Annual Report 2008 Our Vision:

Victorian - one sport, one brand, a united approach.

Our Mission:

To successfully administer, promote and initiate opportunities for all Victorians to enjoy the sport of Squash, ensuring a dynamic and viable industry.

Our Values:

Excellence – we are committed to providing the highest quality programs, events and services Integrity – we uphold our responsibilities and obligations Transparency – we conduct all business in an open way Teamwork - we succeed when we work together Passion – we are passionate about our organisation, our people and our purpose

4 board report

5 strategic priorities

5 squash vic committees

6 our organisation

7 technical council report contents 7 venue council report

8 executive directors report

9 development

10 high performance

11 VIS report

12 events & competition

14 members

3 BOARD REPORT Ian Kent President

In May 2008 we welcomed our new Executive Director Fiona 2008 Board of Management Young. After a lengthy and at times frustrating process the Board were delighted with Fiona taking up the challenge. And what a challenge our new Executive Director faced.

Not only had she had to establish herself in her own right, she faced staff restructuring issues and of course needed at the same time to get to know the other important stakeholders.

To Fiona’s credit she dealt with these issues in a professional and competent manner keeping in mind the sensitivities involved.

Since these first hectic months the global and of course local financial crisis has heavily impacted on the health of our organisation. The maintenance of revenue streams has become a huge challenge. Ian Kent (President) Bryan Bird (Vice President)

Later in 2008 we appointed an expert consultant to analyse and review our sport. The Board accepted all of the key recommendations arising from the report. The change of trading identity from the Victorian Squash Federation to Squash Vic and the updating of our constitution were recently implemented.

A revamped membership package, which includes Regional and Country clubs and venues, is being formulated as we go to print. Our Executive Director is driving this major initiative and we are very confident of successful outcomes for all stake holders.

During the year Mark Ikin and Bec Pretty moved on and we thank them for their important contributions while they were with us. Our office is a pleasant and productive workplace. Kevin Fidock (Finance) Lynne Spark Richard and Brad are working in harmony and have developed a strong sense of teamwork. Fiona demonstrates strong leadership and inspires those around her with her work ethic and ability to deal with problems.

Our sport has a good chance of Olympic Games inclusion, hopefully in the 2016 event. The decision by the IOC will be handed down in October 2009.

A special thanks to those men and women that donate their time and energy to the various committees that are an integral part of our sport in this state. Ongoing thanks are also due to our partners and sponsors especially the Victorian Government agencies who have been unwavering in their support over many years. Mike Edney John Gonsal Racquetball has moved closer to our organisational objectives. There are obvious benefits in a closer association with *Vicki Cardwell did not nominate for re-election in May 2008. racquetball and special thanks to their executive in initiating the directional changes. Squash at all levels provides its participants with fantastic benefits. Like similar sporting organisations it requires new people that will commit in the form of ongoing involvement. We desperately need some “new faces” and would appreciate those willing to get involved in any capacity that’s appropriate.

Lastly I would express my thanks to our Board of Directors who have provided enormous support to me personally and to our sport throughout the year.

4 SQUASH VIC COMMITTEES

Patron Sarah Fitz-Gerald

Technical Council Chairman Brendan Perry

Venue Council Chairman Mike Edney

State Coaching Director Karen Cagliarini

Victorian Institute of Sport Squash Program Anne-Marie Harrison, Marty Aitken, Gary O’Donnell, Committee Byron Davis, Karen Cagliarini, Richard Cagliarini, Fiona Young - Head Coach Karen Cagliarini

Gippsland Sports Academy—Squash - Head Coach Neil Young (retired Dec 2008)

- Program Manager Faye St.John

- Assistant Coach Mark Soutar

VSRRA Delegate Duncan Constable

Victorian Country Championship Committee - Chair Mandy Hamilton

- Manager Mark Soutar

State Match & Pennant Women’s Catherine Swift Bryan Bird Kath Ryan Vicki Scotland Men’s Brendan Perry Brendan Woodford Bryan Bird Senior Selection & Rankings Committee - Women’s Gavin Murphy Karen Cagliarini Bryan Bird - Men’s Gavin Murphy Bryan Bird Richard Cagliarini Junior Selection & Rankings Committee Neil Young Richard Cagliarini Karen Morrissey Brad Kemp Tribunal Chairpersons Tom Ligeti, Gavin Murphy Tribunal Panel Members Don Groom, Ken Jarrott, Penry Green, John Gonsal Delegate Ian Kent

FOR 2009 THE SQUASH VIC BOARD HAS IDENTIFIED THE FOLLOWING STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:

• Work towards creating “one sport – one brand” for all of Squash in Victoria. • Review Squash Vic financial model and sources of revenue to enable implementation of this Plan on behalf of members. • Develop a marketing and communications strategy including a revamp of Squash Vic website

5 OUR ORGANISATION 2008

• 18 coaches achieve Level 1 accreditation YEAR IN REVIEW • Sarah Fitz-Gerald and Vicki Cardwell gain Level 2 coach accreditation • Strategic Plan 2009—2011 produced • , Rex Hedrick and Richard Cagliarini (coach) represent Australia in nation’s inaugural World University Games Squash Team • wins National 17YAG title and reaches semi– finals of the Top End Open • State Grade, SSL Pennant and Club Circuit integrated on to Squash Matrix system • Over 350 Juniors enter tournaments • Victoria hosts the National Junior Series in Ballarat with over 320 local and international participants • Player pathway is reviewed, two new tiers are developed • Squash Vic purchases two inflatable courts for junior promotions

6 TECHNICAL COUNCIL REPORT VENUE COUNCIL REPORT Brendan Perry Mike Edney Chairperson Chairperson

The Technical Council meets four times per year to review Again the Venues have seen their participation levels current events, procedures and structures of squash decline over the past year in both pennant competition organisations and competitions. So, if you have a concern and their casual bookings. The casual bookings are down or issue you wish to raise as a player; this is the vehicle 15 to 20% when compared to last year. Players can now through which you can voice your opinion. It is of little walk up at peak times and secure a court which means value to complain at pennant and wider squash circles our product has been devalued and some players are now without taking the issue further. Take the time to raise asking for discounts off the rack rate. With the current your concern, understand current procedure, reflect upon economical climate this trend will continue for sometime. it. Then offer solutions to rectify the given situation. We are always open to new ideas, suggestions and positive Pennant competition is expected to decline further over criticism. the next 12 months particularly in the number of women playing the game. The Technical Council is the players’ representative body within the overall structure of Squash Vic . It provides an The other area the Venues have concerns is the Masters opportunity for all players to have a say in the events, competition which has kept a number of Venues viable. policies and structure of the organising body, which This downturn is a result of the aging playing population governs our sport in this state. Whilst many players have a and fewer players moving into Masters due to the decline lot to say about how things should and should not be of midweek pennant over the last 10 to 15 years. organised; very few, if any actually put their hand up to A trend to in house competition has further eroded volunteer for organising events or programs run by Squash midweek pennant as Venues continue to aggressively Vic. Perhaps this is part of wider social factors within our promote these competitions to offset what they see as society. the worsening situation in the current competition structure. For those dedicated few who regularly contribute to the functioning of this Council, especially those who travel large The new regime at Squash Vic is seen as a positive by the distances to attend the meetings; I say a big thank you, for Venues but, they would like to see a number of their all your work, support and dedication to the continued concerns addressed. effort of allowing squash to operate effectively in the state These are; of Victoria. To Bryan Bird and all people associated with the (A) A program to lift the participation levels in the organisation and effective running of State Pennant teenager to the late twenties age range as the competition, thank you for your effort. It is truly junior programs that have been running for some appreciated. 15 years or more, have not translated into growing the sport. To Paul Vear/Fiona Young and the team involved in the daily operations of Squash Vic, I say a big THANK YOU. (B) Point of sale brochures for marketing the sport at The sport owes you all its heartfelt thanks for all that you the local centre and their community. We need to do, above and beyond the call of duty. Paul graciously rid ourselves of the perception by the younger offered to stay at the helm of the organisation until such generation that squash is an old persons game. time as a suitable replacement could be found. This was well after his actual retirement date, again Paul, we say a (C) There is concern about Club Circuit venues big thank you for your efforts in squash, it is truly aggressively poaching players from the commercial appreciated. venues to bolster their own player base by offering various inducements. We welcomed Fiona Young to the post of Executive Director throughout the year. Welcome to squash Fiona, (D) A review of the State and Area competition I’m sure you’ll find it an interesting and challenging sport to structure in regard to suppers, set nights etc be involved in. The board and administrative staff have recently undertaken a review of procedures with positive (E) Women’s squash needs to be addressed urgently results established, such as the launch of a new trading as there will not be a competition for them in the name and website—from the Victorian Squash Federation next few years. to Squash Vic. More initiatives will be undertaken throughout 2009. Thank you to everybody involved in the If we can increase squash’s participation levels everyone operation of Victorian Squash, your efforts are truly will benefit and the sport would become more appreciated by all involved in the sport at all levels. economically viable for Squash Vic, Venues, coaches and

the suppliers to the game. Finally, a plea to all squash players: it is time to become passionate about your sport. Get involved, attend meetings, voice your concerns and opinions, do more than just play the game. It is your sport and its success ultimately depends upon your commitment and contribution.

7 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Fiona Young Executive Director

2008 - a year of change, challenges and achievements

2008 was indeed a year of change and On the coaching front, two Level 1 Coaching challenge. Firstly two stalwarts retired, courses were held in Victoria during 2008. 22 Executive Director Paul Vear after 21 years of coaches participated with 18 completing their post committed service and Wangaratta Squash Club course practical requirements and gaining NCAS who hosted their 14th consecutive Victorian accreditation. Sarah Fitz-Gerald and Vicki Cardwell Open. I took over the Executive Director reigns completed the Level 2 coaching necessities and are in mid May and embarked on an extensive now fully accredited. Six Victorian coaches attended community consultation process to develop a the National Coaching Conference in Canberra in strategic plan for the organisation going forward November. The PSCAV and Squash Vic combined to into 2009 – 2011. present a coaching workshop late December featuring Len Steward who spoke on his success To identify the new era, the Victorian Squash with junior squash programs. Federation undertook a change of name, logo, image and internal restructure in late December Squash Matrix continued to expand with State (culminating in an official launch in February Grade, Southern Squash league and Club Circuit 2009) to enable it to efficiently respond to the competitions being integrated on to the system. changing needs of the squash community and Thanks to Bryan Bird for his hard work and sporting industry. dedication in establishing the player base and updating results—often only hours after matches are Throughout 2008, Squash Vic continued to completed! successfully coordinate numerous Squash and Racquetball events including the Australian The VIS Squash Program was subject to a midyear Open Doubles Championships, National Junior review which saw the program being extended in its Series, Victorian Open Championships, current format until December 2009. In late 2008, Racquetball Championships, the VIS commenced a full evaluation of its Australian Corporate Games Squash operations and all sports have been required to Competition and Asia Pacific Out Games Squash reapply for inclusion in the Institute program from event. 2010 going forward. Squash faces a challenging task to retain its position as a Tier 1 sport and Squash State representatives acquitted themselves well Vic has designed a new underpinning structure to over the year with Sarah Cardwell taking out support athletes in reaching their full potential. The the national championship in the 17 YAG. new development pathway will be piloted in 2009. Victorians Melody Francis and Rex Hedrick represented Australia at the World University Our regional Sports Academy in Gippsland continued Games in Egypt with the team finishing a very its outstanding success with four athletes creditable 7th. represented in the Victorian Junior Team. Sincere thanks and farewell to Head Coach, Neil Young, who Once again the Victorian Squash Rackets has retired after many tireless years at the helm of Referees Association provided enormous the Academy Squash Program and who was a key support during the year, managing the referee player in the Academy’s inception. requirements for our major events, Pennant Also leaving squash in 2008 were Rebecca Pretty - Finals and various Grand Prix Circuit Office Administrator and Mark Ikin - Development tournaments. The VSRRA also conducted over Officer. Both have contributed immensely to the 10 rules presentations throughout the year organisation’s operations over the years and we including the trial of two new training packages wish Bec and Mark well with their future with video components. endeavours.

Junior Development continued to be a key focus Squash Vic wishes to acknowledge the support for the organisation with over 8,000 students received by member clubs, venues, athletes and exposed to Squash and Racquetball via our volunteers during the year as well as the assistance Schools program and a number of junior club and financial contributions from VicHealth, the programs being developed in conjunction with Department of Planning and Community participating venues and coaches. Development and Squash Australia. We also acknowledge the valuable support from Melbourne Squash Vic received funding from VicHealth for Sports & Aquatic Centre, our squash suppliers deaf and disability squash programs and 4 pilot Dunlop and racquetball supplier Stellar. venues have undergone AUSLAN training for staff and coaches and conducted come and try Thanks also to my staff and the Board of Squash Vic days for the deaf and hearing impaired for their hard work and assistance over the year and participants. we look forward to continuing our journey into 8 2009. Finally, best wishes to Paul Vear on his retirement and a life away from squash! DEVELOPMENT

Bradley Kemp Development Coordinator

Squash/Racquetball in Schools “Two Level 1 courses were organised during the year, one Over 8,000 children were exposed to squash and racquetball at Horsham and another at Gladstone Park. We had a total through the Squash in Schools program during 2008. Whilst of 22 participants to both courses with 18 going on to be successful in the country areas with a transition rate from schoolyard to venue of 15%—25%, the transition in accredited.” metropolitan areas was a little disappointing. A total of 374 students participated in the follow up come and try and mini Girls Squash Club—Pilot Project competition offered at the venues representing a far smaller Squash Vic implemented a Girls Club pilot project in 2008 with ‘strike’ rate of around 5%. For 2009, Squash Vic is the aims of: investigating inclusion in the Active After School Communities program where children participate in a sport over seven • addressing the drop out of teenage girls in Squash weeks during the school term. It is hoped the longer • addressing the current imbalance of males to females in exposure to the sport and the opportunity to develop a Squash. relationship with the program coach (who ideally will also be Whilst girls’ attendance rates at junior squash activities are often the venue coach) will result in a greater number of children quite good within the younger ages group, it evident that as girls moving into regular junior squash activities. approach mid-teens, there is a noticeable decline in regular participation. To begin to address the drop off of female Funding was also received from the Department of Planning participants aged between 12-15, Squash Vic and Squash Logic and Community Development for a junior club development Melton partnered to pilot a Girls Club program with the purpose program as an adjunct to the school sessions. A number of of uniting girls on a regular basis to play a bit of squash and venues were targeted for school clinics and follow up participate in some form of squash related off-court activity. activities over the year. Among others, junior clubs were These activities were designed to improve the social aspect of established or enhanced at Lilydale, Geelong, Horsham, participating in the sport. The first step was to retain the girls Wantirna, Mulgrave and Baw Baw. currently in the junior program at the club and the second step was to encourage new players of this age group to join. An initial Squash Vic (with assistance from Squash Australia) core group of girls met and together drafted a calendar of purchased two inflatable squash courts in December. These monthly activities which included: will be used for junior promotions, clinics, the Active After • Mother and Daughter Challenge School pilot program as well as being available for hire. • Bring a friend to ‘come ‘n’ try’

Approximately 500 secondary schools around the State • Create a photo board participated in the 2008 Victorian Secondary Schools Sports • Conduct a tournament Association squash competition which culminated in a finals • Glam up your equipment series conducted by Squash Vic at Gladstone Park, Moorabbin • Squash moves to music and MSAC squash centres. Numbers have declined somewhat over the past few years and squash needs to make a Although only a few sessions have been conducted so far, the concerted effort to boost participants and keep the sport enthusiasm has been fantastic and it is hoped this approach will involved in the VSSSA program. assist girls to be retained within the sport even if their competitive interest has diminished. At the primary school level, Squash Vic managed a statewide racquetball competition in Term 3, with schools from the Squash Vic has approached one of our elite senior athletes to be eastern Melbourne metropolitan area, Gippsland and Portland an Ambassador for the program and it is hoped to use this player regions participating. as a role model for younger girls within the sport. Squash Vic also intends to recruit a female coach and official to Deaf Squash Program promote women’s involvement and the opportunities available to As part of a four year project targeting specific populations, females in Squash. VicHealth provided funding during 2008 to continue a deaf squash program. An advisory committee, including members from Deaf Sports Victoria, Australian Deaf Squash, Deaf Children and Squash Vic, had been established to provide support and ideas for the project. Five venues—Mulgrave Country Club, Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre, Bendigo, Latrobe University and Squash Logic Melton— undertook AUSLAN training courses for venue staff and coaches. School clinics were held prior to a number of open days at the venues, specifically to attract current and potential deaf/ “The mother and daughter day was enjoyed by all - so hearing impaired squash participants. Attendance has varied much so, that it is to be a regular event .. one of the but so far has not been sufficient to sustain a regular mothers is considering joining the weekly in-house program. It is planned to link this project in 2009 to a Deaf Sports Victoria initiative involving four sports (including competition which is a real bonus!” squash). 9 State Teams HIGH PERFORMANCE Victorian Junior Team This Year the Victorian Team went to the AJC held in Perth Richard Cagliarini with a new look uniform and all the players were happy to High Performance Manager wear it with pride. We incorporated a Blue Heeler as a mascot and each member gave their opponent a small badge as a High Performance Program gesture of good will. Some teams returned the gesture with a badge of their own The Team began in 5th position and Nearly 50 players participated in the High Performance Program finished 4th a big improvement on the previous year. This year monthly sessions gaining valuable training and receiving we had two female coaches Lorraine Howell and Sarah coaching from a number of Victoria’s best coaches. They were: Fitz-Gerald. Both did a fantastic job with the players. I was on • Karen Cagliarini (VIS Head Coach) hand to give some relief to them when they needed a break • Sarah Fitz-Gerald but it was sometimes very hard to make them have a rest • Richard Cagliarini because they were enjoying the challenge with good results. • Tim Batty A notable performance came from Sarah Cardwell who began • Lorraine Howell in number one position for her age group and finished at number one without dropping a game for the whole • Terry Little tournament. All players played as well as could be expected • Marc O‘Brien and lifted when the team’s event began, giving each team • Brad Kemp member plenty of support during matches. Mark Ikin • A tour group was organised with Dino Zagami the coach in • Amanda Ikin charge of this group. Each of his players played well and We also had some assistance from local coaches Joe Meilak behaved accordingly. (Altona) and Tamba Sumana (Geelong). Training was Team members: conducted once a month on a Sunday morning followed by our • Kimberley Bessell (19YAG) Graded tournament. • Sarah Cardwell (Girls Captain—17YAG) A review of the player pathway was undertaken towards the • Jasmine Chan (19YAG) end of the year in conjunction with the application process for • Molly Denham (13YAG) the continuation of the VIS Squash Program. It was recognised that there was a need to split the High Performance Program • Nikhil Raniga (15YAG) into elite and developmental aspects. As such a Talent • Bernard Schiffl (13YAG) Development Squad (TDS) was created for trial in 2009 and a • (17YAG) tier created sitting below which it is envisaged will be • Luke Sims (Boys Captain—19 YAG) implemented through the area leagues in 2010. • Justin Singh (17YAG)

Bradley Soutar (17YAG) •

• Kasey Soutar (15YAG) VIS • Darcy St John (15YAG) TARGETED • Nicole Stoneham (15YAG) ATHLETE • Marcus Sullivan (15YAG) PROGRAM • Ben Tomison (13YAG) . TALENT Coaches: Sarah Fitz-Gerald DEVELOPMENT Lorraine Howell SQUAD Manager: Richard Cagliarini

AREA TRAINING SQUADS (2010) National Teams Challenge The National Teams Championship was held in Canberra for 2008. The Victorian team of Melody Francis, Vanessa Pickerd, Rex Hedrick and Peter Vaughn started off ranked 5th and finish th a creditable 4 - a great effort from each player. Team members: • Melody Francis (Captain) • Vanessa Pickerd • Rex Hedrick • Peter Vaughan

National University Team This year saw for the first time, an Australian Team entered in the 6th World University Games held in Egypt. The team consisted of 3 players (2 male, 1 female). Victoria was very fortunate to have Rex Hedrick, Melody Francis and Manager/ Coach Richard Cagliarini make up the majority of the team. We began in 9th finishing 7th and were very unlucky not have 10 beaten Austria for a playoff for 5th and 6th. The VIS Head Coach, Squash Vic and Squash Australia VIS REPORT representatives have worked closely on the squash program Karen Cagliarini submission and are confident of a positive outcome which (nee Morrissey) will be announced in March 2009. Head Squash Coach During 2008 the VIS Head Coach continued in her role as Head Coach for the 2009 Australian Junior Women’s team by The VIS Squash program embraces an ‘institute of one’ conducting a number of national talent squad camps as well philosophy which provides individualised training and as touring with the squad to the Top End Open (NT) for a competition programs for the unique needs and WISPA event and Malaysia for two international junior circumstances of each athlete on scholarship. This means events. that where athletes have an existing personal coach, the aim of the VIS program is to ‘value add’ by providing In 2008 the VIS squash program increased the level of additional support via training sessions with the VIS Head Sports Science support to its athletes and was fortunate to Coach and/or International Consultant Coach, along with have a Sports Science trainee, Madeleine Oldfield, placed the management of all other resources necessary for with our program for 12 months. Madeleine accompanied optimising the athlete’s development. the VIS Head Coach, VIS athletes and 2009 national talent squad athletes to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where she On court squash training sessions are conducted as per the monitored athlete wellness via diary entries, tested hydration needs of individual athletes on a daily basis and take the levels and implemented protocols for adequate re-hydration form of one on one, targeted group (2-3 athletes) or full as well as conducting recovery sessions. Madeleine’s support squad training sessions, at various times, to provide the of and input to the tour was fantastic, increasing athlete opportunity for all scholarship holders, regardless of their awareness and their understanding of the importance of school, university or work commitments, to attend regular these key areas to enhancing their performance. supervised squash training sessions at venues closest to their residence to reduce the burden of travel. Athletes performed well during 2008 with some of the highlights including: The VIS squash program is based predominantly at the world class facilities of the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Sarah Cardwell had an outstanding year, dominating Centre (MSAC), with some sessions being conducted at the field at the National Junior Series events winning outer Melbourne venues such as Squash Logic (Melton), both as well as securing her second Australian Junior Westerfolds Sports Centre (Lower Templestowe) and Championship when she won the 17YAG event in Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club. convincing fashion. Sarah made her WISPA debut at 251, and within 3 months had risen to 167 due to an Where possible during group sessions, Dr Noel Blundell outstanding performance at the Top End Open in (Sport Psychologist) attends to integrate mental skills Darwin, where she reached the semi finals. training into the sessions in a practical and purposeful way. The full squad trains together three times a week at the VIS achieved a career high PSA world gymnasium under the direction of Physical Preparation ranking of 88 after a string of good performances Coach, Ben Willey. reaching four quarter finals, four semi finals and winning one PSA event. The reduction in number of squad members has enabled Steve Robinson featured in five quarter finals and three the VIS Squash Program to better resource the athletes on semi finals of PSA events as well as securing his first scholarship and has ensured that more substantial financial Victorian Open title. assistance can be provided for travel to interstate and international competitions. In particular, it provides the Rex Hedrick represented Australia at the World Uni opportunity for our older junior athletes to gain valuable Games held in Egypt. international competition experience so that they fully Cameron White won the Australian Men’s Doubles understand the conditions and environment which they will Championship. face as seniors on their respective world tours. Brad Soutar and Sarah Cardwell were named in the In mid 2008, the squash program had its bi-annual review 2008 and 2009 National Talent Squads, respectively. as a VIS tier 1 sport, focusing on progress made towards targets identified from its previous review and as a result was successful in gaining an extension until the end of 2009. Moving forward, the VIS squash program is focused on supporting PSA and WISPA athletes with any talented athletes who are not quite up to that standard, but showing clear intention and potential to pursue professional senior squash careers in the near future, being supported within the VSF’s Performance Pathway via a Targeted Athlete Program (TAP) modelled on the Squash Australia program of the same name. The TAP, which starts in 2009, will underpin the VIS squash program and will prepare athletes to gain VIS scholarships and embark on the PSA and WISPA tours. At the end of 2008 squash, along with all other VIS sports, was required to submit an application to continue as a tier 1 sport from 2010 where the VIS structure changes from 2 year to 4 year terms to better fit with the quadrennial cycles of Commonwealth and/or Olympic Games. 11 2008 State Grade Pennant Racquetball EVENTS & COMPETITION Autumn Grade Winning Club Best Player 2008 Victorian Open Premier Grade Knox Park 1 1. Steve Andrewartha Men’s Open Final 2. Chris England Steve Robinson (VIC) defeated (SA) 11/8, 12/10, 6/11, 3. Greg Paine 7/11, 11/8 State 2 Knox Park 3 1. Colin Groom Women’s Open Final 2. Adam Ferrall (QLD) def Melody Francis (VIC) 11/6, 11/8, 11/6 3. Cameron Argaet

Special thanks to John and Elaine Broadway and the Wangaratta Squash Spring Club who hosted this event for the 14th consecutive year in 2008. The Grade Winning Club Best Player Club will take a well deserved break in 2009 when the tournament Premier Grade Eliza Village 1 1. Steve Andrewartha returns to Melbourne. 2. Chris England 3. Sean Keenan

2008 State Grade Pennant State 2 Knox Park 2 1. Neil Chambers Autumn Season 2. Ken Jarrott 3. Matt Ahern Grade Winning Club Best Player

Men’s Premier Yarra Valley CC 1 Rex Hedrick 2008 Grand Prix Racquetball Circuit— Men’s State 2 MSAC 2 Shane Murenko winners Events included—Knox Park Championship, Australian Men’s State 3 Altona 1 Terry White Open and Graded, Victorian Open and Graded, Ballarat Men’s State 4 Morrabbin 3 Nelson Turner Open and Lakes Classic.

Women’s Premier Kooyong LTC 1 Peta Murphy Men’s Open Steve Andrewartha

Women’s State 2 MSAC 1 Kim Balsdon Men’s A Grade Shane Skidmore Women’s State 3 MSAC 2 Verity Cleland Men’s B Grade Michael Barclay

Spring Season Men’s C Grade Jason Hawkins Men’s D Grade Bren Dodson Grade Winning Club Best Player Men’s E Grade Jordan Hawkins Men’s Premier Yarra Valley CC 1 Steve Robinson Men’s Novice Fraser Holloway Men’s State 2 Lilydale Club 1 Glen Fichera Women’s Open Jade Smith Men’s State 3 Maccabbi 2 Mark O’Brien Women’s A Grade Denise Skidmore Men’s State 4 Upwey 1 Charles Abrahamson Women’s B Grade Kylie Harvey Women’s Premier Westerfolds 1 Jessica Gillett Women’s C Grade Michelle Randell Women’s State 2 Westerfolds 3 Kirstie Pickerd Women’s D Grade Sue Rounds Women’s State 3 Westerfolds 4 Nicole Stoneham Women’s E Grade Aeron Skidmore

2008 Grand Prix Squash Circuit—winners Women’s Novice Maddie Snibson Events included—Mountain District Open, Gippsland Open, Ballarat & District Open, Ballarat Open and Victorian Open and (Wangaratta) Junior Tournament Circuit Graded Championships. This year 11 Graded events and 6 Junior Age events were

Mens State 2 & Below Brendan Perry conducted as well as the 2 National Junior Selection

Mens A Grade Greg Murphy Series events held in Ballarat. Mens B Grade Harrison Sinatra The Graded series had a total of 540 entered for the year and the Junior Age had 417. The Victorian Junior Age Mens C Grade Henry Pastuszka titles attracted 105 entries. Mens D Grade Jason Hawkins The two NJS events had a total of 320 players from Mens E Grade Jack Paine around Australia attend, including 35 players from Womens State 2 & Below Selena Shaikh overseas. Womens A Grade Donna Kille Womens B Grade Nina Wirski Other Tournaments, events hosted by Womens C Grade Jenny Esam Squash Vic in 2008 Womens D Grade Karen Ester National Junior Series, Asia Pacific Outgames, Australian Womens D Grade Wendy Borowiak Open Doubles, Corporate Games and Australian Junior Graded Doubles. 12 Above: 2008 Victorian Junior Team

Above: 2008 Victorian Men’s Open Champion— Steve Robinson

Below: Runner Up Melody Francis and winner Lisa Camilleri—2008 Women’s Open Champion

Above: Victorian Secondary Schools Squash Competition participants

Above: Rex Hedrick, Peter Vaughan Vanessa Pickerd, Melody Francis

Above: Gippsland Open winner Matt Karwalski with Steve Robinson and Nathan Turnbull

Above: Corporate Challenge Day, MSAC. Mark Ikin and Sport & Recreation Victoria staff

Above: 2008 Grand Prix Racquetball winners

Four Indian officials attended the Australian Open Doubles Championship held at MSAC to receive valuable training from national and local referees. Rajiv Reddy 13 presents Squash Vic with a token of appreciation. Victorian Squash Hall of Fame Members Squash Vic Life Members Bryan Bird Bryan Bird Brian Boys Brian Boys Vicki Cardwell Neville Caine

Dave Donnelly Mervyn Davidson Kevin Fidock Judith Fitz Gerald Judith Fitzgerald Eddy French Sarah Fitz-Gerald Bev Garfield Roger Flynn Geoff Hunt Eddie French Vic Hunt Geoff Hunt Faith Lacey

Vic Hunt Allen Minchington Gordon Watson Joan Morey Margaret Zachariah Sid Myers Ken Oaten

Lindsay Pattenden Joan Rival

Ian Tod (Dec.)

Martin Welsh Margaret Zachariah

Squash Vic Members

Full Members North West Squash League Victorian Squash League Southern Squash League East Area Venue Operators Mornington Peninsula Squash Rackets Association Ballarat Squash Association VSRA Club Circuit Victorian Masters Squash Association Various Country Clubs/Venues

Associate Members Victorian Junior Squash League Professional Squash Coaches Association of Victoria Victorian Squash Rackets Referees Association

14 15 Level 2 MSAC, Aughtie Drive, Albert Park VIC 3206 T: (03) 9682 2199 F: (03) 9682 2399 E: [email protected] W: www.squashvic.com.au

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