Dear Jesters,
This year’s Jesters Pacific Northwest Junior Championships (PNW) drew 220 entries, up slightly from 2014. Included in this number was a record 51 players from Alberta and, for the first time in many years, a group of ten players arrived from Portland, Oregon.
Two years ago, a decision was made to eliminate the Novice divisions and instead, run two separate local events for these players in November and December. We had 148 players registered in ‘Main’ events while the ‘B’ draws attracted another 72 players.
Saturday was our busiest day with 13 courts in full swing at Cedar Hill, Victoria Squash Club and St Michael’s University School. A grand total of 432 matches were run over the weekend. We are very fortunate to have a core of volunteers who are committed to ensuring the success of the PNW every year. This years’ remarkable crew numbered 38 and they did everything from court control, registration, food services, transportation and officiating. Ben Uliana applied his technical skills to setting up live streaming on two courts and the quality of the feed was the best ever.
The George Morfitt Sportsmanship Award was presented by John Roche on behalf of the B.C. Jesters. This year’s recipient was Matthew Henderson of Victoria
As always, we are grateful for the support of the British Columbia Jesters. Over the past few years, the Jesters’ name has become synonymous with the promotion of junior Squash. My first opportunity to chair the PNW came in 1970 at the age of seventeen. The freshly opened Racquet Club of Victoria had three courts and I believe we had about 45 players that weekend. At the time, it seemed like a lot! While that facility is soon to be demolished, the tournament it once hosted there continues to flourish with your help.
On behalf of all this years’ players, parents and coaches – thank you! Your contribution to this event and to junior Squash in the province is very much appreciated.
Regards
Phillip Green
