Ray Kerslake Honored as a Builder in Squash at the 2024 Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame
After 45 years of dedication to the sport of squash in Peterborough, Ray Kerslake is set to be inducted into the 2024 Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame as a builder on June 8th. His tireless efforts have made him the voice and presence of squash in the region, earning him the recognition he truly deserves.
Ray's involvement in squash spans decades. He is not only a Level 1 and 2 coach but also a lifelong player, embodying the spirit of the sport both on and off the court. He played a pivotal role in establishing the Peterborough Squash Club back in 2012, which has since become a cornerstone of the local squash community. Under his guidance, the club, operated as a not-for-profit organization by volunteers, has flourished, reaching its highest membership registration of 130 in 2023.
"It is the accepted fact within the squash community that if it were not for the effort, leadership, organization, and commitment of Ray Kerslake, there would be no squash in Peterborough," states Kerslake’s Hall of Fame bio.
With 45 years of experience under his belt, he has claimed numerous titles, including the Peterborough Squash Champion in 2001. He has also competed in the Ontario and Canadian Masters Championships for the past 25 years, earning bronze in Ontario in 2019 and placing 4th at the Canadian Masters in the same year.
In recognition of his exceptional contributions, Ray was awarded the 2018 Squash Ontario Outstanding Achievement Award, a testament to his leadership and commitment to the sport. He received the same honor again in 2022, highlighting his continued dedication to squash in the Peterborough community.
"Another reason why so many people play squash in this area is because of the likes of Ray and because there is a following of like-minded squash players here, who just want to play a lot of squash…," says Colin Mackenzie, a volunteer squash coach in Peterborough.
The Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame induction and award ceremony will take place on June 8th at the Memorial Centre in Peterborough, starting at 7:00 pm.
Congratulations, Ray, on your well-deserved induction, on behalf of Squash Ontario and the entire squash community. Your passion and commitment have made a lasting impact, inspiring generations of squash players in Peterborough and beyond.