Bronx, NY — Earlier this week, Fordham announced that Bryan Patterson will coach the squash program. Since 2007, Patterson has served as the Director of Squash for CitySquash, a non-profit after-school enrichment program.
Patterson takes over for Bob Hawthorn, the Fordham legend. Hawthorn coached the Rams for fifty-four years and is a member of the Men’s College Squash Association Hall of Fame and a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.
For years, Hawthorn wanted Fordham to build new squash courts. His teams had narrow courts and were at a disadvantage playing squads on the larger international courts. Patterson will take the reins of the program just as four brand new international squash courts are completed. The courts were built thanks to the generosity of the CitySquash program. CitySquash will use the courts as part of their program.
Below is a press release from FordhamSports.com:
Bryan Patterson Named Head Squash Coach at Fordham University
Bronx, N.Y. – Bryan Patterson, a former world-ranked player, has been named head squash coach at Fordham University it was announced today by Executive Director of Athletics Frank McLaughlin.
“We are very excited to have a coach with Bryan Patterson’s experience here at Fordham,” said McLaughlin. “With his playing and coaching background and our new squash facility, I’m sure Bryan will do a tremendous job in elevating the squash program.”
Patterson, who currently serves as the Director of Squash for CitySquash, was an accomplished player, competing on the world professional squash circuit, rising to a number two ranking in England and 16th in the world. He represented England in the Home Countries Team Championships in 1972-73, the European Team Championships in 1972 and Great Britain in the Team and Individual World Championships in 1973. Great Britain placed second at the 1973 World Championship with Patterson advancing to the finals of individual play. Patterson also won the 1963 Drysdale Cup U19, the equivalent to the World U19 Championship.
After his playing days, Patterson started coaching, serving as the English Boys Squads Assistant National Coach (BU17/19) from 1974-81, Head Squash Professional at the Heights Casino in Brooklyn Heights (1994-2000) and Head Squash Professional at the Squash Club at CHASS in Philadelphia (2000-07). While in Philadelphia, Patterson started the High School Team Championship, currently the largest junior squash event on the world which is run by U.S. Squash. The organization honored Patterson by naming the girl’s championship trophy the Patterson Cup in his honor.
Patterson also has national coaching experience in the United States, organizing the U.S. National U13/15/17/19 squads from 1995-99.
Most recently, Patterson has been serving as the Director of Squash for CitySquash, a non-profit after-school enrichment program based in the Bronx that helps motivated and talented young people from disadvantaged households fulfill their academic, athletic and personal potential. He oversees the CitySquash’s team members, leading a fitness program, guiding technical instruction and coaching at tournaments.
A native of Berwick-on-Tweed, Northumberland, England, Patterson is a 1967 graduate of St. John’s College in Yorkshire, England, where he received a degree in physical education.
Patterson, who currently lives just off Fordham’s Bronx campus, has a son named John, who resides in London.
