2003 Lyman Award – Herb Barbehenn

June 29th, 2003 Chris Thomas Posted in Awards | Comments »

2003 Lyman Award.
Presented June 4, 2003 by Eric Hernady

Let me take a few moments to present this year’s Peter Lyman award. The Peter R. Lyman award was created in the mid-70s by Spike Gonzales, Dave Perlman, and Richie Perlman, long time players and professionals at Mid-Town Athletic Club. The Perlman brothers had captained both the squash and the tennis teams here at UR under the coaching of Peter between 1964 and 1970. These three players wanted to recognize individuals who, over several years, had demonstrated three qualities:

• Sportsmanship on the court and off,
• Dedication to improving their own game, and
• Time spent supporting and developing the game in the Rochester area.

This year’s honoree is by no surprise a very active member in our squash community now and has been for many years. In my few short years in the squash community I have witnessed firsthand his positive impact on the development and coordination of many squash-related events here in Rochester.

Over the years his commitment to the city team leagues, Kodak leagues and MTAC leagues is unparalleled. He helped maintain a dialogue between SquashRochester and Kodak Park even when his main affiliation was elsewhere. He succeeded in producing constructive discourse between SquashRochester and MTAC even when many people thought all was at a stalemate. His persistence also paid off in creating a challenge ladder and box league at MTAC.

This honoree is responsible for the coordination of countless tournaments in the area. Without his (and his wife’s) tireless efforts most would not have come to fruition. I have personal knowledge of the difficulties and pitfalls involved with organizing an event of any size. His tournaments are always well attended as well as viewer and player friendly. I specifically remember players receiving massages (Not by the honoree!) as part of one tournament package.

He has also given back to the Rochester community by raising money for the Dimitri House. He helped coordinate a charity tournament at Harro East held annually up until this past year. He also organizes the annual Rochester Spring Classic age-group championship held at the MidTown Athletic Club.

Most notably in 2001 this honoree helped revitalize the City Championships and year-end awards party using the new URZ courts. He brought the players together with both skill level and age group flights and generated a draw nearing 60 players. He personally called nearly every player to ensure the success of the turnout and provided all players with quality organization and memorable matchplay. He has been a driving force in the year-end amateur tournament ever since.

This honoree’s commitment to his squash game is nothing short of admirable. He plays nearly all tournaments in our city aswell as traveling around the country to compete in national events every year. He attends squash clinics to improve his game and displays a consummate understanding of squash strategy rules and sportsmanship. In fact earlier this year he won the 60’s age group championship at the prestigious Dayton Squash Open and competed at the National Skill Level Championships in Hartford. Never short on giving of himself he rooted me on in this year’s Cleveland Open, when the majority of the fans were cheering for my hometown opponent.

We have all known him as an insightful contributor to the SquashRochester Board for many years. He keeps his finger on the pulse of squash happenings in and around the city and conveys clear, cogent ideas about the directions squash should take here in Rochester. Some of you may not know that he has held the position of RSRA president and is a FORMER winner of this very award. Before he rides off into the sunset everyone please join me in congratulating the 2003 and now 2-time Peter Lyman Award winner, Herb Barbehenn!