Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/249166
{ MEMBER TO MEMBER } Written by Naomi Thalenberg | Photography by Barbara Kinney FRIENDSHIPS COME TOGETHER AT THE WAC { PHIL ABBESS } Member since 1998 P hil Abbess describes himself as social. It's easy to see why. He joined the WAC more than 15 years ago to play handball. Before long, he discovered the Club had much more to offer than weekly visits to the court. Phil got involved in member leadership committees and the WAC Board of Governors. Currently, he serves on the Food & Beverage and 20s/30s committees. "Getting involved in committees allowed me to meet like-minded people," he says. "It made the Club feel more like a home." Phil also has immersed himself in Club culture through the in-house basketball league and the 101 Club, and by hitting the links with the Golf Club. "I typically spend 98 percent of my time with people I've met at the WAC," he says. "I've made countless friendships and memories." Phil says he's met people from all walks of life. Anywhere he goes in the Club, it's likely that he'll run into a new or old friend. "What's so great about the WAC is you'll meet someone, and odds are you'll see them again, whether it's in the locker rooms, playing hoops, or at an event," he says. "You get what you give, especially when you plug yourself in." A few years ago, Phil met Cal McAllister through a mutual friend. Both were big fans of Husky sports and bourbon, and they quickly became good friends. This past summer, Phil invited Cal to join him for a few outings at the WAC. 22 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014