Annual Dinner 2006 and Year-in-Review

April 26, 2006

The Buffalo Squash Racquets Assn. concluded the 2005-2006 year with its Annual Dinner on April 26 at the T&S Club. It was a very special night for this writer as it marked the completion of a two-year term as president. A total of about 80 persons were in attendance including some well-known guests such as A. E. "Bud" Low. Phil Jacobs, A.W. "Warren" Smith, Jr. and Charlie Garfinkel.

The outgoing President briefly reviewed the year’s events which started with a visit from USSRA CEO Kevin Klipstein (Sept. 2005). Then came an exhibition at the downtown JCC in Oct, and our first (of seven) tournaments: the Kick-Off on Oct 29. The T&S  Annual Doubles celebrated its 50^th anniversary and was held this year on December 9-11. Moving into 2006,  the International Junior Tournament took place on Jan 20-22 followed by the Knox Cup the next weekend.

The nine City Tournaments were primarily held in February-April.. In early March the BSRA hosted a premier exhibition between two of the world’s greatest players :Jonathon Power and John White. Many kudos to Paul Dambmann and his team for organizing this event and many thanks to the Saturn for hosting the event!

The 7 BSRA singles and doubles leagues, started in Nov 2005, concluded on schedule in the February-April 2006 time frame. The outgoing President concluded his remarks by introducing the incoming President, Mr. Peter Ahrens.

Registration for the Annual Dinner (many thanks, Danielle) began around 5PM and was followed by a great doubles exhibition match between Phil Barth/Trey Sausen and Peter DeRose/Scott Friedman (won by DeRose/Friedman). Following a great dinner, with a slide show of the 2005-06 events and players on- going, the League and Tournament Awards were made by the League/Tournament Directors (see program for winners and finalists).

Two Most Improved Player awards were made this year: the adult MIP award went to Matt Webb while the Junior MIP went to Peter Lynn.

The BSRA Adult Achievement Award went to none other than Mr. Dan Drury for his many contributions to squash over the years. The outstanding Junior Achievement Award was graciously captured by Danielle Forsyth, one of our most promising juniors.

Sally Russell, in charge of the BSRA Junior program, awarded 10 grants (3 for $500 each) to be used by deserving juniors towards squash camps.

Finally, the Nardin team made awards to all the volunteer squash coaches that coached them during the year.

Paul Dambmann, our MC for the evening, closed activities at about 9:30 PM. (Way to go, Paul!).