ISA Squash Tournament

This year, Shawnigan hosted the ISA Squash Championships for the first time. Our four international courts in the new Sportsplex

provided the perfect venue for the competition. There were some hard fought matches at all levels, but in the end Shawnigan dominated the Junior and Senior Boys’ events winning gold in both, and beating out rivals St. George’s, Brentwood, West Point Grey Academy and SMUS. Our less experienced girls played beyond expectations to edge out York House and capture the bronze medal. Congratulations to the SMUS girls on winning this event. The Shawnigan team members were:

Junior Boys: Justin M., Haydn E., Avi H., Rodrigo O D., Blake D., Sean T., Wesley W., and Macoy J.

Senior Boys: Christien Q., Chris M., Dorian L-W., Krit K., Ron S., Andy L., and Alex H.

Girls: Kat D., Betty V., Tom O., Megan L-S., and Caitlyn R.

Much of the Shawnigan success can be attributed to the dedication and skill of Head Coach, Mike Johnson, ably assisted by intern and former Canadian Junior Champion, Ashley Clackson, and Stewart Candelaria. Mike has spent many extra hours on court training and motivating the players to give of their best and reach their true potential. Shawnigan is also grateful to Mike’s wife, Christine, for giving so unstintingly of her time to the program.

Thanks go to everyone who came out to support the players. In particular, we were grateful for the incredible support of the Shawnigan Parents’ Association under the energetic and efficient guidance of Trish Letient.

At the end of the competition, Mr. Nick Gudewill had some inspiring words for all of the players before making the presentations of the medals and trophies. Nick is an alumnus of the School who generously donated one of the new courts, and who continues to be a staunch supporter of squash at Shawnigan and in British Columbia.

– Lynne Grass, Coach

Photos by Stephen Lane