TEAM USA - Training in Philadephia and Delaware  
[week three update]   [week four update]   [also week five update]      
  [also week six update]       [week seven update]

The last week of team training was Boston-based and started with a golf fundraiser at Stow Acres Golf Club in Boston. The team then trained at Northeastern University, and was treated to a much appreciated "pep" rally with Paul Assiante. For those who may be living under a rock, Paul is the internationally renowned coach of the Trinity Men's Squash team, and his words of wisdom that has sparked his collegiate players to squash super stardom were well-received by all.

US Jr Team in training. Photo 2006 © Trevor McGuinness .

We then headed to Portsmouth Abbey for a team hit followed by a day at the beach. We closed our mid-week training with a team dinner hosted by coach Smith's family - many thanks to them for their hospitality and words of enthusiasm - although we are perplexed as we thought graciousness, humility, athleticism and compassion were genetic traits passed down to children [sorry Smitty, I couldn't help myself]. Again, our sincere thanks to the very delightful "Smitty" clan.

The Team next hosted a repeat Exhibition for the SquashBuster's players. The opportunity to host training and exhibitions for two of the nation's urban squash programs [SquashBusters and SquashSmarts] has been the most rewarding opportunity for the Team who appreciated the opportunity to give back something to a new generation of players. We are fortunate that coach Smitty endorsed this component of our training which has been one of the best experiences of our lives [ok coach, have I redeemed myself following my earlier dig or will I be doing push ups??].

We ended our last US training with great matches against the Boston Pros at the University Club [our thanks to New Zealander Glenn Wilson, former Men's Junior team champion Pat Malloy, Rags Gupta, Mike Sempruchi, Scott Poirer, and Preston [again, you played against us and beat us!!] Quick.  The week ended with a team dinner highlighted by a belated happy birthday celebration for "The Todd". Following the four weeks of training, all the players are primed yet anxious for our trip to the middle earth to compete against all of the best squash juniors in the world.

Finally, our thanks to all those supporters out there who have generously donated to the Team. I hope the USSRA noted your sponsorship on the web site [go to www.usasquashteam.com and click on "Junior Men's Team", and then "Team Sponsors"] and if you haven't yet donated, there is still time - same location, but click on "Donate" rather than "Team Sponsors". 

Player Profile - David Canner

David Canner with coach Preston Quick. Photo 2006 © Trevor McGuinness.

Calm, cool and collected, David Canner is the epitome of squash sportsmanship both on and off the court.  A Burke, Virginia native, David began playing as a youngster with his father Glenn, a former squash Pro who met David's mother when she signed up for a clinic with him.  As a teen, David honed his skills playing abroad, including a trip "down under" with Aussie Ken Hisco, and was soon handily beating his father. 

He then notched up his game as he began training with Brian O'Hora and Natalie Grainger at DC's Result's -  a club that now has some of the most talented junior players in the States in large part due to the terrific coaching offered.

David's international experience continued as he also traveled the Europe circuit and trained in the UK and Ireland and competed in the Dutch, German and Scottish Opens, qualifying David as the team player with the most international playing experience. David ended the 2006 season with a #6 BU19 ranking as he closed his junior career with an array of impressive wins and results, including his performance at the 2005 Princeton Juniors Selection Event where he played in the finals before his soon-to-be coach Bob Callahan. David, another of the highly recruited 2006 graduating senior squash players, joins a Tiger team of extraordinary players who will need to work hard to hold their positions on the ladder as David is poised to take a top slot in his freshman year. Matching his prowess on the court, David is an exceptional student who attended the most academically rigorous high school in the US - Thomas Jefferson HS for Science and Technology and graduated at the very top of his class. Even though his high school did not sport a squash team or club [and he did not have HS playing experience like the rest of his teammates], David maintained his position at the top of the junior rankings at an early age and held that spot with ease. David enjoys sweets, especially "The Todd's" birthday cake - next time let's hope he shares some with the rest of us.

Tournament Tidbits - All About Palmerston North
Situated on the banks of the Manawatu River nestled at the foot of the impressive Tararua Mountain Range, a growing city of 78,100, Palmerston North is unique. The subdivision of Palmerston North began in 1866, with the most important stimulus to the growth of the town being the development of pastoral farming. As early European settlers cleared the native forest with axe and fire, a new vegetation of grasses and clovers provided the basis for cattle and sheep farming. The city has been able to maintain a complementary relationship between the modern conveniences and technology of big city life, and the quality and ease of small town lifestyle, offering visitors and residents alike 'the best of both worlds'

Palmerston North is a vibrant youthful city with the active student population, nearby Linton Military Camp, and several knowledge organizations. Since 1930 the establishment of Educational and New Research Institutes has broadened the City’s economic base. The city hosts an impressive range of educational institutions. Local primary and secondary schools have a proud tradition of academic, sporting and cultural achievement. The home campus of Massey university provides an enormous number of courses and supports research in many fields. UCOL is the leading regional polytechnic in New Zealand. Other institutions such as International Pacific College and Te Wananga O Aotearoa also welcome students from around the region and around the world. [http://www.2006worldjuniors.co.nz/5.html]