Monday, November 02, 2009

HOME vs. HOME

RED v. BLUE – 5-0 Good Guys
Week one of the RI Squash season pitted us against the other RICC B team. Despite valiant efforts at the RI Squash Board meetings to place clubs with multiple teams in the same league in different divisions, the Board voted to set up the league in a geographically “friendly” manner. Apparently the State of Rhode Island is now so expansive, due to global warming I suppose, that it shocks the conscious to suggest a squash player would tolerate a 40 minute drive. You can get from anywhere in RI to anywhere in RI in 40 minutes. I digress!

The result of the RED v. BLUE match was predictable. RED squeaked out a 5-0 victory. It should be noted that Ted BLUE gifted a win to Jenks due to a hamstring injury suffered in his attempt to run the Newport Marathon. A tough week for Ted Blue as he only made it approximately 3 out of the anticipated 26 miles before packing it in. As an aside, Z-Bride ran the ½ marathon on the same day in what was a true Nor’easter.

The Blue Capt. was a bit confused coming into the match. Clearly he hadn’t utilized the Jenkinese Rosetta Stone VOL I to decipher the “Encrypted” line-up. Much bitching by the Blue Capt. over nothing – (“Who’s Former? Is he a new guy? I’m just looking to see who we’re playing and I get a list of names I’ve never seen before. What’s going on here?”) Captain Blue also brings to light that Jenks sister was HOT when he knew her in high school. Very good intel!

FOOD, SPIRITS, $, PROMISES and PONTIFICATING

It was a tough decision but we chose Billy’s over Chiasa this week. We did get some great service due to the owner sitting at our table. Most notably, Hadlean ordered up the BROKE BACK BURGER, Jenks bailed before the bill came and Nina had a $0 balance on her debit card. Ironically, Jenks share of the bill went to Nina instead of mine. Is Jenks the new Nina? Jenks, Don’t forget to pay her back!
The beer must have been a tad more potent because DOBY AGREED TO BE CAPTAIN NEXT YEAR! A night to remember!

Hadlean indicated that Sexual Self-fulfillment was a better cure for a headache than Advil.

Jenks, true to form and as expected, had the perfunctory BURP! NICE! and came close to wearing Tennis Browns. Smartly, Jenks scheduled a Box League match knowing Ted Blue was injured.

All in all, a great start to the season. A very fun gathering – until Jenks left – and then it became a little uncomfortable.

Former Capt.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

WEEK 1 - Pre-game Hype

THE OLDER WE GET THE MORE WE STAY THE SAME
So Hads and I get together today for a pre-season hit around after the kids clinic to get some of the rust off. We both missed yesterday's "Get the rust off session" due to family sports obligations (two goals by my kid, not sure about Charlotte).

It was a good thing we went out there. The rust was extensive and there were many errors. The new point- a - rally format is not conducive to early season, aggressive, risky shotmaking. The tin was getting a workout.

After about 30 minutes we seemed to fall back into familiarity. No Stroke for Hads, as I saw it (thanks Sebby) and "Bone on Bone" and the patented "Hadlean" reared their heads. Hads did surprise a few of us with a new comment which, you can be assured, he will rely.

After the match was over and we were enjoying a cool, refreshing adult beverage, Hadlean actually told those in earshot that he "grew more arthritis over the summer." The guy will do anything to win - even fake an injury during a preseason workout to change the pace and the flow of the match. Wiley veteran!




Home vs. Home - Week 1

The squash kick-off function was last night. I missed it. I hope everybody that did attend had a great time.

The courts are starting to fill up. The kids looked like they were having a blast at today's clinic with Coach Riley - especially KATE!

Tuesday is the first match for the RICC B-squads. Not sure if the other team is showing or who is on it but we'll be there ready for the match. Post match dinner will undoubtedly be at Billy's now that it is open.

PRE AND EARLY SEASON FITNESS

From experience I can say that court sprints are the best and fastest way to get into game shape.
Suggested format:
1. Play your match or do your drills
2. Do the sprints at the end.
3. 12 lengths with a 30 second break, another 12 lengths, another 30 second break, continue until exhauseted
4. Concentrate on your footwork so you go into each length with the proper foot and touch low on the wall
5. The footwork becomes key especially under pressure and when tired.

Looking forward to a great season.
Former Capt.

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

2009 - 2010 B-Season

IT'S BACK

Feeling like we missed something last year. TWIS will be re-established for the enjoyment of the team. A form of glue to help cohesiveness.

UPDATE FOR LEAGUE
See the following below regarding number of B Teams and who we will play.

This year, there are 12 teams in the B league, requiring 2 divisions, each with 6 teams. There will be no need for "bye" weeks since there are an even number of teams.However, in the North, we have 3 teams from Brown, 2 from UClub, and 1 from Agawam. If we were to try to do what we discussed at the board meeting, and put one of the RICC teams in that division, that would force one of those above-named teams to play in the south. Having discussed this with various folks at those clubs, it is clear to me that none of them want to deal with the extra travel implied by this. That also implies extra travel for the teams in the south. Also, to take one team out of 2 or 3 from a club and force them to do that travel while their peers on the other team aren't doing it is also viewed as "unfair."If, like last year, there were only 11 teams in B, then it would probably have been no problem to put the two RICC B teams in different divisions. But it doesn't seem possible this year.- Don


Next team event: PRE-SEASON CONDITIONING.

I'll speak to Jenks and give him some ideas.
PSYCHED!