Squash Central On-Line Debuts

Welcome to the first and inaugural issue of Squash Central On-Line, the new on-line version of Squash Central. Faced with the rising cost and difficulty in getting volunteers to work on a print version, the NNJSRA Board has decided to go electronic and transmit its newsletter via the internet like many other organizations such as the USSRA and Metropolitan Squash Racquets Association. Aside from saving the cost of printing and mailing, the new version will enable the Board to communicate in a much more timely fashion; rather than the past three times per year schedule, we hope to deliver the newsletter monthly in season. Each issue will also include a link to a pdf version of the newsletter that will be print-friendly for those members that prefer a hard copy. As always, contributions in the form of articles, from a simple blurb to a longer article covering events, club news, people news, etc. or pictures, are encouraged, and may be sent to squashcentral@nnjsra.org or nnjsra@aol.com.

We hope you enjoy Squash Central On-Line and welcome any input or suggestions.

Announcement: Annual Awards Banquet

NNJSRA

Annual Awards Reception and Dinner

Short Hills Club

Friday, May 12, 2006

6:30 P.M.

Buffet Dinner

Beer and Wine Included

$45.00 per NNJSRA member and guest, $55.00 for non-members, $35.00 for Juniors under 19

The NNJSRA has now established Friday, May 12 as the date of the 2005-2006 Annual Meeting and Awards Reception, to be held at the Short Hills Club. League awards including plaques and MVP will be presented for all divisions. A formal invitation and proxy has been mailed. Please hold the date and return the proxy when received.

Join your teammates and other NNJSRA squash friends for an evening of celebration, good food, presentation of awards and possible door prize drawings. If you have not yet signed up, it’s not too late, you can email NNJSRA@aol.com for details.

NORTHERN NEW JERSEY

SQUASH RACQUETS

ASSOCIATION

Squash Central

Editorial and subscription offices:

Squash Central

c/o NNJSRA

9 Windermere Terrace

Short Hills, NJ 07078

Website: www.nnjsra.org

Email: President@nnjsra.org

Editor: SquashCentral@nnjsra.org

Correspondence

Please address letters to the editor, tips, requests, other correspondence, as well as subscriptions, membership information, and other NNJSRA–related questions to the address above. The Northern New Jersey Squash Racquets Association reserves the right, with respect to submissions and letters to the editor, to revise, republish, and edit any received materials. Squash Central welcomes all letters to the editor. Statements appearing and opinions expressed in articles, columns and other materials contained in this newsletter are those of the various authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Association, its trustees or officers.

About the NNJSRA

The NNJSRA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the sport of squash in the Northern New Jersey area.

David L. Kerr III, President

Larry Klink, Vice President

Michael Barnet, Vice President

Avrin Slatkin, Secretary

Anne S. Mandal, Treasurer

Squash Central is published periodically throughout the year by the Northern New Jersey Squash Racquets Association.

Prices: Annual NNJSRA membership $55 (Juniors—$45). USSRA membership and Squash Central are included in membership.

http://mitchellsquash.com/2006%20N.J.%20State%20Championships.htm

2006 NEW JERSEY STATES
NNJSRA Squash Tournament
June 2-4

Location:The Chatham Club, 484 Southern Blvd. Chatham, NJ

Flights: N.J. Pro, 5.5 (A), 4.5 (B), 3.5 (C), 2.5 (D), Women's 2.5 (C/D)

Age Divisions: 40+, 50+, 60+, Bu17, Bu13, Gu17, Gu13

**Matches for large draws may begin as early as Friday June 2nd. at 5:00 P.M.**

Entry Deadline: Friday May 26^th. At this time there will be a waiting list.

Tournament Chair: Geoff Mitchell E- mail: geoff@mitchellsquash.com

Official Ball: Dunlop XX Yellow Dot softball

Eye Protection: ALL PLAYERS MUST wear USSRA approved eye protection.

Amenities:T-shirt. Lunch served Saturday

Entry Fee:$59.00/Divison, $15.00 non-USSRA member, no refunds after May 29^th.

Patron Package $200.- Includes entry plus reserved seating for pro matches.

Information:E-mail entry $5 surcharge:
Email all information on entry form to geoff@mitchellsquash.com
Entry Forms/Directions/Starting Times: www.nnjsra.org
For more info Email geoff@mitchellsquash.com or call (973)377-1900

Consolation: A consolation tournament will be held for first round losers.

Starting Times: Available at website Railstation

Forfeit Rule: A strict 15 min. forfeit rule will be enforced.

Referees:Winners must be prepared to referee the following match.

Ranking:This is a USSRA sanctioned ranking tournament!

Prizes:Prizes for 1st., 2nd., and Consolation Winners

TO SIGN UP FOR THE NJ STATES: ENTRY FORM

by David Kerr

Another season has flashed by and we look forward seeing many of you at the Annual Meeting and Awards Reception scheduled for May 12 at the Short Hills Club. Congratulations to all the winning and finalist teams in their respective divisions, all the final matches were close and very tightly contested. We hope you can attend with team and club-mates to cheer on fellow competitors and accept awards for your team. Whether or not you can attend, please remember to return your proxy form.

We are excited about our new electronic newsletter. We have been frustrated in not having published Squash Central recently, but are excited about Squash Central On-Line which will enable us to report on happenings on the squash scene in a much more timely manner in the future.

Membership in the association continues to grow with about 315 current members compared to around 300 a year ago. We ask all members keep their membership current and encourage their club-mates to join to help promote squash.

Finally, thanks to all the many volunteers this season including all the captains and league chairs that helped the league season run smoothly, contributors to Squash Central, organizers of clinics and tournaments, and those that help promote the game at their individual clubs. The success of our association and squash is built on a foundation of your support.

Update your Profile in RailStation

All members should keep their membership information current and can update their own profile including address, phone and email directly on RailStation. This ensures you will continue to receive all communication from the organization including league information, email announcements, Squash Central and Squash Magazine. To update your information, log in to RailStation, click on Login, then go to My Account. First time users will need your USSRA number, date of birth, and email address and then set a password.

Chatham Eyecare 20/20 Tournament Held at Chatham

by David Funk

The Eye Care 20/20, hosted by the Chatham Club, was a great success. Geoff Mitchell and sponsors, Dr. Cary Silverman, James Laird, Jim Rynar, and Rick Keating put on a wonderful tournament.

Always a good draw, the tournament had over 100 entries this year, the largest ever. And age was not a barrier; the Chatham youth were very willing to sign up and battle against experienced players.

A wonderful aspect of this tournament is how everyone can learn. There was a pro division which provided onlookers with a spectacular display of squash skill and ability. Karim Yehia and Segun Maku played an amazing final with practically the whole club watching. Karim won 3-1.

In all levels, there were great matches and friends made. I, personally, cannot wait for next years Eye Care 20/20 because it means I get to eat some of James Laird's (restaurant Serenade) delicious cooking.

Pat Cosquer and his team of Streetsquash players were in almost every division. Streetsquash player David Nash stormed onto the court in the C division and played fiercely the whole tournament. Indian squash Legend Anil Nayar graced the Chatham Club with his presence and taught a few young players some tricky lessons until running up against David Kerr. The Chatham Club's very own Attila won the A draw but not without some tough matches against Rusty Feldman and Igor Nevistich. And Chatham's Anne Mandal won the Women's Flight without losing a game.

This tournament has become an excellent venue for new comers to the game and for those who have been playing it for years. Overall, it was very well done and I want to thank the Chatham Club for hosting it.

2006 Glidden-MacCracken Tournament

by Michael Scherl

We have a new winner this year to add to our plaque! We had really tough matches this year with a new set of strong players. Lincoln squash pro, Eli Snyder despite oversleeping won a struggle against Jonathan Marmur and then pulled off an upset of Chatham head pro, Geoff Mitchell in a tough four game match after Geoff had over-powered Nick Howard in the first round. Two time champion Paul Arrouet (a bit under the weather) lost his first match ever at the Englewood Field Club! He lost to a resurgent Will Carlin.

In the Sunday semi-final Squash Magazine columnist, Will Carlin came out on fire driving the ball to the back winning 3-0 over Eli Snyder. On the other side of the draw Chatham pro Ian Brown came back after being down 7-2 in two games to outlast Ed Klaris who adjusted to Peter Stern's sharp volleys. Chandy Bramwell was able to keep Nick Monogenis off balance and then dominate Chetan Vig to advance to the semi-final against Ian Brown. This set up a match between two long term well known competitors who put on an amazing show. In a true match of shot making, shooting and front-court play. Ian Brown beat Chandy Bramwell 9-7 in the 5th!

In the finals the points were exciting and hard-fought. Will Carlin chased down Ian Brown's drop shots and Ian handled Will's deep drives to the corners. In a see-saw match that finally reached 7-7 in the 5th Will Carlin outlasted Ian Brown and won the two final points to capture the title. Congratulations to Will our new Glidden MacCracken champion for 2006 and also to Ian on a really fun and competitive final. Congratulations to Nick Howard on his triumph over Nick Monogenis in the consolation final. A special thanks to both Stephen Cacouris on serving admirably as the official scorer and Gary Bloore for his behind the scenes work. I thank all for competing hard and displaying exceptionally good
sportsmanship.

2006 Sy Perkins Junior Tournament Held at Chatham Club
by Linsey Hyde, reprinted from Independent Press

“Squash is a great teacher, so give back to the game more than you receive from it.”  These were the words spoken by Seymour Perkins in whose name the Sy Perkins Squash Tournament was held on February 17-19 at the Chatham Club.  The Club hosted this highly competitive tournament which drew over two-hundred players ages 19 and under from areas all over the northeast, including New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut.

The tournament was organized by Geoff Mitchell, director of the squash program at the Chatham Club. The Short Hills Club was also used as a resource for courts.  All of the participants showed an excellence in athleticism, sportsmanship, and a commitment to the game of squash that was necessary to compete at the tournament level.  

The boys U11 winner was Nicholas Bowe from Brooklyn. Anne Ballaine, from Brooklyn won girls U13 level, and Nicholas Greaves-Tunnell from Pittsford, New York won the boys U13s.   Haley Mendez and Jack Ervasti from Brookyn, took first for the girls U15 and boys U15 respectively.  Also from Brooklyn, Olivia Blanchford, achieved first place for the girls U17 age level.  Brian Cody from Rye New York won the boys U17 age group.  Rusty Feldman from Short Hills, New Jersey came in first place for the boys U19.  

In an interview, Olivia Blanchford, who at the age of 13 won the girls U17 age group, commented, "The tournament was a good one because I played a lot of tough matches.  I loved the competitiveness of this tournament."  Olivia’s enthusiasm for squash was evident when she added, "I love the game so much, its just so much fun to play.”  Her advice for getting good at squash is a lot of practice and "ghosting", where you do not play with the ball but continue to swing using the correct format and foot movements. Annie Ballaine, winner of the girls U13 age group added, "You have to be smart and place the ball well." Lexi Sandres who came in 4th in the girls U17 had this advice, "If you don’t play squash, start."
 

All of the games were intense and highly competitive. In the boys U15 finals, Jack Evasti from Brooklyn played R.J. Keating from Short Hills, New Jersey.  The acute level of the match continued ceaselessly for five games, ending with Jack taking first place.  R.J. had a unapologetic attitude when saying, "Jack had a pretty strong forehand, so it was tough to play him on that side." However, R.J. said, "My drop shots were on and so were my lobs, which was pretty important because Jack is pretty tall." R.J is coached by Atilla Agh of the Chatham Club and plays squash for Delbarton. The overwhelming talent and sportsmanship the athletes possessed and the effort of a group of pros and players headed by program director Geoff Mitchell is what made this tournament so successful.

The Chatham Club is fortunate to have the Mitchell Squash program, which has the reputation for producing the old fashioned “sportsman” armed with the best modern skills. Founded in 1990, the program focuses on providing the best possible squash education for players of all ages and abilities.  For the past 12 years, Mitchell Squash has helped many young New Jersey squash athletes attain national rankings.  Over fifty junior athletes have graduated from Mitchell Squash to play for top college

2006 NNJSRA League Championships

NNJSRA League finals concluded on April 2^nd 2006 at the Chatham Club. Definitely a different look to the finals this year with newcomers and upstarts performing well. These were the results:

A/B League

Wa
yne 1 vs.Valkyrie

League newcomer and underdog Valkyrie defeats #1 seeded Wayne 1. Hamilton Shippee beat an undefeated Raul Gupta in the #2 slot in the decider.

1 Hany Zaky 3 Roman Bicej 0

2 Rahul Gupta 2 Hamilton Shippee 3

3 Michael Bain 2 Scott Marcantonio 3

C League

Ric
ochet vs.Englewood

#1 Seed Englewood holds off strong challenge from Ricochet club. The decider was at the #2 slot with the match of the day come from behind victory by Bloore over Belani.

1 Rajan S. Venkataramany 0 Sinan Aktar 3

2 Deepak Belani 2 Gary Bloore 3

3 Puneet Ralhan 3 Jeffrey Russell 0

D League

Englewood vs. Wayne

1 Michael Legg3 Norman Feit 0

2 Doug Powell1 David Weiss 3

3 Nick McKee 0 Mark Feinkind3

2005 NNJSRA League Championships

NNJSRA League finals concluded on April 10th 2005 at the Chatham Club. These were the results.

A/B - Montclair 2 v Chatham 1

1 Default 0 Achenbach 3 - Default
2 J. Dolan 3 Buckley 2 - 7, (4), (2), 3, 2
3 P. Nolan 0 Cisneros 3 - 7, 2, 1

C - Wayne v Englewood

1 Manley 3 Kurth 0 - 10-8, 2, 4
2 Louer 0 Bloore 3 - 10-8, 6, 5
3 Cosmi 3 Russell 1 - 3, 9-10, 3, 10-8
League Chair's Match of the Day.

D - Wayne v Montclair 2

1 Werner 3 M. Nolan 0 - 4, 1, 1
2 Green 1 P. Nolan 3 - 7, (4), 4, 5
3 Weiss 0 Z. Fagin 3 - 5, 2, 5

NNJSRA Women Participate in Howe Cup

The Women's Howe Cup was held in Philadelphia October 28-30th at the Ringe Courts of the University of Pennsylvania (singles matches) and the Racquet Club of Philadelphia (doubles). At the instigation of Anne Mandal of the Chatham Club we formed a New Jersey C team made up of Sandi Sweeney, Lorena Weber, Kate VanRooyen, Julia Bishop and Gladys Galer. Anne played for the B team from New York. There were approximately 140 entries with teams from as far as Alaska and Seattle as well as the east coast teams of Baltimore, Boston, Connecticut, Ithaca, DC and Philly.

The New Jersey team prepared for the event with many sessions of drilling and procured some sponsorship from the Chatham Club, Mitchell Squash, and Merrill Lynch of Florham Park. The captain, Julia Bishop, arranged for shirts and hats to advertise our generous sponsors. Kate VanRooyen took responsibility for creating awesome tie-dyed shirts for the team. We figured if we couldn't win all our matches by skill we would dazzle our opponents with the shirts.

The event appeared to be run beautifully with great food at the evening gatherings which included an open beer and wine bar both nights. The Saturday night dinner was held at the World Cafe, a dance club, reserved for our group for several hours. The dancing can only be described as "Girls Gone Wild". The New Jersey team won 5 of the 20 matches but considered the weekend a tremendous success playing good squash, making new friends, and enjoying UPenn on a beautiful fall weekend. We would welcome anyone interested in playing next year.

Squash Clinic Held at Montclair YMCA

by Byron Rom-Jensen

In order to promote the sport of squash for middle and high school students, the Northern New Jersey Squash Racquet Association (NNJSRA) together with the parents of middle and high school students, ran a clinic to teach and promote squash with kids from the area. The clinic, held on a Sunday, December 17th, took place at the Montclair YMCA.

Along with volunteers from local high schools, squash pro Pat Cosquer led the teenagers in various drills throughout the session. Although the students were at different skill levels, the lessons made a positive impact on all of them.

Cosquer, who teaches youths in New York City how to play squash, began the clinic by introducing himself and the four volunteers. Around twenty students attended the clinic, most of them coming from Montclair Kimberly Academy and Montclair Immaculate Conception. The clinic was created for younger people, ages ten to eighteen.

After warming up with drills and running, Cosquer taught the students how to properly hold a squash racquet. The students either brought their own racquets or borrowed them from the volunteers. There were complete beginners as well as those who had at least a little experience and the coaches quickly corrected their mistakes as they reviewed the fundamental stokes. This was followed by practices in simply hitting the ball. As the session progressed, the drills got increasingly complex, and the clinic eventually concluded with having the students play against each other.

There were seven more sessions in the clinic, the next one being on January 22^nd and then almost every week afterwards. One of the reasons for the clinic’s success is the increasing interest among teenagers in squash. David Kerr, the president of NNJSRA, expressed excitement in how squash has grown in popularity among teenagers.

The clinic provided an excellent opportunity for teenagers to get a feel of the game. The instructors were skillful about teaching the students, and even the beginners were able to quickly learn the sport. The surprisingly large turnout at the YMCA was evidence enough of the growing interest among young people in squash.

Junior Clinics Held at Wayne

On the heels of a successful run of clinics at the Montclair Y, Pat Cosquer expanded the junior program to Wayne. Sunday afternoons in April and May 2006 are going to be particularly busy for Pat Cosquer this year; Not only is he running morning clinics at the Wayne Y, he is commuting to the Chatham Club for more teaching in the afternoons.

The Wayne junior clinics were created in the model of the Montclair program designed by Larry Klink and Pat Cosquer. The 6 week program is a terrific introduction for new players.

Chatham Club Sends 10 to Junior Nationals

Reprinted from Independent Press

Ten squash players from The Chatham Club competed in the Junior National Tournament at Yale University on March 18-19, 2006. Only the top 32 players in each draw are invited to participate. It took a lot of talent, dedication and hard work on the part of these juniors to reach this level of competition. Five of the players reached the quarter-finals of their draws. Chloe Blacker, Chad Smith and Tyler Smith all won their feed-in consolation finals to take fifth place. Brain O’Toole and Aly Kerr won their final matchs, each to secure seventh place in their divisions. Alex Kurth finished in eighth place. Other competitors from The Chatham Club included Leah Barnet, Margaret Chapman, Gariella Smith and RJ Keating. Tyler Smith, 14, said “By watching kids, you can pick up skills for your own game, and that’s why it was really fun playing the national tournament”.

Squashing Old Age

by Taressa Stovall, reprinted from The Montclair Times

Sidney Messeri has been playing squash at the Montclair YMCA for half of his life. Today, the 80-year-old retired engineer is somewhat of a local legend, regularly trouncing — or at least holding his own — with players who are decades younger, and in awe of his prowess on the court. On Oct. 23, the YMCA had a round-robin squash event to honor Messeri's 80th birthday. A group of his regular playing buddies came to pay tribute to their youthful friend. Henry Minkoff, 53, has been playing Messeri for five years. "Sid doesn't look like he's 80; he doesn't play like he's 80," he said. "Recently, he's slowed down a little, but he's still better than most people at 30."

Squash is such a strenuous and intense sport that it's hard to imagine how Messeri can keep up at his age, said Ani Bagchi, 39, who plays with the octogenarian in a loosely knit club of about a half-dozen men. "He is some-where in the middle of the pack among all the players, but for his age, he's the best," Bagchi said. "Sid has a really good, accurate shot," said Fred Guterl, 47. "He'll put the ball anywhere and he'll make you run all over the place."

Guterl, who started playing squash, as Messeri did, at age 40, said the older man is definitely an inspiration. "He's remarkably fit; he doesn't seem frail at all," Guterl said. "I tell Sid, only half-jokingly, that if I can be in as good a shape at 60 as he is at 80, I'll be doing all right."

The key to Messeri's fountain of youth may have to do with his need to remain active. He stays in shape with regular stretching, calisthenics, weight-lifting and aerobic workouts. He plays tennis in the summer, and goes fishing whenever he can. Beaming after a recent game, Sid said he had been a better squash player in the past, but today he hits the courts two to three times a week, more for his health than for the victories or accolades. "Squash is a very, very good life game," he said. "It requires stamina, it requires a lot of thought in terms of ball placement, and it requires quick reflexes. So if you play this all your life, you develop good skills, which stand you in good stead as you get older."

With a twinkle in his eye, Messeri surveys his playing partners and grins. While winning may not be the only thing, it definitely plays a role in his motivation. "When I stop being a competitor," he said, "I'll quit."

Wayne YM-YWHA Adds New Court

by Bob Penotti

The Wayne YM-YWHA recently added its third softball squash court now providing five squash courts including the two existing hardball courts. The in-house hardball league concluded in December with the winning team consisting of captain Don Morrison, Marty Kamens, Mike Cleary, and Jack Westfall. The in house Softball League season concluded in April. The annual Wayne in-house tournament is scheduled to conclude in mid-May.

Also,with the Y now open on Saturday afternoons from 1 to 6 P.M. plans on holding weekend invitational softball squash tournaments at the facility in 2006/07.

Squash Program Flourishes at Englewood Field Club

by Jeff Russell

Since 1887, the Englewood Field Club (EFC) has been a year-round family-focused sports and activity club. Members participate in a plethora of racquets sports including squash, tennis and paddle tennis; other EFC activities include swimming, junior and adult ice hockey, figure skating, bowling and children’s summer camps.

EFC’s already strong squash program flourished since two international courts were completed in 2000, complementing the club’s vintage hardball courts. EFC has a long tradition of racquets, having been home to national champions Germaine Glidden and Cal MacCracken after whom EFC’s “A” Invitational tournament has been named.

The EFC squash community exceeds 150 adult and junior players. The club fielded two “C” teams and one “D” roster in last season’s NNJSRA softball league and is always delighted to host competing teams and players from the NNJSRA.

EFC’s squash program combines recreational play, tournaments and instruction for juniors and adults. Members benefit from the skills of talented squash professionals Ken Torrey and Jess Berline. Squash Director Ken Torrey has guided EFC’s program for nearly two decades. His Monday night adult group clinics – a fixture at EFC – have attracted many EFC players to the sport and rekindled a dormant interest in others. Ken has chaired the Physical Education department at Columbia University since 1996 and he is an exceptional mentor and motivator to EFC’s many experienced and neophyte players.

Concurrent with the opening of EFC’s new international courts in 2000, the EFC Squash Committee expanded resources for the junior program with the addition of pro Jess Berline. Jess is a 4 time squash All American at Franklin & Marshall (1993-1997) and still holds the school records of 30 match wins in a season and 90 during his college career. Jess began his professional career at The Apawamis Club under the tutelage of noted coach Peter Briggs. 

Over 75 EFC juniors participate in group clinics and individual lessons year-round under Jess’s aegis. Several EFC juniors are nationally ranked and a number of other juniors are playing regional Future All Stars tournaments and enjoying good success in both regional tournaments and junior Nationals.

For further information about EFC’s programs, please contact EFC squash chair and NNJSRA trustee Jeff Russell (englefang@aol.com) or co-chair Gary Bloore (garybloore@aol.com) or visit EFC’s website www.englewoodfieldclub.org.

Valkyrie Club - Revamped squash club in better shape than ever
Owner hopes to encourage some schools to pick up sport
by Sherry Conohan, reprinted

Squash has returned to the borough. The courts, tucked away at the end of a narrow alley in the downtown district between Angelica’s restaurant and the Peninsula Grille, have undergone a complete renovation, as has the building they are in, since Chad Sullivan took over ownership about a year ago.

ullivan moved to Sea Bright from New York City four years ago. He gave up Wall Street after purchasing the old squash club to be able to participate in the makeover of the facility.

Armed with a knowledge of construction from having worked in the field during summers while in college, he wielded a hammer along with other workmen in transforming the run-down club into a luxurious state-of-the-art athletic venue now known as the Valkyrie Squash Club.

Asked what prompted him to buy the squash club, Sullivan quipped, "I had a momentary lapse of sanity."

David E. Gilmour, a territory manager for Wilson Sporting Goods, a tournament sponsor, said a squash club had operated on the site for 40 or 50 years and had even been a badminton club for a few years during that time.

And before it was a squash club, Sullivan interjected, the location was a turnabout for trolleys.

Gilmour said squash is the only racquet sport to have experienced steady growth during the last five years, based on sales and participation. "Tennis has been flat," he said. "Racquetball has continued to decrease."

Gilmour, who is a Little Silver councilman, noted that a squash match takes about 45 minutes.

"In today’s world of time constraints, that’s probably the best cardio-vascular exercise you can get in 45 minutes," he said. Sullivan completely rebuilt the two previously existing singles courts and the previously-existing doubles court, and added a third singles court. The new singles court was carved out of a space where three small 300-square-foot apartments had formerly existed, he said.

"It didn’t meld with the game of squash," he said of the apartments, "with the occupants playing heavy metal." Sullivan said he had played in the old squash club for a couple of years before buying it. "The place was in receivership," he recalled. "A couple of guys formed a nonprofit organization to keep the lights on." "The place was terribly run down," he added.

(continued on page 13)

(continued from page 12)

Before moving to Sea Bright, Sullivan said he had played squash for several years at the Downtown Athletic Club of New York. He has brought in Francis Odeh, former pro at the Downtown Athletic Club, which has not reopened since 9/11, to be the pro here. Gilmour, who plans to become a member of the club, said in addition to men’s tournament play, the club expects to start a ladies’ league and have a youth development program. "We will be speaking to the Ranney School and CBA about having teams," he said. "A lot of schools in the Princeton area have teams. We would be joining their league."

Odeh said squash is not difficult to learn for anyone who has racquet skills. He said hitting the ball is much like baseball. The game is easier to play now with a soft ball rather than a hard ball, he added. "It stays in play longer," he explained. Gilmour said about 12 years ago squash in the United States began changing from a hard ball to a soft ball. Internationally, he added, the game is only played with a soft ball. Odeh said he would be giving lessons and would hold beginners clinics for children and for women with the hope of getting them involved with the sport. For children, there will be an after-school program and a weekend program, he said.

Gilmour said with the improvements, which include the construction of a lounge with a small bar, the squash club can become a family place where members can bring their spouses and children. Before the renovations, it was dilapidated and so unappealing that members didn’t want to shower there, he said. There also was no lounge for family or members’ conviviality, he added. "It wasn’t a place to hang," he observed. "Now it’s cleaned up. It’s as luxurious as any club. "Squash is a luxury sport, mainly in the northeast," he continued. Gilmour said that in renovating the existing courts and building the new one, to make them state-of-the-art, a foam layer was put down under the wooden floorboards. He said the roof over the doubles court, one of only three in the state of New Jersey, was raised 8 feet, which players will appreciate. In addition, he pointed out, the courts have a glass wall on one side so that spectators can watch games from the ground level as well as from the balcony above where the lounge is located.

"In the last 10 years squash courts have gone to glass walls," he said, with the invention of glass strong enough to take not only hits from the ball but from racquets and body contact. There is a small women’s locker room with showers on the first floor and a larger men’s locker room with showers on the second floor. A small patio is planned for the narrow rear yard. Gilmour said the squash club will have a full pro shop with racquets, balls and stringing.

Sullivan said the club will take about 300 members and will charge $125 a month to belong, with a year-round membership required. It will be open from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. every day, he said. "We will have a Web site where you can sign up," he said. Sullivan expects all the work to be finished and the club fully operational by mid-December. Gilmour noted that Sullivan had been approached by someone about holding yoga classes there. "So even though it is a squash club, we’re open to other activities," he said. Gilmour was most happy, however, to get squash back.

"I am excited that the club is reopening," he said. "I’ve been playing squash all my life. It’s very convenient, and the closest club other than ours would be in Short Hills. "This means that now members will be able to play in the league and go to other clubs to play. We form teams at different levels and play in the Northern New Jersey Squash Racquets Association."

Sullivan said he had invested close to $1 million in the squash club between the purchase and renovations. He said he named it Valkyrie for the Norse maidens celebrated in a Wagner piece, "The Ride of the Valkyrie," which gained pop attention in the movie "Apocalypse Now." "Robert Duvall is riding in a helicopter and flying into Vietnam with it playing over a loud speaker," he noted.