Champions Inducted into the Qld Hall of Fame

Rhonda & Marion inducted into Qld Hall of Fame

Published: 05 Mar 2006 - 11:45 by rippa rit

Updated: 05 Mar 2006 - 14:05

Subscribers: Log in to subscribe to this post.

Last night I was fortunate enough to attend a function where Marion our past champion was recognised, and inducted into the Qld Hall of Fame.

We have on the left Rhonda Shapland/Thorne (who was inducted last year presenting the trophy) who travelled throughout the World in the 1980's and was a junior in my squads and subsequently won Qld, Australian, and World Titles. The crowd is always enthralled when our players recount their thoughts and challenges of playing overseas. The commentators always ask the obvious questions too, eg "what did you think about before you played ......" etc.

Marion Hawcroft/Jackman was a legend, in that she was runner-up to Heather Blundell/Mackay for 14 years in the World Championships, and won her first Australian Title when Heather turned professional. The commentator remarked "you were unlucky to be born at the wrong time" but Marion assured him she had no regrets since she was only beaten by the greatest woman squash player in the World at the time. Whilst Heather did not attend the function she did send an interesting and touching message from her home in Canberra recounting stories of the past.

Some interesting TV footage was played of matches recorded in the 1970's (in black and white of course), showing a much younger and fitter version of Heather and Marion (Marion's adult children were chuffed to view this).

Pardon my photography as the eyes look a bit "groggy" and I interrupted them for a picture as they moved off stage.