Special brew named Three Wall Boast ready for Charlottesville
By ALAN THATCHER, Squash Mad Editor
Some 800 squash players, from 59 nations, have pitched up in Charlottesville, Virginia, to compete in this week’s 2018 World Masters.
Age groups range from over-35 to over-80 in 19 different sections and the USA is hoping to grab some of the medals with 216 entrants from the host nation.
The University of Virginia’s McArthur Squash Center at the Boar’s Head Sports Club is one of the most impressive squash facilities anywhere on the planet, now with 14 singles courts, including a permanent all-glass show court, and two doubles courts.
Founded in 1976, with women’s events added in 1982, this is the first time the World Masters has been staged in America. With head coach Mark Allen leading a top team of staff from US Squash, plus an army of volunteers, we can look forward to a smooth-running tournament (although a reply to my emails concerning media coverage would certainly be appreciated).
After battling it out on court, competitors will be able to slake their thirst with an official tournament libation. A craft beer called Three Wall Boast has been produced specially for the World Masters by the Three Notch’d Brewing Company, who launched the special brew an official reception at their new brewery and tap room last night in Charlottesville.
Three Notch’d founder, George Kastendike, presented Stephane Lussier with a ceremonial six pack for coming up with the name of the “Three Wall Boast Pale Ale” name in a contest earlier this spring.
Kastendike, a Charlottesville native, picked up squash five years ago after the construction of the McArthur Squash Center, and looks forward to competing in his first World Masters this week in the 40-plus division.
“It’s incredible to see an event like this come to Charlottesville,” Kastendike said. “Tournament Director Mark Allen and the entire team have been building the momentum for something like this since the facility opened. It was a canvas when it was first built, and the pieces have started to come together for what it could become. This is a culmination of a lot of hard work, planning and practice by the entire team at the McArthur Squash Center and Boar’s Head Resort.”
Players can also raise their glasses to a very special event taking place during the tournament. Wedding Bells will also be ringing around Charlottesville as two Masters players, Tony Gay from England and his partner Reka Burmeister (from Hungary) tie the knot during the event.
Close to 1,500 visitors from around the globe are expected, and the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce is estimating an economic impact approaching $1 million.
Good luck to all the players, referees and event staff. It promises to be a special week.
Cheers everybody!
