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University of Washington: Men’s College Squash Season Preview

Seattle, WA — After finishing the 2008-2009 season ranked 47th, the Washington Huskies had their sights set on finishing in the mid-thirties. It didn’t take them long to reach their goal: after their first weekend of play, the Huskies shot up 14 spots in the national standings.

In late October 2009, the Huskies traveled cross-country to compete in the Navy Round Robin, where they opened their season with back-to-back 5-4 wins over Drexel and Virginia. The Huskies went 4-1 on the weekend, precipitating their rise in the rankings.

The Huskies’ improvement continued throughout the season. They faced Drexel again in the opening round of Chaffee Cup competition at the Men’s National Team Championships, this time winning decisively, 8-1. Though they fell to Kenyon and Columbia in the next rounds, they still finished within the top forty, meeting their goal for the season.

Most of the members of the 2008-2009 squad will be back, including top player Rob Young and 2009-2010 co-captain Parisa Khalighi. The Huskies will also be joined by Ryan Hong, an Andover grad with squash experience, and Johann Huang, who should compete for a spot in the top 3. Though opportunities for collegiate team play in the Pacific Northwest are limited, the Huskies will look to continue their improvement from last season.

The team will also have the benefit of working with additional coaches. Former Penn All-American Kristen Lange and Azam Khan will join Michael Bishop on the Huskies’ coaching staff.

2009-2010 SEASON RECAP

Season Record: 6-4
Final Ranking: 36
Team Championships: 36th Overall; 4th in Chaffee Cup (E Division)

2010-2011 SEASON PREVIEW

Program Status: Club

Coaches: Azam Khan and Kristen Lange

Returning Players from Team Championships: Benjamin Bryan (8); Eugene Chau (6); Parisa Khalighi (4; 2009-2010 Captain); Kevin Yang Je Park (9); Steven Stevenson (7); Robert Young (1)

Graduates on Last Season’s Team Championships Roster: Brett McGinnis (3; 2009-2010 Captain); Najib Morcos (2; 2009-2010 Captain); Ryan Tyler (5)

Additions to the 2010-2011 Roster: Ryan Hong (top 9) and Johann Huang (top 3)

To read other team previews, please visit the 2010 – 2011 College Squash Preview Page.

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