This time we’ll go old school. Let’s probe the mind of a long-term successful DAC squash playing member that defies the age barrier and demands the respect of his fellow squashies with his longevity. He is still a threat to win the Club Championship, even with the likes of the younger crew starting to take charge. He is a great supporter of not only the DAC squash program, but of squash outside the club walls as well.
MEET… PETER LOGAN
The Squash Joint (TSJ): You just turned 75… umm, I mean 55. How long have you been belting around the squash ball and who taught you?
Old? Maybe, but still very much in the way. I started playing around 1985 just out of law school. Jeff Parsigian taught me. He's probably the best racquet guy around.
TSJ: You are still one of the fittest players in the club. What do you do to keep yourself in such good condition? What does the ideal Peter Logan work-out week look like? How do you keep yourself motivated?
I never really stop playing squash or doing the weights. I do some Syphus Training, mountain biking, hiking and a bit of trail running when I'm out west. Typical week would be squash maybe 3 - 4 times with weights and some Syphus thrown in especially if some event is coming up. Motivation has never been an issue. I just like to play and have been fortunate to have made lots of friends around the world doing so.
TSJ: You have won many DAC Club Championship titles – doubles and singles. Is there one that stands out more than others?
Not really sure...blush went off that rose some time ago...13, 14? First one stands out as it was so long ago...1989? Jeez, I am old. Thanks for another reminder. Really don't feel any different though.....yet.
TSJ: Who is the one person in history that you admire most? If you had a chance to ask him / her one question, what would that be?
Probably Sun Tzu. I'd love to discuss the concept of complementary opposites with him.
TSJ: Tell us about your get-a-way home in Montana. And tell us about a time you had a close encounter with nature…
We built it about 7 years ago just north of Red Lodge right on Rock Creek. MT is a very special place. Every day there is a close encounter with nature...lots of bears, black and grizzly and moose, you name it. Ran into a big grizzly last year just at the tree line ...very disconcerting and humbling.
TSJ: Of all the squash events outside the DAC that you have played, which has been the most enjoyable?
All have been great and different but I guess I'd go with the Windy City Open. It is always a good and wild time there. Weather is always a factor. Snowed in twice over the years and pretty gnarly walks to the hotel at 3am with 2+ feet of snow on the ground if you recall!
TSJ: You are very involved with the Racquet Up Detroit program. Tell us your part in it and why it is so satisfying.
Rob Graves and I have been teaching there from the start. It's a wonderful program with a great Director; our very own Derek Aguirre. I like the continuity of the program. We take roughly the same 40 kids from grade 5 all the way to college. They are improving in squash very rapidly and more importantly, becoming productive individuals and good students. We'll be part of each other's lives forever I think.
TSJ: Tell us your favorite…
a) Movie? “Tender Mercies” and “The Big Lebowski”
b ) Weekly home chore? Walking the dogs early and late. Patty would say I don't do any chores!
c) Detroit Tiger? Not a big basketball fan
d) Activity when in Montana? Fly fishing
e) Squash racquet you have ever played with? Manta Ice
f) Food? Ice cream
g) Car? 1974 - 76 BMW 2002 Tii
TSJ: You are actually a man of more than one talent. Tell us about your music and your band.
We play kind of hippie bluegrass stuff in different iterations from a duo to trio or the big band with up to 7 of us. I play mostly dobro and guitar. It’s really fun and a challenge to be out there in front of lots of people especially when everybody is in the moment. Like squash when the ball looks big.
TSJ: What is the one thing in life you haven’t yet done but would like to do?
Paragliding looks cool.
TSJ: If you had a 60 second Super Bowl advertisement, what would you show to the billion viewers?
My baby picture.
TSJ: And for the final question, we like to dive a little deeper and turn the cheeks a darker shade of red… although I am not sure that’s entirely possible with you! Anyway, here goes… What is the worst lie you have ever told?
Either that I was going to go quietly or that I have a filter.
I am very grateful to Peter for answering these questions for us! Be assured that he will be resisting the age barrier for a while longer and will remain competitive for another DAC singles title. There aren’t too many more laid back and approachable members around and we hope he keeps swinging his racquet, strumming his guitars, and smiling through that hedgehog for years to come. I certainly hope he doesn’t get that Superbowl commercial spot, because I have seen his baby picture and it would shock even the most hardened of minds…!
