Stanford Theam Shows spirit (photo © 2002 Stanford)

Stanford's men's team has skyrocketed up the rankings in the past three years, finishing each season more highly ranked than in the previous season. This year, the team hopes to continue its upward trend to win the Summers Division title, which would be its third division conquered in four years.

The Stanford team lost only two of its top nine players to graduation, yet still only one of its remaining team members is a senior this year, giving Stanford an experienced but young team. Current players worked hard in the offseason, and Stanford’s first class of nationally ranked incoming freshmen will add strength to the team. Additionally, Stanford has packed its schedule, playing host to Navy, Air Force, Denison, and Cal-Berkeley and in the process proving that collegiate squash has truly expanded to the west coast.

Stanford’s first test will be on October 26, as the team travels to Berkeley to play an improved Cal-Berkeley team. An additional hurdle will be Stanford’s east coast swing in November, where it will face Dartmouth, Bowdoin, Bates, Tufts and Colgate at Dartmouth, which will provide an early indicator of whether Stanford is a legitimate contender for winning the Summers Trophy (and of whether Stanford players can survive in the frigid Hanover weather). All in all, Stanford hopes to continue to surprise the established squash powers with its dedication, talent and suntans.

Stanford will be paced by Rich Sherwood. Last year’s #1 player, he will be a junior and cocaptain this year. Rich, who learned how to play squash upon arriving at Stanford two years ago, has gained valuable experience as Stanford’s first representative in the Individual Championships in 2002, and he has improved further in the offseason playing local Bay Area tournaments.

Also key will be Sam Gellman. Last year’s #2 player, he will be a junior and cocaptain this year. Sam, another player who first picked up a racket two years ago upon arriving at Stanford, played at Williams College this summer while leading bike tours. He aims to join Rich at the Individuals this upcoming year and will be a strong presence at the top of the lineup.

Paul Valiant, last year’s #4 player, will be a junior and cocaptain this year. Paul, who improved greatly during the season last year, has continued practicing hard during the offseason. His gained experience will show in his results this upcoming year.

Stanford's key recruits are Aaron Ligon who played for Exeter and was ranked #34 in boys U19s and Alex Jacquet who played for Belmont Hill and was ranked #48 in boys U19s.

Stanford will again be coached by PSA veteran Richard Elliott who himself ranks #1 in the nation for men's over 35s.