Political Maelstroms?
It was a HUGE disappointment to receive my copy of Squash Magazine and see the picture of Hillary Clinton on the cover. While StreetSquash is indeed a very worthy endeavor, knowing that such a self-serving, nihilistic person as her was involved, only because SL Green is a huge financial supporter of the Democratic Party, makes me cringe. Furthermore, while she claims to have played squash twice, I doubt that fact was ever mentioned during her husband’s several quests for governorship in Arkansas and then the presidency—that would have made her much too “elitist.” And, now that she’s Secretary of State, she’ll promptly forget about the Center. Being a life-member of the USSRA/U.S. Squash for over 30 years, and a friend of Peter Lasusa’s, I’m sorry the magazine has inched into political maelstroms. I’ve never thrown out an issue so fast.
James Gerard
New York, NY
Taking a Stand
Like Will Carlin, I refuse to play any opponent who declines to wear eye protection for a squash match. I would no more think of stepping on the court myself without eyeguards than I would dream of driving my car without the seat belt restraint device properly engaged.
Will’s point about the PSA failing to take this issue on is well stated. If the PSA were truly advocating for the interests of its member squash professionals, there is no question that they would take a firm stand on the issue. This IS a no-brainer; not much of a future for a one-eyed squash player!
Thanks Will for bringing this issue to the fore.
AJ Copeland, MD
via Email
I was surprised to see such a one sided response to Will [Carlin’s] April-May article about eye protection. His opponent was playing within the rules. Defaulting amounts to a no show. It’s poor sportsmanship to deliberately default a match, whatever the reason. I’ve seen juniors do it as they feel they don’t belong in consolation and want to protect their ranking. Earlier this year a top ranked doubles team packed up and headed home when they lost an early round in a top tournament. It’s not so outrageous one does not wear eye protection. Glasses do detract, otherwise top pros would likely wear glasses. I wear glasses when tournaments and clubs require, and I have no problem with that. This issue is no valid justification for defaulting.
Derrick Cameron
Portland, OR
I just read Will Carlin’s article “A Losing Battle?” in the April/May issue of Squash Magazine, and I think he made the correct decision—both times.
Will complimented his opponent on a class move by agreeing to wear the goggles and play the match. I agree. And Will also is to be complimented on a class move by standing up not just for what he believed in but for what is right by defaulting the match. That’s a huge price to pay, especially for someone who is in the rarefied air near the top of American squash.
But had Will refused to play after his opponent offered to wear goggles, he would have effectively discounted what I expect was a difficult thing—and inarguably a classy thing—for his opponent to do.
So thanks and congratulations to both Will and his opponent for showing us what it truly means to be a squash player.
Bill Harmon
Dallas SRA
