Princeton Squash, An Interview with Head Coach Bob Callahan
NEIRAD enilno edition
Squash is not often a sport students think of when it comes to big time college recruiting. It is not in the Big 10 Big 12, ACC or other prominent divisions. But the game is coming into its own, especially on prestigious college campuses in New England. Neirad Enilno reporter Emily Close talked to Princeton University’s Men’s Head Squash Coach Bob Callahan.
Here is the complete transcript from the exclusive interview with Neirad Enilno. Be sure to check out Emily’s complete squash recruiting story in the December holiday issue of Neirad.
Princeton College Squash Questionnaire
What do you look for when recruiting high school kids to play at Princeton?
I look for sustained academic success over their high school years as Princeton is a great educational institution. Second, I look for past success on the squash court, primarily looking at past rankings, and also future potential. Third, I look for students who love the game of squash, who play whenever they can because they love to play the sport. Fourth, I look for students who love to compete, who want to be the one playing the deciding match. Overarching all of these qualities, I only recruit students with great character, ones who will make the right decision for the right reason all the time.
Would you say you recruit more on an international basis or within the United States?
I recruit the world as Princeton is an international university bringing kids from over 70 countries to live and study together for four years. It doesn’t matter if they are from Malaysia or Greenwich, as long as they meet the evaluation criteria listed above, I will talk to them about the value of a Princeton education.
How many kids do you recruit each year or each season?
I recruit 3-4 men’s players each year.
What is the time commitment if someone wanted to play squash at Princeton?
Members of our team commit to practicing two hours/day for six days/week from October 15 until the end of the season in early March. Many of them practice on their own both before the season begins and after it ends as they want to become the best players they can be.
Who are your biggest rivalry schools? Who is your biggest competition?
Our biggest rivals are Trinity College, Yale, Rochester, Harvard, and Cornell. They are the best other teams in college squash at this point, but we have respect for every college we play.
How long is your squash season?
Optional Captains practice begins in mid-September, Coach led practice runs from October 15 through the first weekend in March. Team members do fitness training in April and then each player is given an optional summer training program to help them arrive back on campus fit and ready to go.
How many kids do you take from Connecticut?
We have had a number of students from Connecticut apply over the years and they have all been great additions to our team. We look everywhere for students who meet our above stated criteria.
What is your strongest state or region with the strongest squash players?
It changes year to year but typically CT, NY, NJ, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington and then English-speaking countries around the world.
At Princeton is boy’s squash or girl’s squash more intense?
Both are equally intense.
When recruiting, do you focus more on men’s squash or woman’s?
I just coach the men’s team so I just focus on them. Gail Ramsay, the women’s coach, focuses on the women.
