What better way to kickstart the 2021 squash season in the tailwind of the pandemic then to host a first class Squash Extravaganza at “The Jewel of the North”; The Centre Fitness and Squash Club in Collingwood, Ontario! New owner operator Chris Grolla, a Registered Kinesiologist, Certified Athletic Therapist, and Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist with over 10 years experience has developed a unique focus around promoting education, prevention, and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal conditions by empowering his clients to build and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle and SQUASH is high on his menu!
Under the helm of famous tournament wizard, Eric Baldwin of the B&R, Toronto, they showcased Canada’s top hardball doubles players in the 1st annual "Battle of the Kings of the Court” featuring Australia’s World #4 on the SDA Tour and former top 50 PSA player Scott Arnold, 3X Canadian and 2011 World Doubles Champion Seanna Keating, 3x Junior Canadian Doubles Champion Josh Kay with a bevy of hugely talented others players; Alex Carter, Allan MacAulay, Andrew Mckay, Aussie Pete and Mark Porter. The illustrious crowns were finally captured by the "Has-Been & His Helper” Team of MacKay & Kay!!!
During the hardball doubles tournament, Grolla also featured Canada's first ever SQUASH57 Singles and Doubles exhibition including mini clinics by England’s David Morrish, the 2018 Squash Ontario Coach of the Year and former coach of the likes of Fiona Greaves (former World #5) and Alister Walker (former World #12). Together with Lolly Gillen of the WSF Squash57 Commission, they introduced Squash57 Doubles with the help of multi titled hardball doubles champions Lindsey Hermer-Bell & Sibylle Witt. Within minutes of the Morrish clinics, the beautiful Mariana became living proof how easy Squash57 was to pick up as she started giving Morrish a run for his money. Meanwhile 17 year-old weightlifters Grady and Tosh (both non-racquet players) and seasoned squash singles players George, Joe and Armando instantly fell in love with this new element of the game; Squash57.
Squash57, formerly known as UK Racketball (not to be confused with US Racquetball) started in England in 1976 and has become one of the fastest growing racquet sports in the UK gaining massive popularity in Finland, South & Central America, Malaysia, Spain, South Africa, USA, etc., and is now being introduce in Canada as it can instantly increases the value proposition of a squash membership at absolutely no expense to the facility owner. Squash57 can also instantly provide several thousands of doubles courts across Canada. Both Squash57 Singles and Squash57 Doubles are played on the exact same court as International softball singles only it is played with a 7” shorter racquet and a much bouncier ball. Squash57 is much easier to learn, easier to play and provides fantastic cardio exercise as the rallies are much longer, even for beginners. Squash57 is also much easier on the body and can extend a player's playing lifespan by decades!
With Covid protocols in place, all players and guests were required to provide a negative covid test at the door to gain entry, they were entertained for hours and treated to a BBQ feast compliments of the Collingwood Blues Hockey Club.
Clearly Grolla recognizes a game changer when he sees one and has definitely injected a ton of new energy into the buzzing atmosphere at “The Jewel of the North”; The Centre.
