The RHS Boys Squash Team gave it their all at the 2014 U.S. High School Team Squash Championships, February 7 to 9, in Philadelphia.
By Georgetta L. Morque
The RHS Boys Squash Team gave it their all at the 2014 U.S. High School Team Squash Championships, February 7 to 9, in Philadelphia. Now called the world’s largest squash tournament, the event drew 1,403 competitors from 151 schools representing 16 states. There were six divisions for the boys and matches took place at six different venues.
Rye High entered two teams of players in the event, from both Varsity and JV. Rye’s Team A, competing in Division IV, faced tough opponents in the opening round against Canisius High School, but progressed through the consolations where they defeated Episcopal Academy 5-2. After a 3-4 loss to St. Andrews School, the Garnets fought back to win the consolation playoffs, 4-3, against the Berkshire School. “While we started off slow, we ended the tournament with a win,” said Coach Mat Bruno, noting that the group placed 11th in their division and 39th overall in U.S. Squash. “Not bad for a mostly underclassman team.”
Rye’s Team B, competing in Division V, succumbed to Canterbury School in the opening round but also ended on a high note, winning the plate playoff in a 7-0 victory over Park School.
For the three senior co-Captains, the weekend was a memorable one. In one match, James Reid was down 3-10 in the second game and came back to win 13-11. “While he eventually lost the match, it showed great perseverance and motivation,” said Bruno. Ward Urban also played extremely well — three of his four matches went to five games — and Elliot Meister won his last match in four games.
“Overall the experience was terrific for the team,” said Bruno. “As a coach I couldn’t be more proud of the boys. They battled every game and every match.”
