2002 ICS Top 32 - by Rishad Alikhan

 

Every year, some time in end July or early August, thirty-two players receive

a call from a lady at the offices of International Computer Systems in

Houston.  These 32 are invited to play in a week-long squash tournament at

the University Club. As the name suggests, these are the top ranked players

in Houston as per the USSRA ratings systems. The tournament is played in the

middle of September, but Andy Forster, the author and sponsor of this event

believes in getting organized early. What makes this tournament unique is

that each player must play five matches, win or lose. Thus at the end of the

week, every players secures a position somewhere in between 1 and 32. For

example, on Friday evening the two players who have lost every prior match

must now play for the 31st spot. I know that I play just as hard on Friday as

I did on Monday, inspite of being sore from having played all week long. The

tournament is run by local professional Guy Cowan, with help from his

soon-to-be wife Amabelle and some of Andy Forster's capable staff at ICS.

There is never any shortage of food or drink all week long. Andy wouldn't

stand for that. He hands out handsome trophies to the top eight players, and

sometimes has special trophies for others, including longest match, or best

effort, etc. In return, he insists on punctuality by players and the courtesy

of a phone call if one can't make it or is delayed. Guy is usually incredibly

accommodating with special requests, and manages to squeeze in all the matches

on only two courts. Every year, a regular at this event in the guise of

tournament referee is Ken Rothstein, complete with his patent fedora hat and

alligator shoes. When he's not in this fancy garb he normally dons his

Florida retiree outfit, a polyester jumpsuit which shows off his chest hair

and gold chains. His booming voice announcing the first match on Monday is as

much a part of the event as the quality beer, wine and food. The tournament

runs like a Swiss clock as a result of the little details, mostly thanks to

Andy's supervision and Guy's hard work. This year, the tournament saw two

players drive in from Austin and San Antonio to participate. John Velasquez

actually drove in every day for his matches, choosing to drive back to San

Antonio every night. He was never late for any of his matches. Kym

Stasinowsky stayed the week at the home of ex-HSRA President Dave Matthes.

That players would dedicate the entire week to a squash tournament is

testament to its success. I, for one, look forward to receiving that ICS

phone call every year and dread the day when I slide down the USSRA ratings

list far enough to cease being invited to play in this great tournament.

 

The final standings of the 2002 ICS Top 32 are as follows:

 

1. Muhammad Sadiq

2. Guy Cowan

3. Gihan Fernando

4. Craig Hiddleston

5. Chris Spies

6. Michael Dravitzki

7. Rishad Alikhan

8. Jack Leng

9. Kym Stasinowsky

10. Ricardo Rivas

11. John Velasquez

12. David Scruton

13. Bernard Wirth

14. Dwight Waters

15. Owen Smith

16. Carter Caldwell

17. Thomas Pritchard

18. Dave Hanower

19. Jim Pierce

20. German Newall

21. Lee Spencer

22. Rick Melarten

23. Thomas Mathew

24. Mike Smith

25. Andy Forster

26. Don Morgan

27. Mark Matthes

28. George Ball

29. Jeff Kissner

30. Rick Vierbuchen

31. Andy Hubbard

32. Duncan Robinson

 

Cheers

 

Consolation Prize

 

Audience for the finals

 

The future of Houston Squash