New challenge for squash coach

Press, 26 April 1979, Page 28

New challenge for squash coach

Colin Brownlee, now the national director of coaching, is at present extending his reputation as one of the major contributors to the development of squash in NeW Zealand. Mr Brownlee is, of course, probably best known as the father of the Rotorua player, Bruce Brownlee, now ranked No. 7 in the world. He had much to do with his son’s early progress in the sport but his contribution to squash in this- country is much wider than that.

During the mid-19605, Mr Brownlee opened up a squash complex of four courts in Rotorua, a move that did much to continue the squash boom in New Zealand by bringing the sport before the eyes of the Bay of Plenty public. He and his wife, Lorna, a former national women’s representative, were responsible for the large numbers of junior champions Rotorua produced in the 1960 s and early 19705. Mr Brownlee is now a qualified professional coach

and in January was appointed national director of coaching by the New Zealand Squash Rackets Association. He replaced Rob Crothall, of Auckland, who trained the New Zealand teams for the last two world amateur championships in 1976 and 1978. He has brought his customary verve and flair to the job and has completely streamlined the system ' makm § « reater use of various provincial association coaches.