Chapter 5 - UClub Squash through the ages - more memories

John:

I joined in the mid to late 90s; so women had recently been admitted, and at that time, we were playing softball on the existing narrow American hardball courts. In retrospect, I am sorry I didn't try hardball singles on the correct courts at that time, as I have enjoyed the game ever since on the rare occasions I have played.

My only memory, and sadly nothing juicy occurred, was that there was no proper court entry, and in order to gain access to play doubles, the women had to walk through the men's locker room corridor if I remember correctly. The common preceding exhortation was, "COVER UP......WOMEN COMING THROUGH!!" I wish I could relate some spicy stories involving something to do with that, but we were such a boring lot that nothing at all ever happened. (Well, I can relay stories that, from time to time, there were more than a few members who would not even bother to cover up for the players of the distaff side while in various stages of dressing or undressing! -  JL) 

One of the happier memories I have, and this will be confirmed by the Portland and Vancouver crowd while playing in the Pacific Coast Doubles Championships, was arranging a sit-down dinner for all who wanted to come at the Cornell French Hotel and Jeanne d'Arc restaurant on Bush. It was a roaring success, even if we did drink more than the allotted wine ration!!

Peter Susskind

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John, 

I remember this vividly: at the squash courts at the Club (with the hardball courts) in the old locker room changing area where we were all chock-a-block, during a tournament of some sort I assume, someone asked Paul Pelosi (a fellow UClub member), who he thought would be elected the next Speaker of the House. Paul said, “Well, actually, I think it will be Nancy.” An historic moment! 

Paul played regularly in those days though he was already having trouble with his knees. Bruce Hyman and I had a regular game. Bruce could trounce me in tennis, but we played evenly in squash until his feet and knees failed him. He was quite lame in his later years but was always of good cheer; never complained. 

In spite of my efforts, he was turned down for membership in the Club - no doubt because he was too Jewish. I trust the Club is over that sort of thing nowadays. 

My wife, Kathy, and I are dealing with the usual issues of age. In a recent game I stumbled and was plunging head first toward the sidewall. Austin Bennett, a young member of the Club, heedless of his own possible injury, dove down, deflecting and shielding me from the wall; no doubt saving me from serious injury. The spirit of squash! 

John, you have always been a great inspiration (and I’m sure for Paul too now, recovering from that terrible assault). And, do you remember, was it Murray Smith who always played in ankle length white pants. All seems so near and yet so far ago. Where does time go?  

Be well. 

James Kirkham 

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John 

Peter Gaynor's son Bruce here. Starting from the late 60's, I of course, have very fond memories playing at the University Club  

The names that come to mind during that time: Paul Pelosi, Herm Zwart, Dr. Richard Lanzerotti, Dan Heffernan, Alex Eichmann, and Gene Gillis. I was too young then and too old now to remember all of their names.

But I do remember the mid to late seventies - my high school years which was the time of the massive remodel of the squash complex which included the construction of the 1st doubles court in Northern California - putting San Francisco on the map in the national squash scene. 

After the grand construction, so many great tournaments were hosted and prominent players were drawn to our neck of the woods. One player in particular was the great Hashim Khan. 

Playing in an exhibition match against the best player in Northern California at the time, Tom Dashiell. 

I was lucky enough to be in attendance along with nearly 100 members and squash enthusiasts from other clubs.  Who could pass up the chance to see the greatest player of that era?

The date eludes me, but what a great evening. Both participants were so gracious. As always, Tom represented the club and himself well.  As a warm-up before the featured match, I played against an up-and-coming star from Mexico City, Mario Sanchez.  I got blown out 15-2 15-3 15-1.

On that note, the other guy at the age of 19  I could only imagine how Tom had felt that night. My University Club highlights were winning the NorCal and the Pacific Coast Juniors Championships both held at the University club in 1979. 

My father Peter's terms as NorCal President, culminating in  the 1983 USSRA National Championships at the University club. The Sir Francis Drake Hotel on Powell street played host to the tournament, Culminating in a great Saturday evening black tie event..... Could not tell you who any of the winners were but what a great weekend..... 

Peter contributed and recruited so much on behalf of the Club and NorCal.

Bruce Gaynor 

A work in progress……