Bryan Patterson Named Captain of New York Teams to Play Royal Army Team in September Match Series by Andy Garr August 8, 2014
- NYSquash has named Bryan Patterson captain of the six teams that will
face the Royal Army Physical Training Corps squash team in New York
City this September. The UK team is defending the War of 1812 Redux
trophy won in 2012 by the Royal Army Logistical Corps in 2012. The
Board of NYSquash, citing its disappointment with the New York showing
in 2012, believes that the US performance suffered from a lack of
leadership. The 2012 New York Tour Director, possibly responsible for
that result, will be retained only for certain administrative
functions. He is a non-squash player whose continued tenure on the
Board has been questioned by several other members. The Board believes
that Patterson will bring substantial knowledge of squash and the New
York player roster to the various teams. Patterson’s British heritage
was briefly questioned, but the Board recognized his long-standing
devotion to the sport in the United States and deemed it a non-issue.
Patterson’s
undisclosed, but rumored to be substantial, compensation is already
causing considerably controversy. An anonymous Board member who
commented on the compensation issue first said, “You have to pay to
play”. Perhaps in view of the notoriety of that expression in New York
City, he quickly corrected himself and said “you get what you pay for”.
This same Board member when asked if US Squash would take a role in the
event said “they are interested and will probably decide when the
results are in.”
The six matches, being
played at seven different venues, have aroused tremendous interest.
Admission is still possible at some locations, but is under the control
of the participating clubs. There are some security issues since the UK
Embassy has announced that their non-playing captain may attract some
unusual interest. Questioned, the spokesman for the Embassy would only
hint that the captain’s first name is Princess. An honorary
captain for the New York team has not yet been named.
The War of 1812 Redux
Trophy valued at $500,000, designed and to be made by Tiffany, is to be
paid for by donations from the traditionally generous squash community
in New York. Donations have tripled in the last six months since the
announcement of the 2014 challenge and are approaching $60.
Below is the schedule of the matches:
Thursday 9/4 combined Harvard Club/Princeton Club at both locations
Friday 9/5 Eastern Athletic Club (Brooklyn)
Saturday 9/6 combined Street Squash and City Squash at Street Squash
Monday 9/8 Sports Club L/A
Tuesday 9/9 Westchester Squash [Mamaroneck]
Wednesday 9/10 Union League Club [includes trophy presentation]
