POST ELECTION BLUES

Boasters League round 4~~

The allure of free food and drink once again magically pulled the DAC members into the clubhouse. Or was it the opportunity to express your right to vote? Either way, the club was full, the courts were full, the fitness room was full… alas, it all happened one day before the boasters league night!

Election hangover hit round 4 hard. Only 8 matches were played, just enough to keep the tumbleweeds from blowing down the ‘T’ line. Team “Mongoose” has increased their lead on top of the standings to 15 points, while the next 7 teams have bunched themselves together rather snugly. Only 11 points separate 2nd from 8th so a lot of shuffling around can be expected by this time next week. “Delta Force” has dropped further behind and are now 18 points in the rears, and 22 points out of a finals berth. They have a lot of work to do.

“Courts and Pints” are appearing to break the generally accepted ‘bonus point’ rule of thumb where the more bonus points a team has, the more higher on the standings they are. While they sit 3rd on the ladder, they have the least amount of bonus points of the nine teams (16) – and they haven’t even had their ‘bye’ week yet. “Delta Force” also has 16, but they have had the ‘bye’ – and they are dead last.

Just about half way through the second half of the season and leading the league in total accumulated points so far is Daniel Honer (“Courts and Pints”) with 14, and then Paul Huth (“Mongoose”) and Tom Bergh (“Mr. Daniels Walking”) have the next highest with 12. They are many, many matches to make up and they are piling up on people very, very quickly. Time’s a tickin’…

The State of International Squash

It doesn’t get on television. It’s never in the papers. It’s not Olympic. In America, I would guess that if you asked 30 random people on the street, 29 of them would have never heard of it. Yet squash is one of the most physically demanding sports in the world, its athletes some of the worlds fittest and it may surprise you that is played in over 175 countries around the globe.

And even in this club amongst the active squash players themselves, how many of them would know who the current world number one player is? Significantly less than half, I’d bet. But, I’d wager just about all of them know who the world’s number one tennis player is…

Squash has been fighting for the recognition it thinks it deserves ever since I can remember picking up that wooden racquet that weighed over 250 grams! Almost thirty-five years later, little has changed. Oh, the racquets have – but the publicity has not. Is that about to change?

Squash, it seems, is also fighting itself. Everyone knows that in order for a business to survive and thrive, all components in that business need to work together towards a common goal. In this case, the growth of the sport. A few months ago I wrote an article referring to the Professional Squash Association’s (PSA) ban of its players to participate in the new US “Pro Squash Tour” (PST) tournament circuit. (See:
http://thesquashjoint.blogspot.com/2010/10/no-pros-allowed-on-pro-squash-tour.html). Joe McManus - PST commissioner (and brain child) - and the PSA attempted to negotiate and solve their differences to no avail. So, the PST sued. In one incident, a PSA player defied the ban and competed in a PST tournament anyway. That player – American Ned Marks – was in turn banned by the PSA for 1 month. He was removed from the 2011 Tournament of Champions event. (PST article regarding the ban: http://www.prosquashtour.net/Marks%20suspended.html. I cannot find any statement from the PSA on this matter.)

McManus recently withdrew the suit. Mentioning high court costs and lengthy trials as the main reason, he has decided to use the money instead towards creating another circuit – the “Premier Squash Tour” and has also offered $100,000 to the first top 10 player who signs a deal to commit to playing the PST. Rumors have it, that Thierry Lincou will be that player. (See: http://www.prosquashtour.net/news/PST%20Offers%20$100k.html) (“Premier Squash Tour” is not the same as PST; they are exhibition type events that cater to the needs and wants of each hosting club, whereas PST is a ranking circuit using the ‘no-let’ rule.) McManus has not been shy of his intentions. As a small example of how involved McManus is in his goals, when I wrote an article on this little blog lambasting the controversial PST’s “no-let” rule (see: http://thesquashjoint.blogspot.com/2010/08/interfering-with-interference-rule.html), Joe called me personally to a) thank me for the article and b) rationally discuss it. (He didn’t convince me otherwise, but I was definitely felt privileged that he took the time to call and was impressed that he reached out!)

He is in this to make money. He is in this to make money for the players. It’s profit driven. The PSA is not. The PSA board is made up of mainly ex touring pros that are not educated in the field of running an association properly. I'm not trying to criticize here, but it's true. Just because they played the tour, doesn’t mean they know how to operate it. That’s like expecting myself to be able to run the Starbuck’s shop down the street just because I buy my coffee there every day. The PST is a business that relies on being successful in order to survive. Through marketing, advertising, promotion. The product has to be excellent; otherwise they do not make money.

Is that bad for the sport? I don’t think so. McManus is doing something the PSA can’t: raise dollars and the profile of squash in the States. There is an untapped market here. Clubs are private, members have deep pockets. McManus’ events are cheaper and easier to run. However, clubs deciding to run one will not get the luxury of watching Ramy Ashour, or Nick Matthew, or a Willstrop, Gaultier, Shabana, etc. You will have to go watch a top class PSA event for that. McManus tournament players will most likely be top Americans, some club pros, ex-PSA and PSA players at the end (or near the end) of their careers based in the US that no longer tour as much, such as John White, David Palmer, Thierry Lincou. Still top quality – but not quite the best of the best. (On the other side of that argument, talking with club members here there is little difference to them watching a pro ranked 50 compared to a pro ranked 1. It’s all exceptional to them.)

Eventually, that could change. If the McManus tour(s) grow as he is predicting, with more events for more money, that will only attract more players. More players equals better standard. Which could lead to a world class tour rivaling the PSA based right on our doorstep.

PST website: http://www.prosquashtour.net/
PST overview: http://www.prosquashtour.net/art/PST%20Intro%20(pdf).pdf
PSA website: http://www.psa-squash.com/
PSA world rankings Jan 2011: http://www.squashinfo.com/rankings/psa

“COURTS AND PINTS” MAKE A MOVE

Boasters League Round 3~~

Just like the well known story of the tortoise and the hare, team “Courts and Pints” seem to have the motto of “slow and steady wins the race”. They are not exactly breaking any records for Wednesday attendance. In fact, 3 weeks in and they only have a paltry 14 bonus points which is the second fewest in the league, compared to the 26 “Winky-Dinks” have picked up. However, what they lack in presence, they are making up for in playing matches. They jumped from 8th to 3rd this week purely on all the games played throughout the past 7 days and picking up a steady flow of points. Now, unlike the fabled tortoise, I am not predicting they will be able to reach the finish line first, but if they continue on this path they will be giving them a decent chance for the play-offs.

“Threepeat” suffered the most this week dropping from 1st to 7th. On the surface that looks bad, but they did have the ‘bye’ and are ahead of the other two teams who have had the ‘bye’ as well. “Winky-Dinks” have to endure sitting out week 4 and are bound to drop a few spots because of it. “Delta Force” needs to start looking into some “special ops” to dig themselves out of last spot. Out of a total of 24 matches they could have played, they have completed only 10 of them.

A lot of matches were played yesterday, many of which ended up 2-1. One of the more entertaining bouts that kept the handful of onlookers captivated was the Anthony Fracchia (“The Underdogs”) and James Van Dyke (“Courts and Pints”) encounter. The rallies were long, court coverage by both players was excellent, there was little (if any) interference which made it very clean with the absence of ‘let’ calls, and in the end it was Anthony taking the 2-1 victory. The photo is from their match with James lunging in for a backhand boast.

So onto round 4 – almost half way though… already! Time to step it up people!

BOOZE, BURGERS AND FRIES

Boasters League Round 2~~

One way to guarantee people will turn up to a Boasters League night is to offer free food and alcohol. While getting them to into the building wasn’t the issue, getting them into their squash gear was. In all fairness, the 2nd Dividend is all about meeting the candidates for the upcoming DAC election so the social aspect of the evening does take precedent.

Only a handful of matches were played. Of the 16 results I have for round 2 (out of a maximum 48!), 13 of them ended up with a 2-1 score line. It appears competitive matches was the theme. Patrick Petz is leading his “Threepeat” team by example. He must have played well to take a 2-1 win over Matt Jarboe (“Delta Force”) and once again they are on top of the standings. They do have the bye for round 3, but are already well positioned for the remaining weeks.

Another good win went to Rich Stimson (“The Underdogs”) [pictured right] who beat Paul Huth (“Mongoose”) 2-1. The two had to figure out a few ‘let’ calls now and then, but when you have 2 players that haven’t played against each other very often, contrasting styles will do that. New comer to the league, Daniel Honer (“Courts and Pints”) won his first ever Boasters League match 2-1 over Glen Milligan (“Winky-Dinks”).

I know it’s “only” round 3 next week, but quite a few players are still yet to play a match for the second half – they will pile up very quickly if you don’t get going!

MEET A MEMBER - 3

Since his initiation into squash through the Beginner Clinic a few months back, he hasn’t looked back. Signs of a squash addiction are popping up when you coax your girlfriend to take it up and bring in guests to hit with! He has already been a part of the box ladders for a while and we will no doubt be seeing him in leagues and tournaments in the not too distant future.

MEET… DREW VAN TONGEREN

The Squash Joint (TSJ): “What convinced you to try squash in the first place and what aspect of the sport got you hooked?”

I don't get along with treadmills. Therefore, I'm always looking for other ways to stay in (more like get in) shape. I picked up tennis this past summer and thought it would be fun to try another racquet sport. The hook? It's a great workout and a lot of fun to play.

TSJ: “Has it been more difficult or easier than you expected?”

Easier. There always seems to be a keg around the courts downstairs. That's why you'll hardly ever see me play on courts 1 and 2.

TSJ: “Do you have any background in any other sport?”

I grew up playing football, hockey, and golf. Although my favorite sport to play while at the U of M was inner tube water polo.

TSJ: “If I picked up your iPod right now and turned it on, what song would I hear?”

Something by Seger.

TSJ: “Tell us about your first ever paying job.”

The public driving range was running low on golf balls. I was running low on cash and common sense. At 13 years old, I loved golf, had plenty of hockey gear, and always looked for an opportunity to drive something that had 4 wheels, an engine, and went over 20mph when you jammed a golf tee in the governor. The owner of the range paid me $5 an hour to suit up in my hockey gear and shag balls out of the weeds on foot. He didn't put a cap on my hours and nearly went broke trying to keep me on the payroll.


TSJ: “You now work for CBS Radio. What exactly do you do?”

I help both local and national advertisers grow their businesses through a combination of on-air, online, and on-site marketing solutions.

TSJ: “What are some of the things you enjoy doing in your spare time?”

When I'm not on the water, on the golf course, or on the snow, you can find me in Napa Valley. I love to eat and drink. Hence the reason I'm playing squash.

TSJ: “You have a time machine that you can use only once. Do you go back or forward in time?”

Back. I want to be around as long as possible. Plus, I'd love to do college twice.

TSJ: “If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be”?

Detroit. But I'd like to have a healthy travel budget someday.

TSJ: “Ever had a speeding ticket?”

Yes. I was also escorted by a squad car back to the driving range that same summer I shagged golf balls. The posted speed limit was 30, I was clocked at 27, but I was only 13 and was driving a golf cart. I was hungry and took the golf cart to Subway on my break.

TSJ: “And the one question people will no doubt judge you by, who is your favorite ‘Jersey Shore’ cast member?”

We've got a SITUATION!"


Thank you, Drew, for taking the time to answer these in depth, probing questions. (I can’t believe you actually watch Jersey Shore!) We certainly hope that you stick around and keep on bringing in buddies to take up this great sport! We’ll be seeing you in the courts!

FARRIS CUP BEAT DOWN

It was, in all truthfulness, rather ugly. The Birmingham Athletic Club (BAC) did exactly what they promised to do – send in a formidable team in order to stop the pounding we have been handing them for the past 4 years of the Farris Cup competition. And giving us a taste of our own medicine, they didn’t let up all day.

Things were actually looking up for the DAC after the first result came in. Brien Baker had full control over his opponent and took a 3-0 win in fairly comfortable fashion. However, that was the only time we had the lead. After that, we didn’t just fall behind, we stumbled, smacked our heads, wondered around dazed and confused, ran backwards, before we knew what hit us. [Picture: Brien Baker (right) with Larry MacKenzie]

The next 6 results had on the losing end of every one of them. Four of them were 3-0 and weren’t all that close. Given, our players did not have the best day on court, but full credit goes to their opponents who took maximum advantage of every opportunity that came their way. And once they were 2-0 up, they really put down the hammer and refused to give any of us any hope of a sniff or comeback. The other 2 matches we lost in the 5th game. And on both of those occasions, we were 2-0 up. Fitness (or lack of it) was a major contributor here. If you are unable to physically last a 5 game match, then your opponent only has to win 2 games to beat you. It is easy to relax once you establish a good lead, but it is just as easy to lose the momentum you had that got you into that position in the first place. Being 2-0 up is actually the time to pick up your game, not rest.

Ironically, our second victory of the day came in identical fashion. John Rakolta just happened to play against his Farris Cup opponent – Terry Barr – in the travel league just 2 days before. In that match he was 2-0 down, then came back to win in 5 once Terry ran out of gas and could no longer keep pace. Two days later and Terry must have felt like he was experiencing ‘Groundhog Day’. John once again found himself 2-0 down. And once again, exhaustion got the better of Terry who looked like he was struggling to stand up straight, let alone run down any shots. John rolled off the next 3 games taking the 5th 9-1.

And let’s not forget about the doubles matches. The DAC have always had issues competing with the BAC on the doubles court. This year was no different. We lost all three of the match-ups, winning only two games total.

We managed to pull out 2 of the last 4 singles matches on the day with strong 3-0 performances by John Birgbauer and Jeff Gembis. However, when it was all said and done, we had lost the Cup 4 matches to 11. A genuine pasting. Congratulations to the BAC, they truly deserved the victory. [Picture: Jeff Gembis (right) with Chad Keesling]

Now, I know I have sounded a little negative here, but this should serve as motivation for our members when we go to the BAC next year and win on their turf. After all, in the spirit of good sportsmanship, we are technically only loaning them the Cup for 12 months. If we keep on thrashing them year after year, they won’t want to play with us after a while, right? But in all seriousness, to truly compete to the level we need to, it is imperative that you get tournament experience. Play people you are not used to playing in venues you aren’t used to playing in. Such variety goes a long, long way.

EVER WATCHED A PRO? NOW’S YOUR CHANCE…

“The Pros are coming! The Pros are coming!” For those of you who need inspiration, or tips on how to play ‘real’ squash, or are simply curious, the Motor City Open hosted by the Birmingham Athletic Club will be running from January 26 to the 31st. This first class professional squash tournament will feature some of the world’s best players fighting over ranking points and a total purse of $50,000.

The seeding for this event was taken from the December rankings despite it being played in January. So, even though world number 12, Dutchman LJ Anjema, is this year’s top seeded player, two higher ranked players are seeded 2 and 3. They are, Egyptian Mohammed El Shorbagy ranked 9 (who turns 20 next week) and Aussie Cameron Pilley ranked 11. I’m not too sure it even matters. All of the 11 players that went straight into the main draw are ranked inside the top 30. They are all good. Very good.

And so are the qualifiers. Fourteen of the sixteen are ranked between 31 and 62. The other two are American – Chris Gordon ranked 72 and Graham Bassett ranked 190. Chris and Graham received ‘local’ spots to get into the draw.

I decided not to play this year. The BAC was very generous in offering me ‘local’ spot into the qualifying, but without the necessary training and match practice required there is no way I would be able last more than half a game. Even with the necessary preparation required, with the quality of field that will be turning up, anything other than a 3-0 spanking would be a miracle. BAC squash pro Julian Wellings has the ‘wild card’ for the event which means he has a free ticket into the main draw. He will be playing one of the qualifiers in the first round.

This is a golden opportunity. Being able to watch a world class squash match is a rarity in Detroit. I encourage you to make the effort and buy a ticket: go and get inspired. You need to contact Julian for all prices and availability if you would like to experience these incredible athletes in person. E-mail him at jwellings@bacmi.com or call (248) 646-5050.

SLUGGISH START

Boasters League Round 1~~

I was hoping for a more active beginning to the second half, but maybe people were still in ‘Holiday Mode’. It almost seemed as if players were more interested in collecting their bonus point and getting their customary beer, rather than actually playing the match. While, yes, the bonus is important, believe it or not, so is playing!

Still, 14 matches were completed on the night with another 6 matches that were played early. Except for “Delta Force” who had the bye, the matches were pretty evenly spread across the teams. After one week, it is next to impossible to make any predictions, so all I can say is make sure you turn up on Wednesday and make sure you play your matches. The current standings probably mean little for now, but it is easier not to play catch-up and have to scramble during the final couple of weeks. Remember, the last three teams will be eliminated for the play-offs, so don’t get lazy!

A number of yesterday’s matches were close. Al Iafrate (“Speed Ballers”) surprised me (I have to admit) with an excellent victory over Andy Adamo (“Threepeat”) 2-1; Bob Rogers (“Winky-Dinks”) who moved up to #3, lost 2-1 to Jay Poplawski (“Mongoose”); two new faces in the league squared off with Sante Fratarcangeli (“Threepeat”) beating Jason Massey (“Speed Ballers”) 2-1. I can’t mention all the 2-1 results of course, but there were also some tight matches played even though the score line was 3-0. I watched Julie Henry (“The Underdogs”) battle Tom Bergh (“Mr. Daniels Walking”) and while Tom won all three games, the points were close and both players were puffing hard. The photo is from their match.

Next week, round 2 on January 12 is also the Second Dividend night. If you plan on attending it, then make sure you get your match in early. Either way, come on down and enjoy the free eats and drinks! That’s motivation enough, surely!

THE SQUASH POET #4

Did you make a New Year’s Resolution for 2011? I guess most of us have something that we vow to work on, a bad habit we promise to break, a character defect we endeavor to improve, some weakness we strive to strengthen… Well, hopefully you’ll have more luck sticking to it than The Squash Poet...

The New Year turned I set my sights
Of reaching the stratosphere of squash world heights
Up through the ranks my meteoritic rise
Will turn all heads and boggle all eyes
Nothing would stop me from my ambition
Of blasting away all competition
So watch out for me and before you know it
You’ll be paying to watch the illustrious “Squash Poet”!

The Squash Poet


Resolution Evolution

Starting on January 1, I vow…
To never put myself through the terror
Of continuously hitting unforced errors
No more hitting out and no more hitting tin
Every time I make contact, the ball will be in
When I’m game ball up, I will not choke
By hitting back to myself giving away the stroke
I won’t whiff or carry or hit the ball twice,
And I promise to heed my squash pro’s advice.

Starting on January 1, I vow…
To practice and practice and practice some more
And learn how to ref and learn how to score
I’ll watch Ramy Ashour and copy his skill
Just swing my racquet and hit the nick at will
I’ll work on my fitness and pump all the weights
Be known as the squash player that just dominates
Never will I succumb to the pain of defeat
As I turn myself into a mega-athlete!

Starting on January 1, I vow…
To discipline myself of body and of mind
So I could still win even if I was blind
Become so focused with resolute concentration
Execute each stroke with perfect calculation
Crowds will go wild from the magic I’ll weave
I’ll rewrite the record books with what I’ll achieve
2010 will disappear without sorrow
As my quest to conquer the squash world starts tomorrow!

Starting on January 3, I vow…
To stop being so ignorant, was the Hell was I thinking?
I wasn’t told do to this, I would have to stop drinking!
And it’s not like playing squash will make you that famous
Especially with my mental restraint of a fat ignoramus
Apart from the fact my technique is so dire
And I’m way past the time when I should have retired
I guess in 2011 I won’t break any frontiers
But I’ll be sure to take it seriously at the start of next year!

Happy New Year!

The Squash Poet

SQUASH SHOTS VIII

The “Mickies” Awards for 2010

It’s been a wonderful year. We managed to win a Cross Border Challenge versus Windsor in April (only to have it ripped unmercifully away from us in September!), we won the Farris Cup versus the BAC again, the DAC Classic has swelled to absurd proportions, and we had more people grace the squash courts than in any other year for the past decade. Spectacular moments in time were captured on film, and from these I have filtered through to a select few worth sharing and hand out utterly pointless awards. Please enjoy the “2010 DAC Squash Mickies”!

The “Look What You Missed Out On” award goes to… the entire DAC Squash membership (except Justin Winkelman, Robert Welch and Anthony Fracchia)!

While the above named members and I spent a February weekend in Toledo playing a tournament, we were treated to some extra special service. These lovely ladies were hired to serve all the players beer for the Friday night at the club. And what a magnificent job they did! There pouring abilities were second to none, never did I see them spill a drop. And I can assure you, I was watching them very closely! If this doesn’t motivate you to play Toledo next year, then nothing will!


The “Now You See Me, Now You Don’t” award goes to… Julie Anne Smith!

For one of the shortest DAC membership stints I can remember, Julie Anne joined the club in August this year and is sadly already waving bye-bye. No club likes to lose any squash players – especially female squash players – but once again work is getting in the way of pleasure. Julie Anne will be starting up a new job in Chicago starting early 2011. It was a delight to have known you – even it was for only four months. We know you’ll miss the DAC but to make you feel at home, the corruption in the Windy City is just as bad if not worse as it is in Detroit, and on the bright side, at least in Chicago you’ll have some sporting franchises worth rooting for.



The “Did You See That?” award goes to… Mark Allen!

Our DAC president certainly did! Ken Katz looks despondently on, as Mark Allen [pictured left] pulls out one of his three first half Boasters League wins. Every week, Mark questions his abilities to keep up with his opponents but manages to have very close contests anyway. The match against Ken was the only result that ended up 3-0, all other 7 scores were 2-1 (or 1-2).

First runner-up… Rick Florka! [pictured right]And to answer the question, Rick – Yes, we did see it. But I don’t know why you wanted us to. You lost that rally.



The “I Wonder What it Is?” award goes to… Anthony Fracchia!

After taking the honors in this year’s Holiday Tournament, Anthony had first crack at the gift table full of wrapped gifts. Without hesitation, he bee-lined it for the bottle of ‘Grey Goose’. I guess the lad not only knows his booze, he’s knows the shape of his booze too! His wide-eyed look here isn’t fooling anyone. A proud moment for Anthony to be sure – practically as proud as the moment when he almost broke his leg with his own racquet showboating between matches during the same event.

THE BUDDIES BEER BATTLE!

Offer it and they will come… Once again the allure of free beer is not unlike those insects that are attracted into the dazzling light….ZAP!! Except of course we don’t electrocute our members. With 32 registrations the Beer Challenge went through hitch free and just like last year, the “Celebrity Keg Match” kept the audience engrossed until the final point. We’ll get to that match later.

Even though there wasn’t any significance to any of the other matches (other than having it entered into the on-line ranking), all the members played hard. Pride can be just a big a motivator as anything else and I am sure most of them want to feel like they at least ‘deserve’ the beers they guzzle afterwards! I am of course not including those members that also guzzled before they stepped on court. Each player was placed on one of two teams where just like individual results, which team won was irrelevant.

The closest match of the evening was Paul Flanagan and David Pontes. Paul took a 2-0 lead before David came back hard. So hard in fact, he clobbered Paul in the third game with his racquet which rattled him enough to give up the final 3 games. I guess if you can’t win by outplaying them, may as well take them out! (It was an accident.) Paul was left without serious harm or lingering affects as far as I could tell, but it could have been that the beer had numbed the pain by that stage.

In other exciting action, [pictured right] Ken MacDonald took down Mike Petix 3-1 and these two had some rallies which threw the crowd into a tizzy. At one stage, Mike was in complete control of a point, had hit the ball deep behind Ken who reacted by turning 180 degrees blind, swinging his racquet around in a ‘Hail Mary’ fashion, connected, which sent a stunned (if not horrified) Mike racing off to fetch it… and eventually losing the rally. Ken will be talking to his grandkids about that one. Mike, I suspect, will not.


[Picture: Pat Petz before the big bout]
Which (sort of) brings us to the match of the evening, our guest celebrities, Pat Petz versus Rich Stimson. These two very good friends have been known on occasion to have slight disagreements on court when it comes to ‘let’ calls. (Which is of course the reason I asked them to play this “win-or-pay-up” match!) The loser would have to pay for the keg everyone was enjoying. With so much on the line, action was guaranteed.

The first game went Rich’s way. Pat didn’t look as warmed up or as sharp as he needed to be, nor could he find the length required to keep Rich from out of the front corners. Too many drops and with a few unforced errors thrown in, Rich took the game 9-4. The second game had the same score line and the same winner. However, even though Pat didn’t score more points, he looked more competitive in the rallies. Nonetheless, a 2-0 game deficit would be tough to come back from…

… Then, without warning, the secret weapon was unveiled…! Flashes of gold reflected through the court area as Pat unwrapped his Black Knight Ion Storm racquet amid the “ooohs!” and “aaahs” of the mesmerized on-lookers. Surely, this would save the day!

The third game started.

Exactly the same as the last two finished.

With Rich winning.

The weapon wasn’t working! But wait… at 5-8 match-ball down things suddenly started to change. The magical powers of the Ion Storm had begun to penetrate Rich. He was becoming shaky, flat-footed, tin-happy. A miraculous come-from-the-dead recovery had Pat taking the game 10-8. And it continued into the fourth. Quickly Pat established a 4-0 lead. But the power was waning. Rich was getting a second wind. He caught up and the two went point for point to 8-all. In a desperation move, Pat called set-one. Do-or-die. Could this be another Hollywood ending? Errr, no. He died. Rich took the final rally on a well placed drop shot and saved himself the cost of the keg. [Picture: Post match hand shake... pucker-up gentleman!]

On a completely immaterial side-note, Rich’s win also helped his team to an 8-7 victory. All joking aside, the match was played in excellent spirits, both players exuding tremendous sportsmanship. Special thanks to Ryan Bendzinski who I dumped the unenviable task of refereeing the match on! And also to all who took part to make the evening a lot of fun – I hope you appreciated Pat’s generosity!

PREPARING FOR ANOTHER COLOSSAL CLASSIC

DAC Squash Classic: February 3-6

The crème de la crème of tournaments! Here we go with another HUGE DAC Squash Classic! As always, we aim to improve ourselves from year to year but unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on which way you look at it!) we have maxed out on the amount of entries we can accept. Over the four days, our courts can only handle a total of 145 players. From that, there are also a couple maximum breakdowns and restrictions to take note of:

• Maximum 40 doubles teams spread over the 3 categories
• Maximum 16 teams in any one doubles draw
• Any player in registering for the Doubles ‘A’ draw is NOT permitted to play in the Doubles ‘C’ draw, regardless of partner.
• Maximum 32 players in any one singles draw
• Maximum 2 categories per player

Categories include singles from 2.5 to 5.5, and A, B, C Doubles. Any player registering after any criteria has been filled will be placed down as a sub.

Because of the enormous amount of matches, players MUST make themselves available to play during the following times:

• For players in the Detroit area, including Windsor and Toledo:
o Thursday, February 3: 4pm to 11pm
o Friday, February 4: 3pm – midnight
o Saturday, February 5: 8am – 8pm
o Sunday, February 6: 8am – 4pm

• For players outside the Detroit area:
o Friday, February 4: 3pm – midnight
o Saturday, February 5: 8am – 8pm
o Sunday, February 6: 8am – 4pm

It doesn’t mean you will be playing that early or that late, but it is imperative that you organize your schedule in case you do. With a full court schedule of matches, rearranging times is virtually impossible. Please be flexible.

The basic entry fee is $115 this year. But we have added an extra luxury for the players. An exclusive “Players Lounge” will be available for all entrants to use located on level 3 (same level as the locker rooms). All meals (except the Saturday dinner / dance) will be set up in the “Players Lounge”. Take note that the “Players Lounge” is for the players only, not friends and family members. If you have a guest who wishes to partake in any of the meals, they can do so for a fee (which varies depending on the meal).

Just like every successful tournament, the DAC Classic would not function without the wonderful support and generosity from our major sponsors. Please take the time to read the list and to thank them over the weekend:
• Skidmore Inc. – Patrick Petz
• Smith Barney – Sean Moran
• Maverick – Jim Stroh
• Corbet, Shaw, Essad & Tucciarone – Bruce Shaw
• SVS Vision – Ken Stann
• Metropolitan Baking Co. – George Kordas
• AARO Companies – Tom Fabbri
• Adlhoch & Associates – Scott Adlhoch
• Outrigger Imagine – Joe Schaden
• Kowalski Sausages – Mike Kowalski
• Holloway – Mike Doyle

One last mention must go to our friends from London, Ontario. I have been receiving regular enquiries for 12 months now – since the end of the previous Classic - from many of their members requesting to sign up early. One of them wanted me to put him in the event automatically for the next umpteen years! While it is unfair to take early registrations, I absolutely appreciate the loyalty and support they have had - and are still showing. Word of mouth advertising for this tournament is the reason it has grown to what it is and a major part of that advertising can be attributed to the Londoners. Thank you.

Registration closes on Friday, January 21. Click on the entry form for all the details. Only entries with payment will be accepted. Hope you can make it!

TRIPLE DIGITS WITH YOUR DOUBLES PARTNER

Pick you partner carefully… and quickly! The Doubles 100 Tournament has one stipulation: the combined ages of you and your partner must add up to at least 100. There is an ‘A’ draw and a ‘B’ draw to choose from but going by last year’s results, the matches were very tight in both categories.

Bob Thibodeau and Bowden Brown have won the ‘A’ draw 2 out of the last 3 years, and were finalists in the year they didn’t win, so if these two get together again – as I suspect they will - they will be the team to beat. Andy Housey and Joe Moran won the ‘B’ draw and may be looking to retain that title too although their winning run last year wasn’t terribly easy.

The draws will be released on Tuesday, January 11. The registration deadline is Friday, January 7. You must sign up with a partner, so start hunting…! All matches will be best of 5 games, no consolation draw. Each match will have a completion deadline. It is the players’ responsibility to get the match played within the deadline or risk being forfeited. The winners of each category will receive a special ordered shirt with their names stitched on them.

NO STOPPING “THREEPEAT”

Boasters League 1st Half Final Standings~~

Close, but no cigar. Three teams were within striking distance of “Threepeat” as the deadline approached and at one stage between the final round and Sunday “Winky-Dinks” were actually in the lead, but apparently Pat Petz’s lucky charm is still working it’s magic as his team managed to score some vital last minute points to secure the first half victory.

All nine teams did well over the final 10 days making up matches and collecting significant points. However, the biggest mover in the last round was “Delta Force” as they jumped from 5th to 3rd and ended up only 8 points behind the leaders. Overall, team scoring was well up as compared to previous seasons, although some of that could be attributed to the fact we have more players in the league.

Here are some interesting statistics for the first half:
• The 8th and 9th teams on the standings were by far the least bonus point getters. Funny how that always seems to work out.
• “Winky-Dinks” had the most bonus points – 64. That’s 8 more than the next best “Speedballers”.
• Nine players received the maximum 8 bonus points. Three of those players came from the “Speedballers”, and three from the “Winky-Dinks”.
• Six players did not pick up any bonus points at all.
• Not one team managed to complete all 12 matches in any round. Only four times were 11 matches completed.
• 75% of total matches were played in the first half. An average of 12 matches per round were not completed out of a total of 48. Round 3 had the most amount of matches played with 39.
• 21 players completed all 8 of their matches – great effort! Team “Mongoose” had 5 of them.
• Only one team did not have any player play all 8 matches.
• Of those 21 players, no one went through undefeated. (That’s a first, I believe!)

One of the incentives this season to get more people to play their matches was to announce an “All Star” team at the end of the season. The “All Stars” would be the players with the most points – including bonus points and referee clinic point - overall at their respective level at the end of the season in March (not including finals). Each “All Star” will receive a stitched shirt with their name on it. Players will carry over their first half season total to the second half regardless if they move up of down. The current leaders in the “All Star” team are as follows:
1. Paul Ward ("Speedballers")
2. Brien Baker ("Winky-Dinks")
3. Mike Petix ("Delta Force")
4. Bob Rogers ("Winky Dinks")
5. James Van Dyke ("Courts and Pints")
6. Jordan Ellis ("Delta Force")
7. Justin Winkelman (Winky-Dinks")
8. Tom Healy ("Threepeat")
9. Chuck Doyle ("Threepeat")
10. Anil Kathuria ("Winky Dinks" - leads league with 28 points ) [Pictured right]
11. Ted Mabley ("Delta Force")
12. Niko Ahee ("Threepeat")
If all these players were on the one team, that team would have accumulated 276 points!

The second half of the season starts on January 5. After the teams have been adjusted, it should be a very competitive season considering that the last 3 teams will be eliminated for the finals and the top 2 teams will receive a first round ‘bye’. Up until then, have a great holiday season, get practicing, and try to stay on Santa’s nice list!

GOING FOR OUR 6TH FARRIS CUP

The longer our winning streak against the BAC lasts, the harder it becomes to maintain it. Even though we have the home court advantage this year, I am expecting a strong contingent to be challenging us at every turn. No easy matches.

This, the 7th running of the Farris Cup, is turning into a wonderful rivalry between the DAC and BAC. The event is scheduled for Saturday, January 8 at the DAC. Matches will be starting at 9.30am. All the competitors on the DAC team either won or reached the final in the 2010 Club Championships and just to tell you how much people want to play, every singles player who qualified made themselves available to represent – all 12 of them.

The three doubles matches are selected differently. The ‘A’ match still comes from the Club Championships results, but the ‘B’ match and the ‘Senior’ team are hand-picked by the DAC team captain, George Haggarty.

George, along with his long time friend from the BAC, Walter Oehrlein, created this competition in honor of another long-time friend of theirs, John C. Farris. John was a squash addict who promoted squash unrelentingly in the Detroit area. He sadly passed away in 2004.

Naturally, you are all invited to watch and support our members as fight to retain the Cup. At the conclusion of the matches, there is a coat and tie luncheon where the presentation takes place. You are also invited to join us for the luncheon (RSVP is a must) at a cost of $15 ++ per person.

DAC Representatives:

Captain: George Haggarty

Arnaud Mangin - James Van Dyke - Brien Baker
Matt DiDio - Jeff Gembis - Matt Jarboe
Scott Adlhoch - Paul Ward - John Rakolta
Peter Shumaker - Kirk Haggarty - John Birgbauer
Peter Logan - Mike Eugenio - Bob Thibodeau
Bowden Brown - Stu Boynton - Sandy MacDonald