½ hours.
Monday, September 20, 2010
CROSS BORDER BELTING
Well, it started off nicely enough. Admittedly, I was a fraction skeptical of our chances to beat Windsor when I looked over the match-ups, which is of course nothing new. We had only won 2 of our previous 9 meetings, both of which were at the DAC. Also, since we actually won the trophy in April and were defending, I suspected their team would be strong especially since we were playing in their house. I was right.
After the first 7 matches we were looking pretty respectable. Chip McDaniel made a
rare appearance for us and even though he has not had the time to play hardly any squash over the past 12 months due to his brutal work schedule, he still managed to beat Krista Leslie 3-0 – a great result considering Krista beat him 3-0 in the last encounter. Following in Chip’s footsteps, Jim Stroh, Ken MacDonald and Kimberly Farnen all took their opponents 3-0 as well. Windsor managed to get a couple of matches back, and unsurprisingly, took the first doubles match as well to close the gap 4 wins to 3 in our favor. [Picture: Chip and Krista]
Then the wheels fell off. As did the doors, the engine, the frame collapsed, and then it exploded.
Incredibly, just like a Detroit Lions season, loss after loss came pouring in. 10 of them. The last 10. Not for lack of trying – it never is - but somehow, we just cannot seem to win those games that go down to the wire when the pressure is building. Speaking to many of the team members, the very common theme of “I lost in the tie-break” was like a broken record on permanent re-run. Games were close – in numerous cases our guys were leading far into the games as well, but closing them out appears to be the stubborn hurdle. Not that I expect us to win all of those contests, but at least some of them.
Then, the 4-13 score line would look a lot more respectable…
After the first 7 matches we were looking pretty respectable. Chip McDaniel made a
rare appearance for us and even though he has not had the time to play hardly any squash over the past 12 months due to his brutal work schedule, he still managed to beat Krista Leslie 3-0 – a great result considering Krista beat him 3-0 in the last encounter. Following in Chip’s footsteps, Jim Stroh, Ken MacDonald and Kimberly Farnen all took their opponents 3-0 as well. Windsor managed to get a couple of matches back, and unsurprisingly, took the first doubles match as well to close the gap 4 wins to 3 in our favor. [Picture: Chip and Krista]Then the wheels fell off. As did the doors, the engine, the frame collapsed, and then it exploded.
Incredibly, just like a Detroit Lions season, loss after loss came pouring in. 10 of them. The last 10. Not for lack of trying – it never is - but somehow, we just cannot seem to win those games that go down to the wire when the pressure is building. Speaking to many of the team members, the very common theme of “I lost in the tie-break” was like a broken record on permanent re-run. Games were close – in numerous cases our guys were leading far into the games as well, but closing them out appears to be the stubborn hurdle. Not that I expect us to win all of those contests, but at least some of them.
Then, the 4-13 score line would look a lot more respectable… [Picture: Andrew Caille (Windsor) and Derek Aguirre (DAC)]
So what is the answer? What can our members do to break the cycle of not being able to finish off your opponent? Here are some tips:
1. It’s a mental thing. It is easy to relax when you are leading in a game. Easy to take your foot off the gas and ‘cruise’ to the end. However, momentum change can happen instantaneously, and it can be virtually impossible to reclaim. You played a certain way to get to the leading position in the first place, why change that game to finish it?
2. Go harder. When you are up in a game, it’s actually the time to play even tougher. Don’t give your opponent a chance or a sniff at all. Make him realize that to come back will be too difficult.
3. Play more tournaments (as many as you can). I cannot stress this enough. Get matches under your belt. Learn to play regularly under pressure situations, against a variety of opponents, on different courts and atmospheres, practice being in these tough circumstances, learn how to cope with them. Squash is not just about the practice of racquet skills and fitness – so much of what you do is mental. That needs practice too. Learning to win (however silly that sounds) is vital to on court success.
4. Get fitter. If you cannot last 5 games, then all your opponent has to do is win 2 games to beat you. If you can’t run, you can’t win at squash.
Most importantly, regardless of the result, the 10th Cross Border Challenge was another terrific afternoon spent with our Canadian friends. I was extremely pleased with the participation (16 players and 17 matches!) and I am sure everyone had a great time and would be willing to do it all over again. The 11th running is scheduled for April 9 at the DAC.
[Back row left to right: Chip McDaniel, Kimberly Farnen, Paul Huth. Front row left to right: David Pontes, Paul Huth's guest, DJ Boyd, Andy Adamo, Ken MacDonald]
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
ANNAPOLIS - CLASS OF 2010
September 9-12, 2010
The next time I am in the fetal position, sucking my thumb and thinking of a ‘happy place’, that ‘happy place’ will be Sherwood Forest. Since the day we returned from the 2009 adventure, I have been looking forward to the 2010 one with dreamy eyes and now once again am forced to crave next year’s voyage.
A green house on ‘Robin Hood’ street in Sherwood Forest was where we laid our abused and battered bodies for the three nights we spent in Annapolis. BAC member Jon Uffelman and his adorable mother were once again kind enough (or crazy!) to let half the “Great Lakes Squash Team” stay in their home. True to form, we did not break anything, but there is an image in my mind of a pretzel nugget that I wish I could gouge out from my memory… I will not go into detail. The Sherwood Forest community is about a 20 minute boat ride to downtown Annapolis. Once the boat was moored at the dock you are literally in the middle of the action. Full of restaurants and bars, and a five minute walk to the Academy, the town was at our mercy… or vice versa.
[Just part of the amazing scenery from the boat-trip between Jon's house and Annapolis]
The purpose behind this escapade is to challenge the Naval Academy Squash Team. A group of America’s finest young men, all strong, fit, more than capable of breaking us in two, and incredibly polite and friendly. The official matches were scheduled for Friday. Nine-man teams, plus 2 ‘friendlies’. Although our team was filled with some of Michigan’s best players, it always seems we pull up just a fraction short. Even with the obvious advantage of experience, when matches come down to the wire and fitness becomes an issue, the benefit of youth was rather evident. We won 3 of the 9 matches, and just like last year, were on the wrong side of a couple of very close results. When the unofficial Saturday ‘mix ‘n’ match’ scrimmage took place, we kicked the starched white iron-creased pants off them.
The rest of our time was spent eating, drinking, attempting to grab a nap whenever possible (which was most of the time impossible) laughing, horsing around, and just enjoying life. Jon Uffelman was in fine form as usual, he’s truly a one-man entertainment bonanza. Special mention has to go to new DAC member Eric Green. Eric, the nicest guy you will ever meet, is a Naval Academy graduate and has close personal ties to the area. He has taught us all how to travel light, how a shoe box is just as good as a squash bag, there is nothing wrong with catching some zzzzz’s in a deli, and heat-stroke is a state of mind after spending the entire Saturday afternoon in a long sleeved sweater and jeans under the pounding sun in the car park for the Navy football game tail-gate. He is a real trooper.
The legend status of this trip is growing. I am fortunate to be involved. A huge thank you to Jon Uffelman for his incredible generosity of sharing this piece of utopia with us. And another huge thank you to the rest of team for making the trip worth every single penny. Even though I think I have seen it all, I can’t wait for what surprises 2011 will bring.
[The "2010 Great Lakes Squash Team". Top row, left to right: Doug Bauer (ex-Toledo member, now residing in Tampa, FL); Casey Garwood (ex-DAC member and Club Champion now residing in Seattle); John Seidel (Toledo Squash Pro); Me!; Peter Logan (DAC member and mutiple club champion titles); Rob Graves (Franklin Racquet Club and doubles Nationals title winner); Bottom row left to right: Mark Eugeni (Windsor and ex-pro doubles player); Eric Green (DAC member); Kurt Streng (BAC and excellent tennis player!); Jon Uffelman (BAC and multiple club champion titles); Mark Porter (Windsor squash pro).
The next time I am in the fetal position, sucking my thumb and thinking of a ‘happy place’, that ‘happy place’ will be Sherwood Forest. Since the day we returned from the 2009 adventure, I have been looking forward to the 2010 one with dreamy eyes and now once again am forced to crave next year’s voyage.
A green house on ‘Robin Hood’ street in Sherwood Forest was where we laid our abused and battered bodies for the three nights we spent in Annapolis. BAC member Jon Uffelman and his adorable mother were once again kind enough (or crazy!) to let half the “Great Lakes Squash Team” stay in their home. True to form, we did not break anything, but there is an image in my mind of a pretzel nugget that I wish I could gouge out from my memory… I will not go into detail. The Sherwood Forest community is about a 20 minute boat ride to downtown Annapolis. Once the boat was moored at the dock you are literally in the middle of the action. Full of restaurants and bars, and a five minute walk to the Academy, the town was at our mercy… or vice versa.
[Just part of the amazing scenery from the boat-trip between Jon's house and Annapolis]
The purpose behind this escapade is to challenge the Naval Academy Squash Team. A group of America’s finest young men, all strong, fit, more than capable of breaking us in two, and incredibly polite and friendly. The official matches were scheduled for Friday. Nine-man teams, plus 2 ‘friendlies’. Although our team was filled with some of Michigan’s best players, it always seems we pull up just a fraction short. Even with the obvious advantage of experience, when matches come down to the wire and fitness becomes an issue, the benefit of youth was rather evident. We won 3 of the 9 matches, and just like last year, were on the wrong side of a couple of very close results. When the unofficial Saturday ‘mix ‘n’ match’ scrimmage took place, we kicked the starched white iron-creased pants off them.
The rest of our time was spent eating, drinking, attempting to grab a nap whenever possible (which was most of the time impossible) laughing, horsing around, and just enjoying life. Jon Uffelman was in fine form as usual, he’s truly a one-man entertainment bonanza. Special mention has to go to new DAC member Eric Green. Eric, the nicest guy you will ever meet, is a Naval Academy graduate and has close personal ties to the area. He has taught us all how to travel light, how a shoe box is just as good as a squash bag, there is nothing wrong with catching some zzzzz’s in a deli, and heat-stroke is a state of mind after spending the entire Saturday afternoon in a long sleeved sweater and jeans under the pounding sun in the car park for the Navy football game tail-gate. He is a real trooper.
The legend status of this trip is growing. I am fortunate to be involved. A huge thank you to Jon Uffelman for his incredible generosity of sharing this piece of utopia with us. And another huge thank you to the rest of team for making the trip worth every single penny. Even though I think I have seen it all, I can’t wait for what surprises 2011 will bring.
[The "2010 Great Lakes Squash Team". Top row, left to right: Doug Bauer (ex-Toledo member, now residing in Tampa, FL); Casey Garwood (ex-DAC member and Club Champion now residing in Seattle); John Seidel (Toledo Squash Pro); Me!; Peter Logan (DAC member and mutiple club champion titles); Rob Graves (Franklin Racquet Club and doubles Nationals title winner); Bottom row left to right: Mark Eugeni (Windsor and ex-pro doubles player); Eric Green (DAC member); Kurt Streng (BAC and excellent tennis player!); Jon Uffelman (BAC and multiple club champion titles); Mark Porter (Windsor squash pro).
Friday, September 3, 2010
THE SQUASH POET #2
My enigmatic acquaintance, “The Squash Poet”, has sent me another verse. This one has actually appeared on the SquashSite website before but I’m sure not many of you have read it. However, many of you may be able to relate to it since it is all about hitting the ‘nick’. For those of you who don’t know, the ‘nick’ is where the side wall and floor meet and if you can make the ball bounce directly in that crack, it makes it virtually impossible to retrieve. I guess “The Squash Poet” has a little obsession with it…
With a deft and subtle flick
You could master the wicked trick
Make your game look cool and slick
With racquet work so quick
Slam the ball into the nick
And guarantee you’d never lose
But my brain is slow and thick
And like some horrid nervous tic
I keep on shooting bricks
And like a desperate alcoholic
I am really terminally sick
With a case of the “Squash Nick Blues”!
The Squash Poet
“Squash Nick Blues”
Sung to the tune of “The Sound of Silence” Simon and Garfunkel
Here I am on court two,
Obsessed with what I want to do,
I don’t care if I lose the game,
All I want is the instant fame,
The amazing feat of smashing the ball dead,
Fills my head,
It’s the Squash Nick Blues.
Every shot I try to find,
That damn nick but I’m so blind,
Impossible angles at every turn,
It’s a mental disease - I just wont learn,
So I just hit harder and continue to hack and hack,
And hope for crack,
It’s the Squash Nick Blues.
I even seem to have to nerve,
To go for it off every serve,
Aiming where the wall and floor meet,
Damn, I missed again by three feet!
And another point lost thanks to my stupid greed,
There’s really no need,
For the Squash Nick Blues.
“Fool” they say, “You do not know,
That your racquet technique really blows”,
When the point is done I don’t care anymore,
Unless the ball is rolling along the floor,
I remember once long ago slotting the nick right in,
But it hit the tin,
It’s the Squash Nick Blues.
And then one day I bowed and prayed,
At the best nick shot I ever made,
A volley reverse backhand boast overhead,
When it hit the floor it came out dead,
I screamed and yelled but realized with a groan,
I was playing alone,
And forever stuck in…The Squash Nick Blues.
The Squash Poet
With a deft and subtle flick
You could master the wicked trick
Make your game look cool and slick
With racquet work so quick
Slam the ball into the nick
And guarantee you’d never lose
But my brain is slow and thick
And like some horrid nervous tic
I keep on shooting bricks
And like a desperate alcoholic
I am really terminally sick
With a case of the “Squash Nick Blues”!
The Squash Poet
“Squash Nick Blues”
Sung to the tune of “The Sound of Silence” Simon and Garfunkel
Here I am on court two,
Obsessed with what I want to do,
I don’t care if I lose the game,
All I want is the instant fame,
The amazing feat of smashing the ball dead,
Fills my head,
It’s the Squash Nick Blues.
Every shot I try to find,
That damn nick but I’m so blind,
Impossible angles at every turn,
It’s a mental disease - I just wont learn,
So I just hit harder and continue to hack and hack,
And hope for crack,
It’s the Squash Nick Blues.
I even seem to have to nerve,
To go for it off every serve,
Aiming where the wall and floor meet,
Damn, I missed again by three feet!
And another point lost thanks to my stupid greed,
There’s really no need,
For the Squash Nick Blues.
“Fool” they say, “You do not know,
That your racquet technique really blows”,
When the point is done I don’t care anymore,
Unless the ball is rolling along the floor,
I remember once long ago slotting the nick right in,
But it hit the tin,
It’s the Squash Nick Blues.
And then one day I bowed and prayed,
At the best nick shot I ever made,
A volley reverse backhand boast overhead,
When it hit the floor it came out dead,
I screamed and yelled but realized with a groan,
I was playing alone,
And forever stuck in…The Squash Nick Blues.
The Squash Poet
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
SQUASHING IT UP IN LONDON
After the weekend we spent in London playing doubles and the hospitality we received (see: http://thesquashjoint.blogspot.com/2010/08/doubling-up-in-london.html), it really is a no-brainer when it comes to deciding whether or not to make the 2-hour trip again for their annual singles tournament. October 1-3 is the date for the amateurs with categories ranging from Open, A, B, C, and D, 40+ and 50+ and Women’s A, B, C and D. Running alongside the event is the world ranking professional category which will feature some top 100 players. Currently, the draw will consist of Czech Jan Koukal (ranked 61) as the top seeded player, Aussie Scott Arnold (63) as the second seed, and Dylan Bennett from Holland (70) seeded third. Watching the world class players is included in your $65 (CAD) tournament entry fee. So not only will you gain invaluable experience by playing a tournament outside the club, you will be able to learn so much by watching the pros.
London is a small university town and this event coincides with the Homecoming Weekend. The bars are guaranteed to have a great atmosphere and everything is within walking distance from the downtown hotels. The London Squash Racquets Club is small but cozy and it is impossible not to be social. Beer is always near at hand, so it is imperative that along with your squash shoes, you pack your drinking ones as well.
So anyone care to join me and a few of the Windsor members for the trip? To enter the event, you can contact the London squash pro, Andrew Mount, at andrew@londonsquash.on.ca . Or, simply let me know and I can pass your information along. Registration closes on Wednesday, September 22.
London is a small university town and this event coincides with the Homecoming Weekend. The bars are guaranteed to have a great atmosphere and everything is within walking distance from the downtown hotels. The London Squash Racquets Club is small but cozy and it is impossible not to be social. Beer is always near at hand, so it is imperative that along with your squash shoes, you pack your drinking ones as well.
So anyone care to join me and a few of the Windsor members for the trip? To enter the event, you can contact the London squash pro, Andrew Mount, at andrew@londonsquash.on.ca . Or, simply let me know and I can pass your information along. Registration closes on Wednesday, September 22.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
SQUASH SHOTS VI
After poking fun at myself in the previous "Squash Shots", I figure I may as well poke fun at the club too. So, here is a simple quiz to test your knowledge of basic… facts. There are really no correct answers, so you positively cannot fail.
1. If you poked a hole in a squash ball, what would you find?
a) That you have ruined a perfectly good squash ball
b) You can now play the best drop-shots ever
c) One of Mark Hayduk’s missing socks.
d) Air
e) Not even Joe Bobzin can warm it up
2. Who is the best squash player in the DAC, bar none?
a) Rob Barr
b) Roseanne Barr
c) The Tap Bar
d) Tom the Barber
e) George Haggarty
f) Kirk Haggarty
g) Peter Logan
I’ll let you all chew over that one...
3. Blerta Jakupi is...
a) The new soup on the Grill Room menu
b) An Athletic Department Manager
c) An Albanian swear word
d) The medical term for the Swine Flu
e) A Russian car manufacturer (“I drive a ’Jakupi’!”)
f) A made-up word
4. Racquetball is to Squash, as…
a) Checkers is to Chess
b) The Detroit Lions are to winning
c) Tiger Woods is to fidelity
d) The Detroit Tigers are to second half success
e) Shaquille O’Neal is to free-throws
f) LeBron James is to humility
1. If you poked a hole in a squash ball, what would you find?
a) That you have ruined a perfectly good squash ball
b) You can now play the best drop-shots ever
c) One of Mark Hayduk’s missing socks.
d) Air
e) Not even Joe Bobzin can warm it up
2. Who is the best squash player in the DAC, bar none?
a) Rob Barr
b) Roseanne Barr
c) The Tap Bar
d) Tom the Barber
e) George Haggarty
f) Kirk Haggarty
g) Peter Logan
I’ll let you all chew over that one...
3. Blerta Jakupi is...
a) The new soup on the Grill Room menu
b) An Athletic Department Manager
c) An Albanian swear word
d) The medical term for the Swine Flu
e) A Russian car manufacturer (“I drive a ’Jakupi’!”)
f) A made-up word
4. Racquetball is to Squash, as…
a) Checkers is to Chess
b) The Detroit Lions are to winning
c) Tiger Woods is to fidelity
d) The Detroit Tigers are to second half success
e) Shaquille O’Neal is to free-throws
f) LeBron James is to humility
g) Mick Joint is to playing good golf
h) All of the above
5. How can we win next the Cross Border Challenge?
a) Cheat
b) Tell Windsor the wrong date, then claim a forfeit
c) Start our players on a doping program
d) Don’t be ridiculous, it’s an impossible task.
e) Play better squash (How novel…)
f) Ha! Haha! Ha! Hahaha!
6. What does “DAC” really stand for?
a) Denim And Caps
b) Does Athletics Count?
c) Don’t Answer Cellphone
d) Dining And Catering
e) Don’ts And Cant’s
f) Detroit Athletic Club
g) International Airport Code for Dhaka, Bangladesh
h) Deutsche Automobil-Construktionsgesellschaf… errr, what?
h) All of the above
5. How can we win next the Cross Border Challenge?
a) Cheat
b) Tell Windsor the wrong date, then claim a forfeit
c) Start our players on a doping program
d) Don’t be ridiculous, it’s an impossible task.
e) Play better squash (How novel…)
f) Ha! Haha! Ha! Hahaha!
6. What does “DAC” really stand for?
a) Denim And Caps
b) Does Athletics Count?
c) Don’t Answer Cellphone
d) Dining And Catering
e) Don’ts And Cant’s
f) Detroit Athletic Club
g) International Airport Code for Dhaka, Bangladesh
h) Deutsche Automobil-Construktionsgesellschaf… errr, what?
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
OUR TURN TO DEFEND
With a glint of a tear in my eye, I am proud to announce that it is our turn to defend the Cross Border Challenge Trophy for the first time since its inception way back in 2005. After that monumentally historic victory, we stumbled, bumbled and tumbled our way through 7 consecutive failures, which included us snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, laying down and receiving a good ‘ol spanking, and just standing on the sidelines watching year after year, as the squash Gods punished us unmercifully into submission. However, earlier this year in April 2010, it all changed around when we deservedly (if not uncharacteristically) regained the long lost treasure. Now all we have to do is keep it…Saturday, Sep
tember 18 is the date of the 10th show-down. The matches will be played in Windsor starting at 2pm. WE NEED YOU! We need singles players of all playing levels. We need doubles players at the A, B and C level. We need you to play well. We need you to drink and socialize! A keg will be available for the duration of the event and from personal experience, I can tell you the Windsor crowd are a tremendous group of people and I guarantee you will have a blast! The club is a 5 minute drive after you exit the tunnel – very easy to get to, very casual atmosphere. Do yourself a favor and get yourself out there for the perfect combination of squash and entertainment, you will not be disappointed. [Photo: Having a drink at the Windsor squash club]Registrations close on Monday, September 13. We will do our utmost to match you up against a member from Windsor with the same playing level as your own. (Unfortunately, no guarantees!) Once the matches have been completed (and we have successfully defended our honor!) it is customary to hit the bars for a celebratory drink! Cheers!
Monday, August 16, 2010
DOING THE DOUBLES SELECT!
Incredibly, it’s getting close to that time of year. Close to the time where the Detroit Lions start thinking a
bout rebuilding for the 2011-2012 season, close to the time when you start counting down the golf days left on one hand, close to the time when your significant other starts nagging you about all the summer house projects that you didn’t get done, and close to the time when you start signing up for all the squash events with the fervent attitude that this is your year!
Kicking off the season is the Doubles Select Tournament. This is the easiest doubles tournament to enter because you are not required to search for a partner – I do that for you. Once all the sign-ups are in, I rank everybody from strongest downwards. Teams are then put together by matching the top ranked player with the lowest, the 2nd top ranked player with the 2nd lowest, and so forth. Theoretically, all teams should come out fairly even. Over the 5 years we have been running this event, players from A to D level have won this tournament- so everybody has a decent chance!
The tournament will begin on Tuesday, September 7. All rounds of the knock-out draw will have deadlines that will be your responsibility to stick to – or suffer the wrath of default!!! There is a prize for the winning team, so you do need to be a Blackballer in order to participate. There is no limit on the amount of entries; however I do need to have an even amount of players. It might be a little difficult for the one player left over to play all by themselves! Registration deadline is Friday, September 3.
bout rebuilding for the 2011-2012 season, close to the time when you start counting down the golf days left on one hand, close to the time when your significant other starts nagging you about all the summer house projects that you didn’t get done, and close to the time when you start signing up for all the squash events with the fervent attitude that this is your year!Kicking off the season is the Doubles Select Tournament. This is the easiest doubles tournament to enter because you are not required to search for a partner – I do that for you. Once all the sign-ups are in, I rank everybody from strongest downwards. Teams are then put together by matching the top ranked player with the lowest, the 2nd top ranked player with the 2nd lowest, and so forth. Theoretically, all teams should come out fairly even. Over the 5 years we have been running this event, players from A to D level have won this tournament- so everybody has a decent chance!
The tournament will begin on Tuesday, September 7. All rounds of the knock-out draw will have deadlines that will be your responsibility to stick to – or suffer the wrath of default!!! There is a prize for the winning team, so you do need to be a Blackballer in order to participate. There is no limit on the amount of entries; however I do need to have an even amount of players. It might be a little difficult for the one player left over to play all by themselves! Registration deadline is Friday, September 3.
