Cambridge, MA — The following is a statement from Harvard University:
Nichols Family Director of Athletics Bob Scalise announced Tuesday that the appointment for Satinder Bajwa, head coach for Harvard men’s and women’s squash, will not be renewed for the 2010-11 season.
Bajwa recently completed his 11th season at Harvard with the Crimson women’s team completing a perfect season at 12-0 with the CSA national championship. This year’s teams also saw Crimson players win the individual national championships on both the men’s and women’s side of the court. Harvard players have won two team and five individual CSA championships under Bajwa. The men’s squash claimed four Ivy League titles, while the women’s squash grabbed five Ancient Eight crowns during Bajwa’s stint with the programs.
“I appreciate the hard work that coach Bajwa demonstrated on behalf of Harvard men’s and women’s squash during his tenure,” said Scalise. “We have decided to go in a different direction with the leadership of the program.”
Harvard squash has won a total of 43 national championships, including 31 on the men’s side and 12 for the women’s team. In addition, the men have won 36 Ivy League crowns, while the women have been the conference champion on 17 occasions. Thirty-three Harvard men have been the recipient of the Pool Trophy, given to the individual national champion, while 11 women have earned the Ramsay Cup, presented to the national champion.
Scalise also announced that a national search for a successor will begin immediately.
Reactions from Harvard players, their parents and a great many players who were coached by Satinder Bajwa regarding the firing of Baj is one of extreme outrage. A week ago a petition of more than 50 names of recent squash players and parents was sent to Bob Scalise, the Athletic Director taking very strong issue with his decision to fire Baj. This is truly remarkable in that in only a very few days was such a protest mounted. A few days later, the women’s team and later the men’s team met with the Athletic Director to protest. Very clearly, the anguish of so many about the firing of Baj has truly outraged the Harvard community.
Why did Bob Scalise fire Baj? He has yet to give reasons that make any sense. Scalise has refused to talk with reporters form the Boston Globe or the Harvard Crimson. This past Tuesday was an excellent article regarding the firing which is well worth reading. The only known fact is that for a decade a small group of hardball playing squash alumni had been pressurung the Athletic Director to get rid of Baj. Albert Gordon
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