Squash Courts
In the summer of 1927, Headmaster Lonsdale was a passenger on one of the “Queens” sailing from the U.K. to Canada. He happened to come across a game of squash being played on the ship’s squash courts. Realizing the potential the sport could have as a school game, and one that could be played in inclement weather, he measured the dimensions of the court, and on his return to Shawnigan, promptly had two courts built to the measurements he had taken. The two courts were built onto the west side of the newly finished gym, and voila! – these were the first squash courts in B.C. Unfortunately, Lonsdale did not realize that the courts conformed to neither the English nor North American specifications, since their size was limited to the space available in the ship’s hull. Consequently, Shawnigan’s courts were unique in the world, yet served the School admirably for the next 40 years. Despite the “dimensional drawbacks,” the School produced some excellent players who went on to become champions in B.C. and at universities throughout North America.
In 1966, a new gymnasium was built on campus, and Headmaster E.R. (Ned) Larsen ’43 (Groves’), an accomplished squash player himself, insisted that the design include two new squash courts. These courts were used for over 40 years. Yet, once again, Shawnigan found itself out of sync because they had built their courts based on the traditional “American” (now called “hardball”) standards, while the rest of the world was shifting to an “international” or “softball” court standard. The hardball courts are 2.5 feet narrower and the “tin” lower by 4 inches, requiring players to make major and very quick modifications to their game. However, once again, these athletes did adjust and they achieved great success.
The original courts were quickly relegated to other purposes. By the mid-1990s, their deterioration threatened the structural integrity of the gym (by then, the Assembly Hall), so they were dismantled.
In 2009, a new Sportsplex was built, which included four new squash courts. These courts conform to all the latest measurements and technological advances in flooring, front-and-side walls and glass backs. There is also viewing for 100 spectators. The courts are named after the donors whose generosity made the courts possible: Hungerford, Gudewill, De Filippi, and Tsui. The squash program, led by coaches renowned both locally and internationally, has attracted top players from around the world. Shawnigan’s ranked players compete provincially, nationally and internationally.
The facility has been recently upgraded, thanks to a generous group of several donors and supporters of the Squash program. The facility has also recently been christened the “E.R. (Ned) Larsen Squash Centre” to honour the impact he had on the School, and, in particular, his support of the sport of squash.
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
The original courts were quickly relegated to other purposes. By the mid-1990s, their deterioration threatened the structural integrity of the gym (by then, the Assembly Hall), so they were dismantled.
In 2009, a new Sportsplex was built, which included four new squash courts. These courts conform to all the latest measurements and technological advances in flooring, front-and-side walls and glass backs. There is also viewing for 100 spectators. The courts are named after the donors whose generosity made the courts possible: Hungerford, Gudewill, De Filippi, and Tsui. The squash program, led by coaches renowned both locally and internationally, has attracted top players from around the world. Shawnigan’s ranked players compete provincially, nationally and internationally.
The facility has been recently upgraded, thanks to a generous group of several donors and supporters of the Squash program. The facility has also recently been christened the “E.R. (Ned) Larsen Squash Centre” to honour the impact he had on the School, and, in particular, his support of the sport of squash.
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
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