Southeast Squash, the entity formerly known at the Southeastern Squash Racquets Association (SESRA), has spent three decades as the center of squash in this warmer, and usually wetter, corner of the country. Formed initially around a small group of players in Atlanta, the original geographic reach of SESRA stretched from Miami to Raleigh and Charleston to New Orleans.
Although the footprint has shrunk with the emergence of local associations in Florida and Dallas, SESRA continues to be among the “regional” associations, with committee members and interests in Atlanta, Charleston, Charlotte, Memphis, Raleigh, Columbia, Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and Spartanburg.
Squash is healthy in the southeast, principally due to the high quality professionals who support the game here. Like most residents in the region, the pros are all transplants. Tom Rumpler at the Midtown Club at Windy Hill owns the founding father title, having moved from New York more than 25 years ago. He’s followed closely by Richard Millman, who spent time at the Concourse Athletic Club and followed a slow curve from there to New York and now back to Charleston. Andre Maur, the current Concourse pro, brings a great Irish flair to his pro tournaments and exhibitions. Alladin Mitha at the Piedmont Driving Club, arrived by way of England, Canada and Louisville.
The quality of play in Atlanta is remarkably high, given its distance from the centers of the squash universe in the northeast. As evidence, look to Michael Gough, past national champion in the 65+; David Perry, current 50+ champions; Tom Rumpler, past 50+ champion; Andre Maur, 40s champion; Bill Villari, past 40s hardball doubles champion, and ex-Atlantans like Michelle Quibell, currently the Number 2 ranked woman in U.S. SESRA boasts over 200 members, primarily in Atlanta. SESRA has also been home to its share of squash icons, including past USSRA president Eben Hardie, the legendary Doc Talbott, and squash maven Brian Dyson.
The association focuses its efforts on supplementing the existing strong pro programs, so major tournaments and leagues are all club-based and pro-driven while SESRA looks to supporting junior play, developing regional and interclub events, and in March of 2008, hosting the Miller Zell National Championships.
In particular, the association has a solid structure. It is incorporated as a Georgia non-profit and has 501(c)3 tax status. Representation on the board comes from all major clubs, but is non-denominational in nature, supporting the game of squash across the region. In a practice we think is unique among local associations, SESRA enlists the support of the pros for its programs by earmarking half the $30 annual association dues to be returned for use within the SESRA member’s home club, consistent with SESRA programs.
SESRA has a healthy base of play, good relationships with club level players and pros, a solid financial footing, and a clear list of things to accomplish.
