Squash extravaganza planned for early February

Sarah Palermo Assistant Sports Editor

The renovation of Kenyon Hall isn’t quite finished yet, but the squash teams have an extravaganza planned for the first weekend in February. They have been coping with the inconvienence of icy walkways and the loss of one court, but still plan to host the Class of 1932 WISPA (World International Squash Players Association) tournament February 1-6, and a tournament for college level players February 5-6. The College’s women’s and men’s teams face Hamilton College, Connecticut College, and George Washington University in a tournament coinciding with the semi-finals and finals of the annual WISPA tournament, which draws some of the world’s best players.

Even if the facility is still under construction, Coach Jane Parker says that her teams are ready to face their opponents. The athletes resumed training Jan. 10, and competed in a tournament in Philadelphia over the winter break. Sara Wood, Emily Morris, and Grant Hutchinson ’05 shone in their divisions in Philadelphia, and are expected to stand out in the coming competetion as well.

The Brewer men’s squad is currently ranked 30th nationally, and has to “pull out all the stops” to succeed against number 26 Connecticut College, number 23 Hamilton, and number 21 George Washington U., and improve their national ranking, says Parker. Men’s co-captain Ian Warthin ’05, says the team suffered the loss of a player to a semester abroad, but has the benefit of a “really strong freshman class,” citing the past performances of Berry and Kantrowitz.

Currently ranked 18th in the nation, the women fight off number 25 George Washington U., number 20 Connecticut College, and number 19 Hamilton. Parker is cautiously optimistic about the women’s team’s chances, hoping that before the season is over they can advance to 15th in the nation. Names to watch for in future competitions are team co-captain Wood ’05, highest ranked player on the team, and Katie Siegel ’06, who just arrived back from a semester abroad with significant improvement to her game.

Both teams will have to live up to expectations if they want to keep the cup in the hands of the College. Because each college participating is sending both a women’s and a men’s team, the championship will be decided on the combined score of both. Warthin sees this tournament as a welcome opportunity. Hamilton defeated Vassar earlier this season, but he thinks the men have improved and, while he says no match is a “guarenteed win,” both teams will give their opponents “a run for their money.”

The action between the world’s top players will be just as exciting as the close match-ups between the college teams. Returning champion Omneya Abdul Kawy of Egypt is expected to attend and attempt to defend her title. Natalie Grainger of the USA is ranked fifth in the world and first seed in the Class of 1932 tournament. She will coach the Vassar teams prior to their competetion, and will also work with the KidzSquash program, which teaches squash to urban youths.

Admission to all events, including the WISPA tournament, is free. All events take place on the Kenyon Hall squash courts.

WISPA TOURNAMENT
Tues 2/1 2:30-6 p.m., Qualifying Round 1
Wed 2/2 4-7 p.m., Qualifying Round 2
Thurs 2/3 1-7 p.m., Main Round 1
Fri 2/4 3-6 p.m., Quarter Finals
Sat 2/5 3-5 p.m., Semi-Finals
Sun 2/6 3 p.m. start, Final