SquashTalk >College and University pages > 01-02 Bates Mens Squash

SquashTalk College
reporting & info:

CSA College Squash
Squashtalk Reports
2002-03 Previews
2002-03 Schedule
College Directory

2001-02 Archives
2000-01 Review
men's    women's
1999-2000 Review
1998-1999 Review
men's     women's

College Players

Pro Tour

2001-02 Men's Squash Outlook
by Bates College

In 2001, the Bates College men's squash team had its best season ever. A challenging regular season schedule that featured six matches against Ivy League opponents set the Bobcats up for their first entry into the Hoehn Division of the National Intercollegiate Squash Racquets Association (NISRA) national championships, the second-highest tier of the tournament. Bates posted a 15th-place finish by downing in-state rival Bowdoin in their final match of the tournament.

The Bobcats posted a 12-12 record at the end of the season, with half of those wins coming by scores of 9-0 or 8-1. Under coach Paul Gastonguay, the squad posted a 4-1 record over in-state rivals Bowdoin and Colby.

The 2001-02 season will be the team's first under John Illig, who has served as women's

Eric Lopez '03 brings a Caribbean flavor to Bates College.

tennis and squash coach for the past five years. While the Bobcats will have to replace Sean Doherty '01, their No. 1 player for the past four seasons, their is reason to believe that their success will continue. Sophomore Ben Schippers '04, ranked in the top 20 nationally in the Under-19 age group, moved into the second spot on Bates' ladder, while No. 3 player Eric Lopez '03 reached the finals of the consolation bracket of the NISRA indivudual championships.

Seniors Sam Huleatt '02 and Ethan Kerr '02, who played Nos. 4 and 5 last season, will serve as co-captains for the second year in a row. ] Squash begins its season Nov. 1, with the first of approximately 25 matches beginning two weeks later and ending the first week of March.

In addition to playing opponents within NESCAC, Bates' schedule includes six Ivy League opponents and top-rated teams such as Denison, Franklin & Marshall and the U.S. Naval Academy.Bates plays its home matches in the Waldo Reis Wing of Merrill Gymnasium, which offers six American courts and two converted 20-foot racquetball courts. Three of the eight courts are glass-backed, ideal for videotaping and viewing of matches.

Men's squash at Bates has a tradition of success. Sportsmanship and respect are the two most important aspects of any Bates team. Every player on the squad shows respect for himself, his teammates and his opponents by never giving up, no matter how difficult the situation. From this respect comes dedication and teamwork. Bates players must be prepared mentally and physically for every practice and every match. Win or lose, the Bobcats "leave everything on the court." A strong mental game and sportsmanship are inseparable. Bates squash players learn from each situation and build on positive play and strategies. They have pride in their preparation, work ethic and hustle. Every player succeeds when this approach is taken, because selflessness breeds success. The team might not always be victorious, but it will always be in a position to win every match

COLLEGE USA
Schedules
Team previews

DEPARTMENTS
Latest news
Tournament Calendar
Bronstein Global Gallery
Player of the month
Videos
History
Pakistan Squash
School Squash
Camp Index
Features Index
Player Profiles
Worldwide Clubs
Worldwide Links
Rankings
Jobs

More Good stuff:
About Squash
   Just starting
Books
Juniors Squash
Women's Squash
Regional Reports