October 18, 2006

The change of seasons is upon us and as the leaves turn color and drop from the trees I am reminded that squash, as the seasons, indeed as life itself, is a cycle.

In this time of change we congratulate our intrepid Ladder Commissioner, Danny Walker, on his recent nuptials and welcome him back from the jungles of Nicaragua with a huge sigh of relief. This recent scare has pointed out the risk of having only one person in such a key (and demanding) role and what can happen if said person gets hit by the proverbial beer truck – particularly when said person spends a lot of time in locations where beer truck traffic is exceedingly high. Therefore, the HSRA executive will be getting Danny some help and hopefully the ladder will operate with nary a ripple henceforth.

We also bid a fond farewell to two active HSRA members, namely Octavi Sado, who is moving to Norway, and Jorge Covarrubias, who is moving to Venezuela. Such is the sweet sorrow in the energy capital of the world.

September saw the last ICS Top 32 Tournament to take place at the University Club. This tournament has been an institution in Houston Squash and has been well appreciated by both players and spectators alike. Hopefully, the HSRA can continue this event at a new venue in 2007 and do Andy Forster’s legacy proud.

And it is a legacy indeed. Andy has been a fixture and a huge driving force on the Houston Squash scene for the last 30 years. But alas, all good things do come to an end and Andy and family are moving to Denver in December (to coincide with the start of ski season perhaps? Or maybe he just couldn’t face the closure of the University Club where he has been a member for 30 years). We wish Andy all the best for the future and I fully expect to see him in Houston from time to time. And after playing all that mile high squash, he’ll be playing with a renewed vigor at sea level – watch out! 

And watch out for:

1. Rishad Alikhan’s highly recommended Rules and Refereeing Clinic, Sat Nov 11 at The Met. See the website for details.

2. The last squash tournament ever (in all likelihood) at the University Club. Guy Cowan’s annual Christmas affair, Nov 30-Dec 2. Guy hosts a great tournament in the friendly confines of the U Club squash courts and German Newell offers his impeccable hospitality for the Saturday night party. Wild horses couldn’t keep me away.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention one more change. You’ve probably noticed that the HSRA website has been looking a bit sprucier these days. There is a reason: Sylvie Desjardins has taken over the job of content manager with a vengeance and she assures me we ain’t seen nothing yet. Actually the website is one of the most used and appreciated resources provided by the HSRA, so please give Sylvie a compliment the next time you see her…and compliment her on the website work too.

See Y’all at Mission Burritos this Saturday,

Ian