By Tefft W. Smith
Building off of the Jonathon Power exhibition match at the 2008 Hardball Nationals in Philadelphia, there was an active and successful 2008-09 Hardball Squash Singles Season, with 10 tournaments around the country, culminating in the 2009 Hardball Singles Championships at the Merion Cricket Club in Philadelphia, Feb. 27-Mar. 1.
There was great play in all divisions, once again proving that hardball squash is an enjoyable, lifetime game, with a premium on racquet skills and experience as well as endurance. And the winning shots, three walls, reverse corners as well as rails, drops and defense are exciting for players and spectators alike.
The Open Division was won by defending champion Eric Pearson of Washington over Philadelphian Tom Harrity, a many time former champion. Eric bested Tom 3-2, rolling out many three wall nicks and finishing other long rallies with crisp forehand reverse corners. Harrity amazed with his retrieving and his own shot making (coming to within 10-12 in the 5th), providing Pearson with his first serious challenge, as Eric blitzed through a field of 10 strong players. In one semi, Buck Rogers, a Merion pro, put on impressive displays of power squash, but he is new to the hardball game and was overwhelmed by Eric’s experience and pressure. Rob Dinerman played superbly but fell to Harrity’s relentlessness, in the other semi. Peter Stokes, the defending and repeating 50+ Champion, entered his promising junior squash playing son, Spencer, in the Open. Spencer played remarkably well, most importantly loving the experience. We plan to have an under-23 and other junior National Hardball Championships next year.
Throughout the weekend, Charlie Baker was—appropriately—recognized and applauded for all he has done for the game of hardball singles. His devotion and service to the game has been essential to its survival and recent rebirth as a new generation of leaders have been stepping up to the plate.
Of other noteworthy long-term service and devotion, this was Carter Ferguson’s 62nd consecutive National Championship, still performing impressively in the 80+ Division.
We plan to have a Pro draw with prize money at the 2010 Hardball Nationals, in addition to the under-23 and other junior National Hardball Championships mentioned earlier. We also plan to have a Women’s Open draw (with prize money) and Women’s play in the under-23 and other categories.
The 2010 Nationals will be held on the weekend of Feb. 19-21, a change from this year to avoid a conflict with the Century Doubles tournament in NYC. The tournament will again be held at the Merion Cricket Club, with consideration being given to having the Pro and Under-23 Divisions played on the International Courts, utilizing the “Bryce Harding green ball,” a somewhat bouncier, slower ball than the fuscia hardball. Many hardballers have been using the green ball for regular play on the wide courts. Anyone wanting to get some of the green Harding balls can do so by contacting Bryce Harding (bryce.w.harding@accenture.com or 703-407-8211) or Tefft smith (tsmith@kirkland.com or 202-879-5212.)
For more on this year’s US Hardball Championships, please visit www.SquashMagazine.com. Please send any thoughts, suggestions or comments on hardball play to Tefft Smith.
