By TIM DUNBAR

An excellent season of squash for Craig Hibbert had its climax last evening when he was named as the sport’s “personality of the year” in Canterbury for 1980.

The Linwood player received the trophy at a function in the Christchurch Squash Rackets Club. Rod Hayes and Viv Hargreaves were the previous recipients.

Hibbert put a lot of work into improving his squash this year. Well before the season started he and Hayes would meet for training at 6.30 a.m. and spend 60 to 90min in on-court routines.

The efforts paid off and during the season Hibbert won the Canterbury title and gained (and held) a national ranking – both for the first time.

Two weeks ago that fitness of Hibbert, sometimes referred to as “the scuttler,” was really tested. Bruce Brownlee forced him into a series of court sprints in the course of an exhausting 34min three-setter. But Hibbert was also able to reveal some rather useful drop shots.

Hibbert is also a member of the Christchurch club and during the week-end he played No. 2 behind Hayes in the Cousins Shield national premier teams’ event. Christchurch narrowly lost, 2-3, to Mitchell Park (the eventual winner) in the semi-finals at Wellington.

During the season he also trained and managed the Linwood C grade team for its national contest and made a strong contribution to his club’s social activities.

The other nominations considered by the Canterbury Squash Rackets Association’s management committee panel were Don Preston and Pat Leopold (both Christchurch).