Charlottesville, VA — With only three players from last year’s Men’s National Team Championships roster returning, it would look like Virginia is in for a rough season. But by only a few weeks into the semester, the Cavaliers had attracted enough players to completely restock their team.
In the Cavaliers’ top five, captain James Patteson and Edmund Tse will be back to play for spots near the top of the ladder. Aaron Kur, who is returning from studying abroad, should also compete for a spot in the top 5, as will new players Joseph Breheny and Will Cleary.
Kasin Sutuntivorakoon, who played number 6 last year, is the sole returner in the bottom half of the ladder. There will be a number of new players competing for spots in the varsity line-up: Scott MacGregor, Roy Flemmer, Rob Valentine, and Bill Cogar.
“We have some very good returning players, but the addition of 7 players competing for key positions in our ladder will only fuel intra-team competition and improvement,” says Patteson. “Because of this unprecedented depth, we hope to provide many players deserving of competition the opportunity to play throughout the season.”
The team will also have the benefit of working with a coach — Patrick Chifunda — this season. With Chifunda and the new players on board, the Cavaliers are optimistic about the future and are aiming to make a big move up the rankings.
“We have more talent on this team than any of the last three squads we’ve brought,” Patteson explains. “On top of that, everyone is truly committed to staying in decent shape and improving individually. We look forward to the excellent coaching and wisdom Patrick Chifunda will surely impart upon us.”
2009-2010 SEASON RECAP
Season Record: 3-3
Final Ranking: 43
Team Championships: 43rd Overall; 3rd in Serues Cup (“F” Division)
2010-2011 SEASON PREVIEW
Program Status: Club
Head Coach: Patrick Chifunda
Returning Players from Team Championships: Edmund Tse (3); James Patteson (1); Kasin Sutuntivorakoon (6)
Graduates on Last Season’s Team Championships Roster: Clark Bristol (4); David Whelan (5); Mark Battin (8); Nikhil Jham (2); Paul Light (9); Peter Hawkins (7); Thomas Light (10)
Additions to the 2010-2011 Roster:
- Expected to compete in top 5: Joseph Breheny, Will Cleary, Aaron Kur
- Expected to compete for spots between 6 and 9: Scott MacGregor, Roy Flemmer, Rob Valentine, Bill Cogar
Team Goals: Establish a ranking in the mid-20’s
Key Matches: Georgetown, George Washington, Navy
To read other team previews, please visit the 2010 – 2011 College Squash Preview Page.
