The second annual Feel the Love squash tournament was held at the Prince Rupert Racquet Centre this past weekend and judging by the big jump in entrants, it was a success.
With 37 entries in the tournament, it was nearly a 25 per cent increase from last year’s inaugural event.
“This year’s event, like last year’s, was a huge success. Although squash is the primary reason we all get together, fun and squash camaraderie are emphasized. It’s all about feeling the love,” said Lee Beal, tournament organizer.
The weekend saw participants between 15 and 58, from Rupert, Terrace and Kitimat, and other places across the northwest.
Along with plenty of squash games, the tournament included a prime rib banquet and prizes to be won. If you ask Beal, there’s no tournament like this one.
“There are other tournaments in the region but none can live up to the stature of this event,” he said.
Because the tournament is held around Valentine’s Day — and bears the name to represent it — each event category is given a unique name.
The top event, otherwise known as the Latin Lover’s event, was won by defending champion Steve Hawyes, of Terrace. He and his family emigrated from South Africa a few years ago, where they owned a multi-court squash facility.
Hawyes’ daughter, Sibohan, showed the family’s skill by winning the Deadpool division, and it was no difficult task for her.
“She’s so good that she not only played in an event that was predominantly men, but she annihilated each and every one of them,” Beal said.
In the Lion King event, newcomer Andy Leighton won, who Beal said is the closest thing you’ll find to a kamikaze squash player.
“His never-say-die attitude saw him diving for balls and putting his body on the line each and every rally,” he said.
The Cupid event was won by Mike MacIntosh from Kitimat, another tournament newcomer along with his wife, Jen.
In the Betty Boop division, which is an all-ladies event, the title went to Jill Pimlott from Terrace.
The final event was the Romeo and Juliet division and was designated for the novice players, which was won by Colleen Markides, of Prince Rupert.
Beal said he would be remiss not to thank the businesses of Prince Rupert that donated event prizes, as well as the many other people who helped put the tournament together and make sure it ran successfully.
“Not enough thanks could ever be given to express our gratitude,” Beal said.