After being around the block for nearly 50 years playing this game that we call Squash, I've played in matches that have been memorable in most every which way - grudge matches and friendly matches alike. Inconsequential and life changing. And there have been games that even to this day are still vivid in my memory.
One of these matches was played in the mid 70's when I was an undergraduate at Berkeley; a Bay Area league match.
I had been playing for only a few years and at the time we were considered B players. My foe represented San Francisco's Presidio - a formidable 5 player team comparable in skill compared to our 5 player rag-tag hippie team from Berkeley. At the time, I was playing on UC Berkeley's undergraduate B team; still learning the game. Our team was looking forward to this match and travelled to San Francisco Presidio's two courts to play the matches.
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While warming up and stretching, it crossed my mind that we were just kids playing military-trained grown-ups - America's finest. We were just young long-hairs from the People's Republic of Berkeley. Talk about culture clash!
I didn't help our team’s effort much and lost my match in a dismal 3 games. All in all, my opponent couldn't be more of the gentleman than he was. I guess anyone can be a good sport while wiping the floor with someone. But it was somewhat competitive and I got a workout.
In the spring, as the season was coming to the end, the final league matches to crown the league's champions were scheduled to be played at Berkeley’s Harmon Gym. The disciplined team from the Presidio made it to the finals. (I don't think their team lost a match during the entire season.) And somehow, our rag-tag team from Berkeley also made the finals.s
The team from the Presidio anticipated a reprise of their win against us earlier in the season, and we were aiming for a bit of redemption from that loss.
The 10 players were paired and I was to play against the player with whom I lost to in 3 unceremonious games earlier that season. A rematch!
Given that Harmon Gym had 5 courts, all of the matches were played concurrently with the same starting times. As the evening wore on, 4 matches were finished. The team match was tied at 2-2 and I was still playing - the only active match left. The outcome of my match would determine that year's league champs, but I was not aware of what was on the line during my match. I was trying to stay alive! The gallery began filling with the players from the finished matches.
As the battle developed, I surprised my opponent with my improved play, getting the best of him. No longer was my rival the collegial gentleman, and not surprisingly, he revealed himself as being a hard-nosed competitor. A few rude muttered remarks by him ensued.
After five games of wrestling, I grandly won the match garnering a large dose of satisfaction - winning the match meant that Berkeley became NCSRA “B”league champs. I think that I still have the winner's pewter mug!
It’s a source of joy!
John
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