Cleveland Does It Right
from Tour Media
Nathan Dugan - Ray Lindsay
November 17, 2011 - Cleveland is a mid-sized squash community with outsized results. In large part, the city’s pros deserve a heaping of praise. Nathan Dugan (Head Pro at Cleveland Racquet Club), Ray Lindsay (Cleveland Skating Club), and Ian Sly (Tavern Club) work together to grow the game and maintain a supportive squash community.
In many ways, Cleveland is the model for how a city’s squash program can flourish. The city’s SRA is focused on growing participation in the game at the adult and junior levels, and each pro believes that growing the game will grow their individual program. “We do work together,” said CSC pro Ray Lindsay. “Squash is a small world, and we all benefit by our joint efforts.” Lindsay is a former touring pro who was born in New Zealand.
The local SRA has active participation from each of the three clubs’ pros, and they are focused on squash’s growth. There are members from each club that support the pro events and junior tournaments.
“Not every city has great cohesion,” said Nathan Dugan, of England and also a former top touring pro. “It’s exciting for me to see that Cleveland does. In most years, Dugan hosts the largest women’s professional event in the Americas. He is active with US Squash committee work, building his program and leading Cleveland’s growth. “Ray, Ian and I along with a supportive volunteer base collaborate to ensure that each is being supported. I want their clubs to succeed, and they want mine to succeed. That ethos has really helped to build participation in Cleveland.”
Each year, Cleveland hosts well-managed, professional and amateur squash events. They include a WISPA, ISDA, PST, and US Squash Junior and Gold and Silver events. Cleveland is also laying the foundation for the new Urban Squash program to be hosted at Cleveland Racquet Club. In addition to the three clubs above Cleveland also houses courts at the University School and Cleveland State University.
PST Commissioner Joe McManus heaps praise on Cleveland's leadership. "I marvel at how well they work together. Cleveland is truly America's best run squash city. Because of their spirit of cooperation and comfort level with each other, the local players and the game itself benefit greatly."
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