Letters to the Editor

The Alaska State Squash Championships were held in Palmer recently, and hosts Mark and Dawn Alger deserve a giant thanks from all who participated.

The Algers are the most giving people you’ll ever meet, and their generosity in offering their private court to squash players from around Southcentral Alaska is truly a remarkable gift to the community. Many players from the Valley and Anchorage convene at Moosewood Squash Centre nightly for league play, tournaments and just plain old fun. Mark has introduced the sport to many of the players, myself included, who otherwise would never have picked up the game. For that, we are all indebted to them.

Mark and Dawn Alger lead hectic lives filled with full-time jobs, three children and community involvement. Yet they still find the time to welcome each player to their court, and Mark is quick to provide a lesson on the game, regardless of your skill level. We are lucky to have such generous people in our community, and I personally owe them a debt of gratitude for being such wonderful people. Without them, I would still think of squash as a vegetable I detest, not a sport I have grown to love.

Congratulations should also be extended to the three champions of the tournaments — Marcus Hartley in the open division, Chet Williams in the intermediate division and Pam Strickland in the novice division. More than anything, however, the real winners are Mark and Dawn Alger, for giving the Valley such a wonderful opportunity, while asking for nothing in return. I probably speak for the entire squash community, which wouldn’t be here without them, when I say thanks to the Algers for all they do.

Casey Ressler

Wasilla