Two long-time squash enthusiasts have been honored by U.S. Squash for their contributions to the squash community. Lee Engler and J. Ritchie Bell were added to the Grand Masters Honor Roll, which recognizes accomplishments in, and contributions to, the game of squash at the national level.
“The two honorees have demonstrated enthusiasm, competitive spirit, and great skill in the game of squash throughout their lives. They are great sportsmen and leaders on and off the court – qualities which are central to consideration for a place on the Grand Master Honor Roll.” said Peter Lasusa, Board Chair of U.S. Squash.
Lee Engler is a five-time U.S. Masters champion, and was recognized at a ceremony held during the 2013 U.S. Masters Championships on Saturday March 10 at the Sheraton Stamford Hotel in Stamford, Connecticut.
Engler is a former aerospace executive from Weston, Massachusetts, and has won the U.S. Masters Championships twice in each of the 70+, 75+, and 80+ divisions. He has also reached the #1 ranking in both the 70+ and 75+ divisions and is currently ranked third in the 80+ division.
Engler is also a member of the Maugus Club of Wellesley, Massachusetts, and a great supporter of squash in the region.
“Lee is a frequent volunteer to the various junior tournaments that Massachusetts Squash and U.S. Squash run in the Boston area. Simply put, Lee gives back to squash,” said a former Massachusetts Squash District President Dan Reagan.
Dr. Lew Holmes, a friend of Engler’s added, “Lee is a great ambassador for squash and a model for us older players in his commitment to the game.”
Also honored was J. Ritchie Bell, inducted on February 23 at the Saturday night dinner of the U.S. Century Doubles Championships in New York City.
Bell has been involved in squash in the Montreal area for many years. He is the former President of the Montreal Badminton & Squash Club (now Atwater Club), a past board member of the Canadian Squash Racquets Association and former Vice President of the Quebec Squash Racquets Association.
He is the fifteen-time winner of the J.W.S. Chapman Invitational in various categories, and winner of numerous doubles titles including the 2009 U.S. and Canadian 70+, 2006 World 70+, 2005 U.S and Canadian 65+, and the 2000 U.S Masters.
Cincinnati coaching legend and doubles partner Don Mills said of Bell, “Ritchie is a great competitor who is fair and fun loving. With a bum knee he won the U.S. Nationals, but with the same intensity and sense of humor even when he was down match point.”
Lasusa added, “Both honorees have led the way and set the standard for a lifetime in squash, and should be very proud of their achievements.”
“U.S. Squash acknowledges their commitment, leadership and sportsmanship through honoring them with this award.”
View scenes from Lee Engler’s induction ceremony on March 9 below:
View scenes from J. Ritchie Bell’s induction ceremony on February 23 below:
