The College Squash Association (CSA) has announced the finalists for the Skillman Award—the most prestigious annual individual honor bestowed to a men’s squash student-athlete by the CSA. The Skillman Award is given annually to a senior men’s squash player who has demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship during his entire college career while maintaining a high level of play.
Nominees for the award are submitted by the coaches of varsity men’s teams. A vote by members of the CSA Board of Directors determines the finalists and the winner of the award. The Skillman Award honoree will be announced this weekend on the Sunday of the CSA Men’s Team Championships, February 17, 2019.
Finalists are listed in alphabetical order:
Ricardo Lopez, University of Rochester
Ricardo Lopez has compiled a 34-19 record at Rochester, playing in positions 1-4 on the ladder during the Yellowjackets’ most consistent and successful run of form in the team’s history. In clinching Rochester’s highest seed ever entering the Men’s Team National Championships, Lopez – a 2-time First Team All-Liberty League Selection – has co-captained the team, leading by example with commitment and energy.
Rochester Head Coach Martin Heath on Lopez: “Ricky has permanent scars on his knees, elbows and knuckles that open up almost every time he plays squash. The unbelievable commitment Ricky shows on the squash court is only matched by the grace and fairness in which Ricky operates. A natural fighter, Ricky has the ability to control his emotions, make gracious decisions under pressure and represent himself and his team in the best possible way as has been witnessed by the players and coaches in CSA over the past few seasons.”
Andrew Muran, Cornell University
Andrew Muran has been the epitome of hard work, commitment, and leadership for the Cornell men’s squash program since he arrived in Ithaca four years ago. Muran progressed from the sixth position on the ladder his first year to No. 1 for the last two seasons. During these two years, he has acted as co-captain and has earned the CSA Scholar-Athlete distinction.
Cornell Head Coach David Palmer states: “Andy has been a great leader on and off the court. Playing in the no.1 position against all the top players in the [Ivy] League has shown what all his hard work and dedication has done to fulfill his ability of all aspects of the sport. I highly recommend Andy for this award.”
Carson Spahr, Dartmouth College
Carson Spahr is an active contributor to the Dartmouth campus community both on and off the squash court, volunteering for several organizations between his time in the top two positions in the squash ladder. Voted the Ivy League Rookie of the Year after his freshman year, Spahr earned a captain-ship prior to this season and is a CSA Scholar-Athlete for the second straight year.
Dartmouth Head Coach Hansi Wiens notes: “Carson joined the Big Green in the 2015-16 season, playing primarily at the number 2 position freshman-junior year and at the 1 position his senior year. Carson’s accomplishments include winning the Ivy League Rookie of the Year award, earning a critical 3-0 win over Princeton in the 2017-18 season Potter Cup, runner-up of the Molloy East his junior year, getting selected as co-captain by his team mates his senior year.”
