The Southern California Squash Racquets Association has been reconstituted with some new direction, new faces, and new energy, along with some of the dependable stalwarts that have remained active here in the land of sunshine and much too available outdoor activities.

For those of us who prefer to sweat in a small enclosed space, squash remains our sport of choice. After all, you don't need to lather your entire body in expensive sun screen to play indoors, and you won't need those weekly pschotherapy sessions after taking out your frustrations on an uncomplaining soft rubber ball with your weapon of choice. For those of us who want...no, NEED to hit that ball, So Cal SRA will be there to serve you.

Because of the large geographic area we serve, and the driving distances (and times!) involved, we have determined that some of the traditional SRA activities such as leagues are impractical, and that organized play should first begin at the local level in order to involve as many players as possible.

To that end we plan to restore the So Cal Championships with an entirely new format. In the first stage, every participating club or venue will first determine their local champion for each skill level and age group, including Juniors, by a set deadline. Some groups here in So Cal are small and may only field a partial contingent, but they will be accomodated, as well.

In the second stage, one venue will be set for each of the four regions: Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego; and the individual club winners will then compete for their respective regional titles in each skill level and age group.

After those champions have been determined, a final coming together of the champions from the four regions will be held to crown the Southern California champions in each division and age group. Of course, this will be under the auspices of the USSRA and will be a sanctioned event, and so will count towards national rankings as well as local and state wide rankings.

These events will be open AND FREE to any and all So Cal SRA members. Your only obligation is to show up at the appointed place and time and to play your best!

Although there are other local tournaments through out the year, this will be the only official So Cal Championship, and will be the premier event here in Southern California. Don't miss out---join the So Cal SRA today!

Dan Karnowsky
President SCSRA