Over the next several weeks, CollegeSquashAssociation.com will be highlighting squash players who were recognized by the school or the College Squash Association for athletic or academic accomplishments.
Annapolis, MD — The Naval Academy has a rich squash history. Justin Langan recently added to that history by being awarded the Coaches’ Calvert Award. This award is named in honor of Vice Admiral James Calvert, the superintendent of the United States Naval Academy from 1968 – 1972. The Navy’s varsity coaches select the winner of the Calvert Award, which is presented to the member of the graduating class who has persevered the most in his career.
According to NavySports.com, Langan’s perseverance was remarkable:
A two-year letterwinner, Langan was a true success story on the squash courts where he played his first two seasons as a member of the junior varsity after having never played the sport before coming to Navy. Following his freshman year, he attended the Dartmouth squash camp during his summer leave at his own expense in the hopes of honing his skills enough to contribute to the varsity program. He returned for his sophomore season, but was the last player to be cut from the varsity squad, triggering his comment, “I’ll be back!” Not only did he earn a spot on the nine-man ladder as a junior, he contributed a 24-9 record as Navy’s No. 6 player and helped lead the Midshipmen to a program-record 27 wins. As a senior, he amassed a 24-9 record, including wins over his St. Lawrence and Bowdoin opponents to help lead the Midshipmen to team wins over both schools at the CSA Team Championship where Navy placed 13th. Langan concluded his playing career with a two-year record of 48-18 (.727). Additionally, he was recognized by the College Squash Association recently as one of 42 players nationwide to be named to its Scholar-Athlete Team.
Langan is just the second member of the squash team to win the award and the first since J. Bruce Ricketts in 1983.
Congratulations to Justin Langan!
