The Labour Day long weekend signifies an abrupt shift in seasons for Calgarians; from golf to squash! Although the juniors train hard throughout the summer, the doubles court tends to sit empty for a couple months, giving adults a chance to rest and repair their weekend warrior bodies. But now, as the Canadian morning air turns crisp and the trees have started to change colour, we are grateful to have Amelia Knapp back in our lives, project managing us on our way to another successful doubles squash season!
This fall, we are looking forward to hosting the Calgary Invitational which will include, for the first time ever, an inaugural women’s event alongside the men’s! However, the featured event of the tournament will undoubtedly remain the Pro Am draw, where spectators eagerly anticipate the following: Chris Callis and John Hayes pulling out all the stops to defend last year’s title, Mike Knapp standing on chairs, mid match comedy stand up from Dean Brown and Darren Thomson, and Brian Boulanger’s return to primetime entertainment on the Friday evening (watch out folks, he’s been closet training at Bow Valley on Mondays!) We’re looking forward to hosting everyone in the Wild West come November.
After finishing last year’s squash season on a very special high note, the summer has been a chance for us to reflect on an SDA season for the books. Our home away from home, the World Open at the Jonathan Club, is a landmark event and one that continues to impress. The best part about the 2024 World open event, other than after-partying on the rooftops of LA, was the creation of some lifelong friendships. From inspired coaching between games courtesy of Gina Stoker and Nikki Todd, to moments of levity on the club’s rooftop with Katie Tutrone, to life lessons with Suzie and Jess Davis at dinner, great times were had catching up with old and new friends alike.
The outlook on the 2024/2025 season is bright; it’s shaping up to be another year of fun weekends, competitive squash and memories made with friends on the SDA tour.