Boys Squash Rejoices with Top-Ten Finish at Nationals
By Rohit Shankar ‘09
News Staff Reporter
Boys Squash team has had one of its better years in recent history. The factor that has separated Choate from other varsity squads is its depth. So far this season they have amassed a record of 11-5, facing some of the top competition in New England. They also had to suffer an “away” season, while only having four home matches. Their losses have come from powerhouses Exeter, Brunswick, and Taft. The team is captained and lead by Zachary Remsen ‘07 and Michael Koh ’08. Dae Ro Lee ’07 heads the team’s lineup at the number one position followed by Michael Koh at #2, Tucker Bryan ‘08 at #3, Zach Remsen at #4 , Ben Gettinger ‘07 at #5, Doug Von Kohorn ‘07 at #6 and Greg Van ’07 rounds out the lineup at the #7 position. In addition to the normal starting seven, the team has a ladder in which members of the JV and even thirds team can move their way up onto varsity. Since there is so much spirited competition between the members of the team, every player is pushed to even greater heights.
Because of its depth, the team is able to defeat teams that have excellent players ranked at the top of their ladder, while lacking skill in the bottom seeds. As Head Coach Mr. Will Morris put it, “Many schools have an international junior champions playing at the top of their ladders, but in a team match their result aren’t enough to win.” Choate’s depth separates them from all the competition. A prime example of each player’s prowess came in a recent match in the National High School Team Squash Championships. In a match against Poly Prep of Brooklyn, Choate lost at the 1, 2, and 3 positions. However, Choate’s depth pulled through as the seeds 4-7 on the ladder pulled out victories to clinch a 4-3 win. At the National High School Team Squash Championships, Choate placed 10th in the A division (Top division) which was their best result in the history of the event. The team as a whole has been one of the best ever. Said Captain Zach Remsen, “We have a great group of guys, and we have really bonded throughout the season.”
However, there are still a few matters of business to be taken care of before this magic season is over. There are five dual matches left on the year culminating in a showdown with rival and lowly Deerfield. Deerfield has won two matches over this year and has already lost to Choate previously this season. After ending the season on what it hopes will be a high note, the team will head off to the New England Squash championships hosted by Phillips Exeter. Remsen hopes the team can finish strong at the championships. “I want to be top 8 [in New England], which is a very reasonable goal to achieve.” With such positive results accomplished so far this year, the Choate Varsity Squash team is hoping to fair well in the post-season.
Greg Van ‘07 and the bottom half of the ladder’s success this season is a testament to the squad’s depth. PHOTO/Ian Morris
