(Top Photo: Canadian national champion, Andrew Schnell, digging a tight shot out of the back corner in a match against Pakistan’s Shahajan Khan).
Some 30 or so years ago I discovered the sport of squash. I had been playing racquetball and someone suggested that squash was actually a better game. I won’t get into that discussion but let’s just say I made the transition and absolutely loved it. I was playing three or four times a week and while I can’t say I became very proficient at it I can say with certainty that I was probably in the best shape of my life. Alas, two hip replacements ended my “career” and I had to change to a less vigorous form of exercise like watching others play the game I loved and then spending 25 minutes on an elliptical machine. It’s not quite the same. But I digress. I’m so happy to see that squash is alive and well in Lethbridge and there is an exciting tournament coming to the Lethbridge College in March. I reached out to the Lethbridge Squash Association and member Greg Pyle provides us with the answers to these questions:
Talk about the upcoming squash tournament and the quality of players that are coming.
This is the second annual Lethbridge ProAm Squash Tournament hosted by Lethbridge College and sponsored by Scotia Mcleod/Charlton & Hill, and other local sponsors as part of the Professional Squash Association’s World Tour. The main event features 16 professional squash players from 11 countries, including three Canadian players. Our top-seeded player is ranked #53 in the world. The top 9 players are all within the world’s top 100 squash players. Last year’s winner was 18 year-old Leonel Cardenas (ranked 101 in the world) from Mexico, who will return this year to defend his title.
(Leonel Cardenas (MEX) being awarded the tournament championship trophy. Left to right: Rob Baird (President, LSA), Ryan Boorsma (VP LSA, Event Coordinator), Dr. Paula Burns (President, Lethbridge College), Leonel Cardenas.)
In addition to the professional tournament, we will simultaneously host an amateur tournament of about 60 players from all across southern Alberta. Amateur athletes of all skill levels are encouraged to register and compete in the tournament. Just as our amateur players cheer on the pros playing on the next court, the pros are often seen cheering on our amateurs.
How was last year’s event received?
Last year’s tournament was a resounding success by every measure. It was great to see the community come together to support our inaugural tournament. The professional players were generous with their time, and engaging with amateur players and audience members alike.
How big is squash in Lethbridge?
Squash has had a long presence in Lethbridge, dating back to the old squash league at the YMCA. The Lethbridge Squash Association is actively developing our local squash community. We currently have two leagues at the Lethbridge College courts; a ladder league with about 30 active players, and a box ladder league with about 70 players. Both leagues are co-ed, and our players range from beginners to advanced.
Why do this?
Those of us in the local squash community are passionate about our sport. Like anyone with a passion, we want to share it with others in the hope of building our community and a general interest in squash. What better way is there to build interest in something than to bring in world-class talent? So far, our experience with the professional players is that they exemplify a competitive spirit, sportsmanship, camaraderie, and good will. We also hope to spark interest in young, junior players who can carry on our squash legacy well after most of us old-timers hang up our racquets.
(Leonel Cardenas (MEX) against Charles Sharpes (ENG) in the final match.)
When you look at the world ranking of squash players, where do they come from?
Squash is truly an international sport. Top-ranking players come from countries all over the world, including both developed and developing countries. Right now, Egypt seems to be dominating the sport. Four of the top five male players, and three of the top five female players are Egyptian. In fact, the top-seeded player in our tournament is from Egypt (Omar Abdel Meguid; world #53). However, squash is not like other sports that tend to be dominated by one or two countries in the medium- to long-term. Many other countries have been represented among the top professional ranks. Canada’s Jonathon Power was world #1 in 1999.
Overall, there are currently 20 million squash players world-wide in 185 countries. Squash is regularly featured at the Commonwealth Games, the Asian Games, and the Pan-Am Games. However, it is not yet an Olympic sport, despite numerous bids (the last one of which narrowly failed in 2013 for inclusion in the 2020 Olympics in favour of wrestling). One of the reasons for its popularity is because of its reputation as the top sport for getting in shape and staying fit (see https://www.forbes.com/2003/09/30/cx_ns_1001featslide.html#7f8dd1a45ba6).
Any ideas on how to make squash more popular?
Internationally, squash is already popular. Because glass courts are mobile, famous squash tournaments are played in iconic locations, like the base of the Egyptian pyramids or in New York’s Grand Central Terminal. Locally, we saw a marked increase league registrations after our first professional tournament. The Lethbridge Squash Association is working on other initiatives to grow the sport more close to home, such as the development of a junior program, squash clinics, and referee workshops.
Are kids getting any opportunities to play squash in schools?
Yes. Some schools introduce squash as part of a multi-sport introduction in their physical education program. The LSA is working with a number of local schools to encourage more young people to pick up squash.
What’s the viewing area like when fans come out to watch?
For the professional tournament, all matches are played on a single court for which there is upper- and lower-level seating. The upper viewing area is where the referees are positioned to get a birds-eye view of the play, and is equipped with bench seating. Chairs are brought into the lower level on a platform for court-side viewing through the clear glass back wall of the court. Amateur matches can be viewed on the second court from either the upper or lower levels. A third court hosting amateur matches can only be viewed in the lower level.
What do you love about playing squash?
Elite-level squash is an essay in physical efficiency; players minimize their movements while maximizing the distances they travel in order to get to the ball. At the same time, they have to consider strategies for either maintaining a rally, defending against an attack, or initiating an attack of their own. I, however, am not an elite-level player. My challenge as an aging player is to constantly strive to improve my on-court efficiency and accuracy in my hitting. The physical challenge, fitness benefits, and social interaction are what I love most about the sport.
Where do we get tickets and how much are they?
Tickets for the tournament can be purchased at the door for $30 for the event or $20 per day.
Final thoughts?
The second annual Lethbridge ProAm Squash Tournament 2019 will be held between March 21 – 24, 2019 at Lethbridge College. Registration details for the amateur tournament will be released shortly on our Facebook page (search @TheLethbridgeSquashAssociation) and through other social media.
Mark Boogieman 