The Unheralded

 

All

For all of the years when I was keen on playing tournament squash, there existed the guiding framework of the Pacific Coast Squash Racquets Association.

For years, after Tom Wrightson’s passing, it has been my privilege to be it’s caretaker and historian.

Many notable names come to mind…….

It has been reported that over 100 players participated in the just concluded 52nd running of the “Coast Doubles” in Vancouver.

And of those 100+ playing in 10 Divisions, 20 were crowned Champions.

Congratulations to all!

For most of these luminaries getting to the ultimate stage of playing in the finals, it's trophy or nothing.

Only the winning team goes home happy; so the others kind of have to enjoy the journey.

Only the winner’s name is engraved on the perpetual trophy and even to this day nobody remembers the finalist’s name. 

But in my mind after years of running squash tourneys, the real story of the just completed “Coast” that hasn’t been told is the one about the 80 other match players; the one’s who didn’t make it past the first and second round, the life blood of the tourney; the unsung cast; the unheralded. 

Without their essential presence, the “Coast” wouldn’t have life.

You know who they are. They’re good players, not great players who happen to be the life of the Saturday evening party; the person who commands attention that everyone wants to be around.

They may be “B” tournament players but during the party they are “A” performers always with drink in hand, regaling the gathered, telling amazing stories, have contagious enthusiasm, and can dance like nobody’s watching.

Since he was knocked out of the tournament that Saturday morning and is now playing in the Consolations for the remaining of the tourney, he is primed and ready for an all-night bender.

During my playing days, I remember after I was knocked out in an early round and to make the rest of the weekend worthwhile, I would station myself near the kegger and helped myself until I recouped my entry fee in brewskis.

I’m sure that anyone reading this have similar stories to tell.

To all of you untrumpeted players, this post is my round of applause.

John

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