Squash Magazine: USSRA Hardball Nationals 2003

USSRA Hardball Nationals By Charlie Baker Photos courtesy Baker

What were those quotes? “Hardball is dying.” “Only the old goats play it.” Well what about some stats from the 2003 USSRA Hardball Squash Nationals in Philadelphia? -85 players: more than any Hardball Nationals since 1996 -14 players in the Open division -6 teenagers -3 20-30 years old -2 30-40 years old -3 over 40 The Merion Cricket Club was the venue and the play was high quality and intense. In the Open, former national champion Tom Harrity faced Jamie Hickox, at one time a top 20 in the world softballer. Though Hickox played remarkably for a newcomer to the game, Harrity's hardball experience made the difference. His very aggressive play forced Hickox to make mistakes, which led to a 3-0 Harrity win. Two Merion players faced off in the 40s: Peter Stokes, the squash coach at Shipley school, and Jamie Heldring, former national doubles champion. The play was very even with Heldring leading close to the end of the second game. However, Stokes closed the gap taking the game in overtime. He seemed to gain the momentum and took the title 3-0. M50+: Chairman Baker, Martin, and Page The 50s draw was awesome, not only for the number of participants (50), but also for the quality. In the semis Sandy Martin squashed by John Frazier 3-2 in overtime while Palmer Page in the top half of the draw was on cruise control. In the final Page was awesome, playing flawlessly to beat Martin 3-0. The 60s saw one of the closest matches of the tournament in spite of the 3-0 score. Tony Swift from Canada won his age bracket division several years ago and James Zug of Merion had done the same thing. Both players had all the shots and blistering pace which made for much excitement. In the end Zug took home the silver with a 3-0 win. The 65s featured an upset. Top seed Dan Dudas, who has won many national championships, went down to defeat in three straight at the hands of a very much improved Bruce Elfenbein. Elfenbein used tight rails, many nicks, and very few errors in achieving his victory. Tom Dolan has won before at Merion, and in the 70s he repeated. His controlled game and well camouflaged roll corners proved too much for his opponent, Dick Mason. Mason had great speed but couldn't crack Dolan who went on to win 3-0. The 75s saw a repeat of last year's Nationals with Charlie Baker of Merion facing Charlie Butt from Maine. Baker led in the first game but was forced into overtime and a subsequent loss. The final two games were not as close and Butt's error-free play spilled the difference, giving him a 3-0 victory. The 80s saw a repeat of past performances. Both Seth French and Hal Boddorff had won the Nationals previously. This time it was French's turn. His play got stronger throughout the tournament and he took the finals 3-1.