US Squash Rolls Out Regional Skill Level Series

Julie Lilien, 2007 W5.0 Champion
Julie Lilien, 2007 W5.0 Champion

Continuing the evolution of the competitive play structure in the United States after the successful splitting of the Age Division Open Championships and the Skill Level Championships, this season US Squash is launching the “Regional Skill Level Series” tournaments to debut in Chicago, Portland and New York City.The US Squash Skill Level Championships (“Nationals”) are highly coveted by adults around the country and drew over 300 players in 14 divisions in 2007, a record high for this tournament.

In an effort to increase participation at the regional level in the national skill competitions (remember “Insilco”?), three tournaments were selected for the 2007-2008 season to be part of the “US Squash Regional Skill Level Series” to include the National Championships. The skill level tournaments, one on the East coast,  one in the Midwest and one on the West coast will attract the top players in those areas leading up to the Nationals. Each tournament will be held in conjunction with a professional squash tournament, enhancing the weekend experience. The three tournaments are: The Grand Open (held in conjunction with the Tournament of Champions at Grand Central in New York, January 18-20), the Rose City Classic Squash Championships (held during the Oregon Open in Portland, February 21-24) and the Windy City Open (held with a CherryPharm Team USA Tour event in Chicago, February 29-March 2).

Earn your Entry to the US Squash Skill Level Championships
This year, the winners of each division at each Regional Skill Level Series tournament will earn free entry into the US Squash Skill Level Championships, being held at Yale University, April 10-13, 2008. While participation in one of these regional tournaments, which are part of the US Squash Regional Skill Level Series, is not required for entry into the Skill Level Nationals, they are the best opportunity to meet the strongest competition prior to the nationals. In future seasons, these Regional Skill Level Series tournaments will evolve into a Qualifying Series  for entry into the Nationals, requiring players to compete in at least one Regional event before competing in the US Squash Skill Level Championships.