Amherst, MA — Although Amherst only graduated two players from last season’s starting nine at the Men’s College Squash Association National Team Championships, they will need to have players step up this season. After all, they graduated NESCAC First-Team member Noah Browne, who went 13 – 3 during his senior campaign. The squad is expecting three freshmen, which should help fill out the roster. In addition, head coach Peter Robson has added former Scottish national coach Stuart Crawford to his coaching staff as an assistant. Amherst is eyeing matches with Brown, Williams, Wesleyan, Colby, and Hamilton as it attempts to record its first winning season since 2011 – 2012. Robson’s goal is for the team “to play up to each individual’s potential.” It has been 16 years since Amherst last captured the Summers Cup; if things go according to plan, Amherst may be in contention for the title this season.
2015-2016 SEASON RECAP
Season Record: 7-10
Final Ranking: 22
Team Championships: 6th in the Summers Cup (C Division)
By the Numbers (From US Squash): 5-4 Matches Won: 1 of 2… Top 3 Win%: .510… Middle 3 Win%: .392… Lower 3 Win%: .412…
2016-2017 SEASON PREVIEW
Program Status: Varsity
Head Coach: Peter Robson
Returning Players from Team Championships: 2. Harith Khawaja (2019); 3. David Merkel (2019 – NESCAC All-Sportsmanship Team); 4. Cameron Bahadori (2018 – NESCAC All-Academic); 5. Darian Eshani (2017 – NESCAC All-Academic); 6. Jeremy Van (2017); 7. Michael Groot (2017); 8. Lucas Sheiner (2019); 10. Ian Petty (2019);
Graduated/Non-Returning Players from Team Championships: 1. Noah Browne (2016 – NESCAC First-Team); 9. Thornton Ellis (2016); 11. James Line (2016);
Additions to the 2016-2017 Roster:
- Mitch Ford (Gilman School – Baltimore, MD)
- Mateen Mills (Riverdale Country Day – Bronx, NY)
- Chris Zimmerman (St John’s School – Houston, TX)
Captains: Darian Ehsani, Michael Groot, and Jeremy Van
Team Goals: To play up to each individual’s potential.
Key Matches: Brown, Williams, Wesleyan, Colby, and Hamilton
To read other team previews, please visit the 2016-2017 College Squash Season Previews page.
