Cumbria Squash would like to announce that 80-year-old Willie Studholme of Wigton Squash Club has been selected to receive its prestigious annual award – the Hazel Tait Award for Personality of the Year.
The award was introduced in 2005 in memory of Hazel who was president of the organisation and a major player in its development. It is awarded for exceptional performances at club or county level , or both, over the wide range of the organisation`s activities.
Willie was selected for his dedicated and very active support for Wigton club over a period of 40 years and his effective junior coaching work at the club over the last 15 years or so. Also, for his total commitment and support for CSR, the county organisation, over that 40 year period.
Tom Armstrong, county Chairman, said “He is without question the best supporter of the organisation that he has ever known – there is no one like him for for spreading his enthusiasm about the sport across the county – which is exactly what the organisation wants.”
Willie loves the sport and even at 80 is still very active and on court at Wigton at every opportunity – he also plays in the Scottish veterans tournaments and has done very well on the over 75 circuit.
Tom added: “This very nice person, a real gentleman, never lets anything stand in his way in his desire to play squash and only recently after a severe shoulder injury when he could not use his right hand he began to teach himself to play with his left hand. Fortunately he has recently had surgery and should soon be back to normal.”
The award has been presented by a member of Hazel`s family ever since it was introduced – this year it was presented to Willie at the County League Cup Finals event at Windscale Squash Club on Saturday March 21 by her son Stephen. Tom says that this continued family support is very important to and much appreciated by the organisation.