THE Coffs Harbour Squash Club Championships conducted over the weekend will long hold a special place in one family’s squash journey, with David Wigley and his two children all figuring in the winner’s circle.
Taking a day off from reporting on sport for News Of The Area, David finished the tournament as runner up in the Men’s Open, going down to Aidan Rowston in three tough games.
Earlier in the day he watched his son Dylan and daughter Jaida take out the Junior A and Junior B Grade titles respectively.
Capping off the championships, Dave was named Club Patron for 2023 for his selfless contributions in helping juniors at all levels achieve their best and taking part in training programs with the kids on Saturdays.
Having moved to the Coffs Coast in 2015 to get away from the hustle of Sydney life, the young Wigley’s have grown up with a squash racquet in hand.
The kids can be found at the Korora courts most days of the week.
Dylan, thirteen, is continuing to improve and currently has a national and state ranking which he is aiming to improve on in the coming twelve months, competing in the Under 15s Age Group.
Despite her young age, Jaida has already tasted success, being selected in the NSW State Junior Team in 2021/2 and competing in the Under 13 age group at a national level.
She is currently ranked number two in Australia.
Reaching the Junior B final of the weekend’s Championships, Jaida faced top seed and fellow state representative Cleo Poulava.
It proved to be one of the standout matches of the weekend, with both players delighting onlookers with their skills and court coverage.
Jaida opened fiercely to take a two games lead before Cleo fought back, leveling scores at two games each.
A nail biting fifth game kept fans glued to their seats, before Jaida forced an error from Cleo to take the title and complete a great weekend of squash success for the Wigley family.
“It’s fantastic to see the rise of so many juniors in the graded divisions,” Squash Club owner and head coach Peter Saxby said.
“No doubt in future years seniors will continue to enjoy competing alongside them and watching their progress through the ranks,” he said.
Championship Results
Men’s Open Champion: Aidan Rowston
Runner Up: David Wigley
Mens A Grade Champion: Sebastian Williams
Mens B Grade Champion: Drew Woodhouse
Mens C Grade Champion: Joby Newton
Womens B Grade Champion: Eden Poulava
Womens C Grade Champion: Jada Poulava
Junior Open Champion: Lachlan Walmsley
Runner Up: Sebastian Williams
Junior A Champion: Dylan Wigley
Junior B Champion: Jaida Wigley
Junior C Champion: Joshua Wing
Club Awards
Club Patron of the Year: David Wigley
Senior Player of the Year: John Sambrook
Junior Player of the Year: Cleo Poulava
Most Improved Award: Eden Poulava
Encouragement Award: Isaac Murphy
