Ten high school teams from five public schools joined together for the first jamboree of the new Fairwest Public School Squash Association, FWPSSA, Dec. 13 at the New York Sports Clubs in Stamford (CT) and White Plains (NY). Matches took place simultaneously at the two clubs with players using the American scoring format. Participating were Darien High School in Darien (CT), New Canaan High School in New Canaan (CT), Greenwich High School in Greenwich (CT), Rye High School in Rye (NY) and Scarsdale High School in Scarsdale (NY).
Darien High School, whose four-year-old club team earned varsity status last year, brought three teams to the event. Their varsity team, ranked 32 nationally last year, defeated Rye High School’s boys club A, 5-2 and Scarsdale’s co-ed group, 6-1.
Squash may have its roots in prep schools and private institutions, but public school players are making headway as more opportunities for play become available, primarily through club teams. Kevin Klipstein, CEO of U.S. SQUASH, said, “We’re pleased to support the development of this and any association that encourages access to squash. This league is another sign of real growth in middle and high school squash in the area, also occurring in the mid-Atlantic and mid-western parts of the country. Providing access to squash is one of our top priorities and associations such as Fairwest are leading the way.”
The mission of the FWPSSA is to create opportunities to bring new young players to the sport by providing an active league format for public school students. The goal is to include more public school students in the area and in the long-term, grow to include public school students throughout the northeast region. The league will be sanctioned by U.S. SQUASH and teams will be able to view match results and standings at www.ussquash.com.
