The Southeast’s longest running squash tournament introduced a history making number of firsts.  PAR 11 scoring was unveiled at Midtown Athletic Club.  Feed-in Fifth Place AND Plate Consolations were unveiled, bringing a surprising number of players back on Sunday, and an even larger number of weary legs out on Monday.  A strict adherence to US Squash’s NRS rating system was implemented to delineate and seed flights.  A whole new level of credibility was brought to bear on what it means to be a “4.0” player.

Last but not least of the firsts, the Grant Thornton / Merrill Lynch Southeasterns achieved US National Skill Level Regional Qualifier status.  Winners & finalists in each of the 5 draws have earned free entry into April’s US Skill Level National Championships.  Not to glossed over, the 5 winners also earned a $200 travel stipend to go represent the Southeast.

Also attached are a few photos of the worthy finalists.  (Sadly, the photos of the 3.0s champion & finalist, Hafeez Fazal & David Nolan, di not quite make it through the photographer’s thumbs.)

Final thanks also go to Mr. Eben Hardie, Bob Burton, Lynnie Minkowski, and the Midtown Athletic Club & staff.

Both Andre and Keith have assured us that the Southeasterns will return in 2010, almost certainly growing tremendously in size as stature as the Southeasterns graduates into an essential “gating” event for the Skill Level Nationals.

 

Results

5.5 Draw: Keith Clemens, Justin Mather, Andre Schnabl, and Chris Tham

Top: Keith Clemensand Andre Schnabl
4.5 Draw:  Jeff Roper and Bupe Mulumba

 

4.0 Draw: Keith Clemens, Tom Thompson, Sheldon Taylor and Andre Schnabl

3.5 Draw: Franky Martin, Andre Schnabl and Ken Holsclaw