FEBRUARY 2007 ISRA SQUASH SMATTERINGS

 

In this issue:

? 2007 ISRA State Junior Championship, March 3-4

? 2007 ISRA State Singles, March 23-25

? Infor Windy City Open

? Local Notes  

? METROSquash Update

2007 ISRA State Junior Championship, March 3-4, 2007

The event, sponsored by the racket company, Tecnifibre, will be held at the Lake Forest Recreation Center. Play will be in USSRA Sanctioned Boys and Girls Divisions covering U19, U17, U15, U13, U11. Registration closes February 23rd and information can be obtained from kstunney@yahoo.com or on-line registration at www.illinoissquash.org.

2007 ISRA State Singles, March 23-25

The other upcoming major local tournament is the State Singles open to the worldwide squash community … last year included visitors from Australia , Holland and Canada ! This US Squash sanctioned event will benefit METROsquash. The event will be held at the Lakeshore Athletic Club at the Illinois Center … thanks Imran. Expect the usual prizes, refreshments and drinks. Sign up will be available on the ISRA web site, www.illinoissquash.org, later this month. So mark this down in your calendars.

Infor Windy City Open

Congratulations to the University Club for the best amateur and professional tournament in the US . How could you not be amazed by the athleticism and speed of the best players in the world? The location in the U Club makes for the best possible stage on which to hold this world-leading event. No wonder you could count on only one hand those top 50 players not in Chicago in the later part of January. As ever, after such success, we are all wondering how John Flanigan and his team will again out do themselves in 2008. Don’t forget to put the WCO on your calendar (January 17-22) next year…and don’t miss it.

Local Happenings of Note

The Northwestern University men’s team continues to strengthen their position in college squash. Did you know that they have been Big Ten Champs for the last 6 years! A challenging East Coast schedule has helped to develop their players in a way that local competition could never do. Congratulations and special mention goes to local player (well quad cities) Ed Gadient who is making a name for himself at #1. We look forward to seeing some of their team in local competition when their varsity schedule allows.

The inter club league for 4 to 5 ranked players concluded at the Lakeshore Club Illinois Center on January 13th with the Chicago Suburbs team squeaking out a victory over the host club team in the final match. Again 60 matches were played in 4 hours, followed by drinks and merriment. This is the way league play should be…competitive but more importantly, fun. Congratulations for the third year in a row to Richard Cobb and his Chicago Suburbs team. 6 teams competed in the league that took place on 4 Saturdays from October to January. Thanks to the University Club and Illinois Center for hosting these matches.

METROsquash Update – “METROsquash with Sue”

This urban squash and education program has expanded and doubled in size to serve 24 fifth and sixth graders from three schools. If you wish to volunteer, make a donation or help in any way go to their web site, www.metrosquash.org. Make a date to “METROsquash with Sue” at the Field Museum October 11th and 12th. For the first time in recorded history, a glass court will be installed in a museum right next to Sue the T-Rex! During this two day event, over 1000 CPS students will be introduced to the game of squash and the wonders of the Field Museum . The evening programming will include the Finals of the US Pro Squash Series and exhibitions with Jonathon Power and Peter Nicol. This is a great opportunity to entertain clients, see some great squash in a premier venue and support a growing after-school program! To learn more, contact info@metrosquash.org.

Please Join the ISRA/USSRA!

Don't forget, all current and past ISRA/USSRA members are able to check the status of their membership at our web site Illinois Squash by clicking "Members Area" on the upper left and then clicking "View Current ISRA Membership List". Should you find that your membership has expired, rejoining is as simple as clicking "Secure Online Membership Sign-up", we accept most major credit cards. Note that all renewing members also go through the “new members” screen.

Brian Horwood

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