Annual Dinner and 2004-05 in Review

BSRA MEMBERSHIP REPORT

2004-2005

The governing body of local squash tournaments, leagues and events is the Buffalo Squash Racquets Association. For 2004-2005 the BSRA Executive Committee consisted of:

BSRA Executive Committee-2004-2005

Ed Jocoy-President, Membership Secretary, Web Site Manager,T&S Club Representative

Mike McGorry- Squash Fund Representative, Hall of Fame Chairman, USSRA Liaison

Peter Ahrens-Secretary

James O’Brien- Treasurer

Sally Russell- Newsletter, Junior Development, Women’s Representative

Peter Linder- Member Services, Squash Fund Representative

Paul Dambmann- Social Events Chairman, Jewish Center Representative

Tom Sheehan- Member at large, Saturn Club Representative

Bill Cleary- Buffalo Club Representative

Phillip Scaffidi-League Coordinator

David Franko-Doubles League Chairman, Member Services

Edwin M. Johnston, III-member at large.

As of this date, your BSRA organization has over 260 members..

Five clubs and 5 schools are part of the BSRA. There are about 75 juniors in our membership attesting to the strong junior development program within the BSRA.

This season the BSRA conducted or supported numerous tournaments and leagues in the 2004-2005 season. In addition, the BSRA maintains member rolls and a Web site www.buffalosquash.org, publishes periodic newsletters and maintains a Hall of Fame. As we continue trying to improve communications, it would be helpful if those having email would send their address to Ed Jocoy (ejocoy@aol.com).

Included in your BSRA dues is membership in the United States Squash Racquets Association. USSRA membership is required to play in USSRA- sanctioned events where results contribute to national rankings maintained by the USSRA. In addition, USSRA members receive the monthly magazine Squash and have at their disposal all the resources of a national organization.

Many thanks are due all who have served, or are serving on the Executive Board and to all who contributed to the BSRA and squash activities.

 

BSRA HALL of FAME

This is the sixth year the Buffalo Squash Racquets Association has inducted candidates into the Hall of Fame, honoring those of our squash community who have outstanding accomplishments in the game of squash racquets. These accomplishments include competition, leadership and a strong commitment to squash on a local or national level, and demonstrated sportsmanship and character both on and off the court.

Squash began in Buffalo around 1900 as a result of the athletic interests of a Howard Bissell and seems to have sprung from its initiation at the Philadelphia Racquet Club, according to highlights reported in the BSRA yearbook of 1955. In 1924, team competition was started between several clubs through the efforts of Lyman Bass, a name well known to us all through the annual Lyman Bass tournament.

Each year candidates are selected from all eras of squash in Buffalo beginning with the year 1900 for induction into the Hall of Fame. Our written Guidelines dictate that a three-person selection committee presents a slate of candidates in December to the BSRA Executive Committee for final selection. Any present or former BSRA member can also suggest a candidate.

Previous Hall of Fame inductees are, for the year 2000: Gordon Anderson, Bill Dann, Nelson Graves, Phil Harty, Charlie Jacobs, Seymour Knox, Seymour Knox III, Monty Pooley, Adrian Smith, and A. Warren Smith, Jr.; for the year 2001: Ed Jocoy, AL Molloy and George Goodyear; for 2002 Mike McGorry, Bob Hetherington and Harry Conlon; for 2003 Peter Linder and Lou Schaefer and for 2004 Sally Russell.

This year the inductees are Peter DeRose and Phillip Barth. Brief biographies of the 2005 inductees can be found elsewhere in this program.

Buffalo has a rich history of contributions and activity at all levels in the game of squash racquets. The Hall of Fame is a fitting and lasting honor to those who have contributed to that history

Dr.Peter DeRose

Peter D. DeRose

 Being acknowledged for something that I have had a passion for is an honor that I cannot express fully with words. I feel an enormous sense of pride to be inducted into the BSRA Hall of Fame and to do so with Phil Barth, my friend and doubles partner for several Buffalo City Doubles Titles.  And, I consider myself very lucky to have made so many friends and formed great bonds through squash. Several of these people have had significant effects on both my life and squash career.

  As an eleven year old, I was introduced to tennis and squash when my dad joined the Buffalo Tennis and Squash Club. Saturdays were special days, because that was the day children could utilize the club. We would spend most of the day playing singles and doubles squash and tennis. My parents gave me the opportunity, support and belief that I could achieve anything.

  Tennis was what I mostly played due to it being more organized than squash. And I am pleased to see that organized squash has come a long way for junior players today. As a freshman at Nichols, I played on the Varsity Squash Team, but found the environment not very accepting of underclassmen at that time. Therefore, I chose not to participate in my sophomore and junior years.

  George Kloepfer became the squash coach my senior year and asked me to play at the number five position. He had four good players and wanted me to round out the roster at number five in order to have a strong team. This became a pivotal point in my life: squash and competition became my passion. Within several weeks, I moved up the ladder to number one on the team and performed well in several junior tournaments that George took us to. From there, I was recruited to play squash in college.

  For the next four years, I played on the Trinity College Varsity Squash Team, where I began at number four on a team of nine. I subsequently moved up to number one and became Captain my last two years at Trinity. I was one of only three people to win the Trinity College Squash Tournament three times. George Sutherland, the Trinity Coach, was my next major influence. He taught me how to prepare and to compete and also helped me to grow as a player and person. He gave me great support and friendship which continues today.

  It has been a privilege to play with some great doubles partners who made me better and who have all remained great friends. George Kreiner got me to travel and play in tournaments as I was finishing dental school.  Marc Reinhardt and I had great success both locally and throughout the US and Canada.  We won Buffalo City Titles, Ontario Doubles Championships and achieved high US National Rankings. Phil Barth partnered with me to win several City Doubles Titles. He has always been a strong competitor and a clutch player. I consider Phil to be a good friend and am honored to be inducted with him.

  As my career in squash continued, I began thinking about the possibility of achieving a National Title. Soon afterward I teamed up with Peter Maule. We had great success and won many events together. We won the Ontario Doubles Championships a few times, the Buffalo Tennis and Squash Club Invitational two times, achieved a ranking of the number one amateur team in North America, and came very close to winning the US Nationals in Baltimore. We then won the US Nationals here in Buffalo, which ranks as my squash pinnacle achievement.

  My tournament wins are probably the reason for my induction, but my friendships through squash and the experiences that we have shared are what I value. Therefore, I wish to thank all my partners and squash friends for making my squash career an incredible ride.

Philip Barth

TBD

BSRA Tournament and League Champions for 2004-2005

For 2004-2005 the BSRA supported 7 leagues and 17 tournaments. The first tournament started in October 2004 and the last occurred 6 months later in April 2005! Listed below are the winners.

TOURNAMENTS

Kick-Off Tournament- October 2004

Lyman Bass- Craig Rappaport

Kittinger/O’Connor-Team of Chaz Maloney, Cliff Mahler, John Higgins, Bob DiPasquale

Schaefer Doubles-Kevin Hogan/Brent Baird

T&S Invitational Doubles-November, 2004

Open Division-Mike Costigan (Kitchener,Ont.)/Mike McGorry

45+ Division - Victor Harding (TO)/ Sean McDonough (TO)

50+ Division –Norm Crook (Hamilton, Ont.)/Marc Reinhardt

60+ Division-Peter Hatcher (TO)/Mike Manley (TO)

Women’s Round Robin

Jennifer Brown (Milton, Ont.)/Meg Johnston (Burlington,Ont.)

Knox Cup-Jan14-16, 2005- PGH.

Won by Pittsburgh, Second: Cleveland, Third: Buffalo

Buffalo International Junior Championships

See summary under Junior Achievements

City Championships-February 2005-April 2005

A Singles- Craig Rappaport

B Singles- Rick Munschauer

C Singles- Rocky Rockwell

D Singles-Tom Foorman

Women’s Singles-Mary Rockwell

City Junior Singles

Boys- Rick Munschauer

Girls-Hannah Gisel

40+ Singles- TBD

50+ Singles-TBD

Open Doubles-Mike McGorry/Steve Joyce

40+ Doubles-Cancelled

50+ Doubles-TBD

Women’s Doubles-TBD

Shamrock –March 12

A/B Singles-Team Galway-W. Cleary, A. Tompkins, Z. Qureshi, D. J. Brinkworth

C/D Singles:Team Killarney-J. Smith, M. Amigone, J. Voelkl, J. Gavigan

Doubles- J. Hurley/H. McLean

LEAGUES

League Championships

A League (Ontario) TBD

B League-Nichols- R. Munschauer, A. Hejna,G. Kloepfer

C League-Saturn Club-A. Bozer, J. Yost, A. Rustgi, M. Baranson, N. Amigone

D League-T&S-D. J. Brinkworth, M.Felser, E. Johnston, N. Bansal, C. Rockwell

Women’s Singles- Nichols Team 2-Kristina Doyle, Jessica Asrat, Lindsay Munschauer, Tatiana Robinson

A Doubles- Dan Drury/Jim O’Brien

B Doubles- Mike Rial/Dave Steffan

Women’s Doubles-TBD

Juniors

Junior Achievements for the 2004-2005 Squash Season

The BSRA and the squash community would like to acknowledge and recognize the achievements of all our junior squash players this season. We thank them for their participation in the many tournaments and squash programs offered both locally and nationally, and for their sportsmanship and interest in this great game we play.

Zhanna Barth

Charlie Barth

Nick Barth

Larkin Brinkworth

DJ Brinkworth

Betsy Bloom

Tyler Buck

Carrie Burke

Laura Caty

Veronica Couzo

Jessica Demakos

Kate Demakos

Christine Driscoll

Julia Fisher

Elliot Johnston

Peter Lynn

Eil Pitigoff

Philip Rimmler

Morgan Gress

Hannah Wadsworth

Maxwell Collins

Colin Freeburg

Andrew Jensen

Brendan Lachaal

Mike Modrzynski

Chip Naylon

Even Ortolani

Brian Benitez

Craig Chircop

PJ Chmura

Matt Delasotta,

Tom Foorman

Josh Lerman

Jack Sullivan

Becky Wettlaufer

Jane Arcadi

Jessica Asrat

Nitin Bansal

Hope Blinkoff

Hanya Boulos

Kristina Doyle

Stephen English

Matt Felser

Molly Frizzell

Liz Hagerty

Sheila Haggerty

Chrissy Hunt

Hanna Gisel

Adam Goldfarb

Ari Goldfarb

William D. Maloney

Grace Marlette

Peter Marlette

Clare McGorry

Erin McGorry

Maddie McQueeney

Ryan McQueeney

Lindsay Munschauer

Rick Munschauer

Charles Ohl, III

Carolyn Pici

Tatiana Robinson

Rocky Rockwell

Emma Rosen

Lucy Sears

Nancy Sexton

Campbell Smith

Nathan Somayji

Adam Toenjes

Alex Cleary

Danielle Forsyth

Eliza Friedman

Intercollegiate Squash: Junior Alumni

Julia Drury Ranked 15th – Played 1 and 2: Dartmouth Finshes 5th

Julia chosen – Second Team All American – Congratulations!!!!

Two time MVP winner and was named Dartmouth Captain for next season

Phoebe Anderson Ranked #70 Brown University finishes 7th

Captain of the 2005 Brown Team

Lauralyn Drury Ranked #39 Played 3 and 4: University of Penn finishes 6th

 

Sarah Demakos Played for Colgate

Junior Rankings

Charlie Barth U17 #39

Tyler Buck U17 #61

Rick Munschauer U10 #66

 

 

BUFFALO T&S INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Summary of the 2005 Finals

Catherine Williams (T&S) GU11 Winner

Liza Marlette (SC) GU11 Finalist

Julia Fisher(T&S) GU15 Finalist

Lucy Sears (T&S) GU17 Winner

Hanna Gisel (T&S) GU17 Finalist

Maddie McQueeney (T&S) GU19 Winner

Sid Guterman (T&S) BU11 Finalist

Charlie Barth (T&S) BU17 Finalist

Tyler Buck (T&S) BU17 Finalist

Rich Munschaurer (T&S) BU19 Winner

Craig Chircop (Gow) BU19 Finalist

 

 

Buffalo City Tournaments

 

Rick Munschauer Winner - City B Championship

Craig Chircop Finalist - City C Championship

Tom Foorman Winner - City D Championship

Elliot Johnston Finalist - City D Championship

Hannah Gisel Winner - City Junior Tournament

Danielle Forsyth Finalist - City Junior Tournament

Rick Munschauer U19 Winner - City Junior Tournament

Craig Chircop U19 Finalist - City Junior Tournament

Buffalo City Leagues

T&S "D" league became youngest team to win a league Championship

DJ Brinkworth 8th grade

Larkin Brinkworth 7th grade

Elliot Johnston 7th grade

Peter Lynn 7th grade

Charlie Rockwell 8th grade

Women’s City League

Nichols Team 2: Kristina Doyle, Jessica Asrat, Lindsay Munschauer, Tatiana Robinson

Nichols Team 1: Kate Demakos, Emma Rosen, Jane Arcadi

Other Junior Tournaments and Events

Tyler Buck Winner BU17 Ward Riley in Rochester

Elliot Johnston finalist BU15 Ward Riley in Rochester

Elliot also won the consolation in the Birmingham Athletic Club (Detroiit)

Maddie McQueeney – Voted MVP at Nichols

Emma Rosen – Voted MIP at Nichols

Rick Munschauer – Voted MVP at Nichols

Stephen English – Coaches award at Nichols

DID YOU KNOW------------

Did you Know……………..

Carey Anderson was elected to the Board of Directors of the USSRA –Congratulations!!!

Gordon Anderson won both the 2005 US National Singles and Doubles titles (w/Mike Pearce) in the 55+ Category.

Gordon also won the Kiva Cup Classic 40+ Doubles in Sante Fe with partner Tom Boldt

Lauralynn Drury worked part time in the USSRA office this season

Rick Munschauer won a rematch (City B) against Kingman Bassett for the T&S Club championship in a 5 game classic – Rick won all 5 games in overtime!

An article in a recent Squash Magazine referred to Will Carlin’s list of great squash players in the past century, stated a disappointment that Gordon Anderson was not on that list. A later pole was taken in a category of National Players who brought the best out of their opponents, referees and gallery and still won, and in the opinion of that writer Gordie won hands down. In the actual pole of that same category, Gordie came in second. Gordon Anderson is our Ambassador of Squash and will remain one of the great players of our time.

Peter Nicol/John White Exhibition held in February was huge success!! Informative and entertaining, this exhibition matched the proceeds from last year’s event. Many, Many thanks to all our participates and supporters!!!!

Reconstruction of our Junior Committee has recently taken place. Because of the growing demands of our junior programs and activities, it was clear we needed to expand our junior efforts for next season. The three new committees were developed:

Managing School/Junior Programs

Lead Chair: Mary Pici

Fundraising and Grants

Lead Chair:Paul Dambmann

Long and Short Term Stategic Planning

Lead Chair: Peter Ahrens

If you need more information regarding these committees, please contact Sally Russell or Peter Ahrens. We are looking for interested parents and squash supporters. If you can help on any of these committees, look for signup sheet at the dinner.