Swarthmore, PA — Swarthmore has shown significant growth in its short history as a squash program.
Swarthmore finished second in the Emerging Teams Division two years ago. Last year, they fielded a full nine-player squad and broke into the “F” Division, finishing the season ranked 46th in the nation. This year, Swat Squash hopes to finish atop the “F” Division or break into the “E” Division and compete for the Chaffee Cup.
Three players from last year’s team championships roster will not be playing with the squad this year. However, Rahul Garg, the only senior on the team, will be back after studying abroad in England all last year. “Garg played on Swarthmore’s first team in 2008-2009 and should be a fixture in the middle of the lineup,” reports co-captain Tarit Rao-Chakravorti.
Three first-year players will also be joining the team. Rao-Chakravorti explains that the new players come from a variety of athletic backgrounds. “Faraz Hayat played squash for several years in Pakistan, at a club in his home city of Karachi,” he says. “Sudarshan Gopaladesikan has extensive athletic experience, with both soccer and tennis in high school in Pittsburgh and should develop quickly. Finally, Collin Smith has extensive tennis experience and is a quick learner on the court. All three figure to play between the #5 and #9 spots on the ladder.”
Swarthmore will open their season against Johns Hopkins. The team is also planning a training a trip to Montreal early in the season.
2009-2010 SEASON RECAP
Season Record: 5-5
Final Ranking: 46
Team Championships: 46th Overall; 6th in Serues Cup (F Division)
2010-2011 SEASON PREVIEW
Program Status: Club
Head Coach: Enamullah Khan
Returning Players from Team Championships: Jake Carter (8); Joravar Dhaliwal (4); Manuk Garg (3); Peter Haury (6); Tarit Rao-Chakravorti (1; 2009-2010 Captain)
Non-returning Players from Last Season’s Team Championships Roster: HongIn Yun (5); Tom Griffiths (9); Weston Honicker (7)
Additions to the 2010-2011 Roster: Rahul Garg, Sudarshan Gopaladesikan, Faraz Hayat, and Collin Smith
Captains: Tarit Rao-Chakravorti and Manuk Garg
Team Goals: To finish with a winning record, break into the top 40, and win division at Nationals.
Key Matches: Bard, Lehigh, and Haverford
To read other team previews, please visit the 2010 – 2011 College Squash Preview Page.
