Winter Sports Preview: Men’s Squash

There will be plenty of new faces on the courts this winter for the Haverford College men’s squash team. First-year head coach Damon Leedale-Brown welcomes 11 new faces this season. However, many of those newcomers will fill out the starting lineup for the Fords.

“My goal is to help them understand the game and teach them the process of learning how to train,” said Leedale-Brown.

With a young team the wins and losses may not matter as much as the development and that is paramount this season.

“If our team can develop and play at a higher level and remain competitive in their matches we will have a successful season,” explained Leedale-Brown.

How they lineup Leedale-Brown must fill the void left by Evan Stiegel ’09 at the No. 1 position. He expects freshman Andrew McComas to stand up to the challenge.

“Andrew is a very talented individual with good racquet skills,” Leedale-Brown said.

Sophomore Zef Konst and senior Jake Ralston combined for nine wins last season and will be counted on for more than their experience. The duo will serve as co-captains this season.

“These guys bring good experience as returners and are strong leaders,” said Leedale-Brown.

The Nos. 4-6 spots will likely be filled by sophomore Alex Spiliotes and freshmen Matthew Liscovitz and Chris Tyson. Spiliotes and Liscovitz are good athletes who Leedale-Brown believes will be tough middle-of-the-order cogs.

“Alex and Matthew have quick hands and Chris is a solid player who strikes the ball well.”

The rest of the cast The final three positions are yet to be determined, but weekly challenge matches should play a factor in helping Leedale-Brown set his lineup. Junior Andrew Wee, sophomore David Chang, senior Rutwik Kharkar and freshman Tim Ibbotson-Sindelar will all be in the mix.

“I’m a believer in healthy competition and these challenge matches will go a long way in helping these guys become better players,” Leedale-Brown said.

What to expect Leedale-Brown is excited to witness his team compete in matches. He believes that training correctly and developing as players will benefit his team greatly.

“Our entire lineup will push each other,” he believes. “These guys have been attentive, work extremely hard and just love to play.”

That dedication will help this year’s squad be in a desirable spot come February.