William Pantle and Darrius Campbell won their first tournament of the season at the Vassar College Junior Classic. Traveling to the tournament from their respective boarding schools, The Hill School and Blair Academy, William and Darrius proved that they were already in top form for the coming season. William stormed through the boys under 15 division winning the title without dropping a game. Darrius went down to the wire, winning the finals of the boys under 17 in five games. We wish Darrius and William all the best for the coming season!

Over the weekend of October 1, CitySquash held its 1st Annual Black & Orange Day. The day was a huge success, bringing together over 100 members of the CitySquash family – students, parents, supporters, volunteers, staff and Board members – to participate in a fun-filled day of friendly competitions. The 100 participants were split into fourteen teams – seven black and seven orange – and competed in events such as squash, basketball, relay races and moccer (soccer with an inflatable exercise ball), to name a few.
 
The goal of the day was simple, bring together as many members of the CitySquash family as possible and have fun. After seeing first-time volunteers mingling with Board members and students playing squash against mentors, it was apparent this goal had been reached. CitySquash would like to thank all those who participated in the 1st Annual Black & Orange Day and helped make the event such a success. We look forward to a bigger and better Black & Orange Day next year.

Over the weekend of October 8th, four CitySquash team members made the trip from the Bronx to Hanover, NH for the 2011 Fall Foliage Squash Tournament at Dartmouth College. Robert Williams, Billy Fleurima, Andrew Cadienhead and Katiria Sanchez represented themselves and the organization well on and off the court, showing a fierce competitive spirit and ideal sportsmanship.
 
The highlight of the tournament came from Andrew Cadienhead as he won the boys under 17 age division. Having gone into the tournament as an unknown threat, the unseeded Cadienhead fought off two top-20 nationally ranked players to win the title. Andrew’s skill was matched only by his humility and sportsmanship. All of our competitors can be proud of their performances. We are looking forward to more success as the season continues.

On Monday, October 10th, local CitySquash high schoolers enjoyed a cultural outing to the High Line Park in Manhattan. The students met earlier in the day to talk about the history of the park–which is built on an old elevated railway along the west side of the island–as well as the importance of public space in an urban environment. After a self-guided walking tour that checked out the various sights and public art installations on the park, the students broke off to write on the key question of the day: As a citizen of New York City, why is public space important to you? As one CitySquasher put it, “Without public spaces, people would be isolated and prohibited from places where they can learn and explore.”

Peter Feldman, CitySquash’s Director of High School Academics and College Prep, reports on his visits with a few of CitySquash’s college students:
 
The three CitySquasher’s at St. Lawrence are settling into their Freshman year. Seetreeon Torres ’15 and Chris Fernandez ’15 completed the rigorous HEOP Summer Program that has prepared them well for their first semester. Seetreeon in particular has been working hard on his writing and reports that he loves his Gender and Society class. Alija Hogans ’15 is his usual energetic self and was proud of a paper he reworked into his best grade of the semester so far. Chris is juggling preparing for the squash season with baseball workouts as well-he made the team and hopes to see some time as a freshman. All three will be part of a strong Men’s Squash Team that has aspirations to finish in the Top 10 in the country.
 
Over at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Jose Alvarez ’13 and Edgardo Gonzales ’13 continue to enjoy college life in Geneva, NY. Jose, a History major, is excited to be taking a class on Post-1945 Europe, while Edgardo, a Psychology major, is focused on gearing up for the squash season. He recounted a recent training run with the team that ended in a swim in Lake Seneca. Both boys are members of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity as well as on the board for the Latin American Students Association.
 
Finally, Jesse Pacheco ’14 continues to flourish at Cornell University. She is excited to be taking both Marketing and Visual Arts classes, eyeing a possible career in advertising. She was also busy with preseason training and is excited about a Big Read team that will be adding some considerable Freshman talent to an already strong squad.

CitySquashers, Santiago Moran, Billy Fleurima, Robert Williams, Axel Michaca, and Hugo Barroso had a weekend full of squash at the Bare Hills Gold Tournament in Baltimore, MD. Over the weekend of September 9-11, CitySquash coach Esteban Espinal headed south with 5 team members in tow to taste the first of the season’s competition in Baltimore. Seventh grader Billy Fleurima won the BU 13 Consolations, while Axel, Hugo, and Santiago earned their own victories by virtue of competing in their first Gold tournament ever. In addition to the tournament itself, CitySquashers had the chance to spend time with other urban squashers from CitySquash’s sister program in Baltimore, SquashWise. The 5 boys, along with Esteban, were graciously hosted by the family of SquashWise staff member, Matt Skarzynski. Also included in the weekend was a visit to the SquashWise facility and a hit-around with that team’s players. All in all, the CitySquash team is off to an exciting start to what is sure to be a busy and exciting season!

CitySquashers were kept very busy this summer. Nearly all of our 100 elementary, middle and high school students were enrolled in one or more of the programs that we offer between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Our elementary and middle school students attended a five-week academic and squash camp at Fordham, and we ran a six-week college prep and squash program in the Bronx for our high schoolers. Andrew Cadienhead and Billy Fleurima won scholarships to play tournaments in the Netherlands and Germany, and Andreina Benedith traveled to England for squash camp. The Ingrassia family and the Canterbury School jointly hosted nine students in rural Connecticut for a four-day squash and farm camp. Twenty-nine students went to squash or academic camps at the likes of Dartmouth, Amherst, Pomfret, Westover and Rye Country Day, and twenty-seven CitySquashers did overnights at Camp Herrlich, Camp Timber Tops or Lake Owego. Dozens of students played tournaments in places like Rye Brook, Southampton and Williamstown, MA. Last but not least, Angel Maldonado and Felipe Pantle joined our Director of Squash Bryan Patterson and three Fordham University students on a 35-day, 3,000 mile bike ride across the country. And those are just the highlights. It has been a memorable summer, and we thank all of our friends who helped make it possible!

CitySquash competed in the 2011 Urban Individual Championships held at Williams College from June 17th-19th. The tournament was a huge success for CitySquash as we placed 17 players into the semi-finals, had 12 of 16 finalists and took home 6 of the 8 divisions.
 
Urban Individuals capped off a great season that saw CitySquash team members visit 5 states, play in 22 tournaments and win 19 titles. Congratulations to all of our team members and coaches and thanks to all who helped out along the way!

Over the last month, six of Citysquash’s eight high school seniors graduated from their respective high schools with the remaining two seniors set to graduate at the end of this month. Family members, staff and supporters have been in attendance to see these great students accept their diplomas and complete their high school careers. What is even more impressive is the recognition that these students received or will receive upon graduation. In total, the CitySquash high school Class of 2011 won eight awards including two Athlete of the Year Awards and one Valedictorian. Two CitySquash underclassmen were also honored with prestigious awards at the end of the school year. A list of high schools, college matriculation plans and awards can be found below. Congratulations to the Class of 2011 and all of our students on a very successful school year!

Underclassman Awards:
Andreina Benedith (Brooks School) – Malcom G. Chase III Prize, given by the Headmaster for personal progress during the school year.
Manuela Perez (Blair Academy) – Phillips-James-Rosen Prize, for devotion to the school and uncommon leadership among the junior class.
 
Senior Graduations and Awards:
Chris Fernandez (Canterbury School, St. Lawrence University) – Male Athlete of the Year
Alija Hogans (Avon Old Farms School, St. Lawrence University) – The Poetry Award
Myriam Kelly (Westover School, Bates College) – Tin Mug Squash Award, Carol Heath Softball Award, Elizabeth Moulton Ritchey Senior Athletic Award, Tomo Nakanishi Award for Diligence to Sport, William Warren Barbour & Elysabeth Barbour Higgins History Prize.
Nina Kelly (Westover School, Bucknell University)
Krista Lancione (Hackley School, Franklin & Marshall College)
Cristina Ortiz (Millennium Art Academy, Wesleyan University) – Valedictorian
Seetreeon Torres (Trinity Pawling School, St. Lawrence University)
Josue Triburcio (Dewitt Clinton High School, Borough of Manhattan Community College)

With approximately 600 attendees and over $500,000 raised, the 2011 CitySquash Bash was the organization’s most successful event to date.  Those in attendance were privileged to top-level singles and doubles exhibitions including former world #1 Amr Shabana and seven time defending U.S. National Champion, Julian Illingworth.  The silent and live auctions were a huge hit and included a plethora of items ranging from a tennis lesson with the legendary John McEnroe to joining a Covert Ops, counter-terrorist team for a day.  The entire CitySquash team is grateful for the support and generosity of all of those who attended The Bash.  We hope to see you all again next year!