Hartford, CT — The 2010 Skillman Award was presented to Harvard senior co-captain Colin West.
The Skillman Award is one of the highest individual honors in men’s college squash. It is named for Hall of Fame coach John Skillman, who coached the Yale men for 41 years and led the Bulldogs to 16 national titles.
The Skillman Award is given annually to a senior men’s squash player who has demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship during his entire college career. Candidates are evaluated in a number of areas: on-court poise and demeanor; skill level and ability in the game of squash; team play; contributions to intercollegiate squash; leadership; and cooperation with players, coaches, and tournament officials.
The award was presented to West moments after he defeated Princeton’s Todd Harrity in straight sets to win the 2010 men’s individual national title. Taking home the Skillmard Award and the Pool Trophy capped a stellar year — and collegiate career — for West. A three-time All-American and four-time All-Ivy selection, West was also named 2010 Ivy League Player of the Year. He went undefeated in Ivy League play this year and finished his senior season with a 16-1 record. His career record at Harvard was 50-9.
With co-captain Frank Cohen, West led the Crimson to a 9-6 record against the top teams in the nation. Harvard finished the season ranked fifth nationally and third in the Ivy League.
West, a Toronto native, has already embarked on his post-collegiate squash career. He recently represented Canada in the 2010 World University Squash Games in Melbourne, Australia. He finished fifth in the individual competition and helped lead Canada to a fourth-place finish in the team competition.
