2007 Peter R. Lyman Award – Hugh Higgins

June 10th, 2007 Mithun Mukherjee Posted in Awards | Comments »

(announced by Mithun Mukherjee, presented by Peter Lyman himself!)

The Peter R. Lyman award is now close to 30 years old. In the mid seventies the award was initiated by two of his former players, Dave and Richie Perlman, and who played for him and Spike Gonzales a long time player here at Midtown. Peter coached both of the Perlman brothers at UR in both squash and tennis between 1964 and 1970, and they were the captains of his teams.

These three players wanted to recognize individuals who, over several years, had demonstrated three qualities:

1. Exemplary sportsmanship on and off the court
2.Dedication to improving his or her own game
3.Significant contribution to the organization and development of squash in the Rochester area.

Our Lyman awardee this year is one of the friendliest faces on the Med Center squash courts – we’re all a friendly bunch actually .

Over the years he has steadily developed his game climbed up the ladder and now plays in Box 1 of the Med Center club ladder. Part of the credit should go to his state of the art squash equipment – be it the latest line of racquets, eyewear, shoes or DVDs – he has it!! At the same time, he will readily share his stuff – I know I have borrowed his brand new expensive racquet more than once.

He is also a keen student of the game and consciously studies to develop it through lessons and video. He has been a membership chair on the RSRA Board for the past few years and helps organize local tournaments, including the recent city tournament in January.

Very recently, in February this year, he and another previous Lyman awardee, Eric Hernady represented the United States at the prestigious Lapham Grant, a 15 man head-to-head amateur tournament between the US and Canada in Toronto.

Please give a warm round of applause for the 2007 Peter Lyman award recipient….HUGH HIGGINS!!!!