The first JCT of the season had 16 of our best and brightest make the trip northwards. As with last year, the event was run magnificently by our friends at US Squash and hosted in the quite salubrious confines of Chelsea Piers and MSquash.
A lot of firsts established, for starters, three players made their debut. Congratulations to Sriya, Leo and Yidrew on their first step up into the big time! The first of many we hope! Similarly we had a bundle of the more experienced players playing up an age group, or up two age groups in Reghan’s case! Overall, a Labor Day weekend to remember!
Chelsea Piers hosted the U11, U13 and U15 divisions. One of the bigger clubs in the US, complete with its own glass court it’s quite a site to behold. For those with time to spare there was Ice Hockey to watch, gymnastics in the background and goodness knows what else. A very impressive complex indeed.
Coach Claire led up the venue and our thanks to her for long days which she managed with her expertise and usual calming demeanor.
Our sole U11, after the likes of Evan, Katherine and Yiden aged up, was Lilianna, who made the final! Congratulations to Miss and the family, a great reward for a solid summer of work at Squash Tigers.
In the GU13 we had Mimi, Sriya and Chloe competing. Congratulations to Sriya on her JCT debut, always an auspicious time for any youngster! By way of results, Mimi finished 12th after some excellent quality matches and Chloe 19/20th place.
The BU13 saw the debut of Leo into the start of his JCT career, congratulations and welcome to the big time! We also had Yiden, freshly aged up from his top 4 ranking finish in the BU11. Both boys will doubtless be better for the exposure.
The U15’s saw Madeleine and Yidrew. It seems almost every age group has a debutant, and congratulations to Yidrew on his first ever JCT. Madeleine achieved her seeding with a 13-16th place finish and Yidrew over performed his with 20th place. Well done to both and I’m sure a lot more to be seen this season.
Jumping venues, we had myself and Coach Lyall at MSquash. Many thanks to Lyall who brought both significant value to the players, and, like Coach Claire, a calming voice in a relatively tumultuous club environment.
GU17 saw Lily make a quarter final before losing to the winner of the recent Egyptian Open in a high standard 3/1. There was much to be encouraged by in the event for Miss Lily. Similarly in the BU17, Alex moved into the quarters untroubled. Unfortunately he eventually succumbed to the combination of an excellent opponent and the effects of recent illness and had to withdraw from playoffs. We wish him a speedy recovery. Our other two representatives had their share of barn burners, with Eric enjoying good wins in his 13/16th place finish and likewise Shrikar in his 25/26th place. Both boys were enjoying their first U17 JCT and it was great to see them rise to the occasion.
In the BU19 our top finisher was Parth, who played a solid event for his 13/16 placing and Colten, playing up came in 18. Both boys had some good success, but will wish for more in the next JCT on the West Coast. The GU19 saw Reghan and Claire both finish 13/16th place, both of them playing up an age group and in Reghan’s case playing “up and up” as she is still eligible for the GU15!
The second JCT of the season will be conducted in San Francisco from October 12-14 and we have a slightly longer turn around than in previous years. This presents a good few weeks to consolidate and put in the solid work required for everyone to get to that next level. For players who are contesting the event, please be sure to check in with us and confirm coaching early as logistics at this three venue JCT are a little “challenging”. :)
At the club, our in season schedule has commenced and this Saturday our first Rehearsal Tournament of the season in NJ! For the RT we will welcome two of our coaches from the Philly club, with Coach Michael and Coach Huma coming to add value to the day - don’t forget to enter!
