Collegiate Concerns
I’ve been reading some medium-serious scholarship on current college life, plus your own columns on foreign squash players in American colleges. Now comes a six-page (!) letter from a recent protégé, finishing his sophomore year high in the line-up of a decent second-tier program in New England. The details are arresting: I’m awed by the depth of his dedication, and the rigor of his off-season and cross-training regimen, but this raises some concerns.
I don’t particularly worry about foreign players “stealing” spaces from home-grown talent. They do raise the level of play for everyone, and a clear-eyed 12th-grader will carefully check any college’s recent recruiting patterns before applying. I do worry lest college squash follow in the footsteps of so-called bigger-time sports, in becoming something close to a full-time and year-round job. The American colleges offering squash are reputable academic institutions, not diploma mills or football factories. It would be a pity if their squash players became, even voluntarily, insulated and isolated from the intellectual and cultural riches surrounding them.
Fred Gerstell
Leesburg, FL
Farewell
For nearly two years I have had the pleasure of writing about many of you who read this magazine. Prior to starting at Squash Magazine in September of 2005, I honestly knew nothing about the sport, though I admit I did some research prior to my job interview. Since then I have obviously learned plenty. It’s a pretty cool sport, one that is fun to watch and fun to write about.
Most of what I wrote was more people oriented than it was dropshots and boasts. I was amazed at the incredible people who are involved in squash. So many different stories from so many different places, and such different backgrounds, but all with an intoxicating love for the sport. Those of you who I wrote about were a blast to work with, whether you are a top pro or an 11-year-old junior player (that’s you Olivia Fiechter).
And then there are the coaches. Talk about enthusiasm. One of the highlights for me was writing about the college game. I can’t tell you how often I bugged coaches, asking them everything you can think of. And then calling them back because I forgot to ask something basic, like for them to send me photos. I got to know some of them quite well, and they are pillars in this game. They care more about their kids than they do about winning, even that guy who has led his team to nine consecutive national championships.
As I leave for the next chapter in my career, I just want to say thank you. Thank all of you for teaching me about this great sport and for telling me your stories. It’s been fun and I look forward to reading about you in the future.
Kirsten Carlson
Squash Magazine Asst Ed.
