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!

Two CitySquash students competed in the Inaugural Westchester County Gold Tournament last weekend. After losing a tight five-game match in the main draw, Billy Fleurima went on to win five straight matches to take home the BU13 consolation title. Robert Williams played his best tournament to date dropping only one game on his way to winning the BU11 division. This was Robert’s first gold level tournament victory. Congratulations to Billy and Robert! We are sure to see big things from both of these players in the future.

CitySquash had a successful weekend of squash at the U.S. Junior Bronze Championships. Of the seventeen CitySquash competitors, four reached the quarterfinals and two went on to win their division. Esmeralda Mejia reached the quarterfinals of the GU13 division before falling in closely fought 5-game battle. Leondre Damil played his way through the 64-man draw to reach the quarters of the BU15 division. CitySquash’s two titles came from Jocelyn McKenzie and Andreina Benedith who won the GU15 and GU17 divisions respectively. Neither Jocelyn nor Andreina dropped a game on their way to the title. Congratulations to all CitySquashers who competed on a great tournament and great squash season!

On Saturday, April 16 CitySquash students, staff and mentors worked together to create craft kits for children in hospital. The event was held on behalf of Project Sunshine – a nonprofit organization that provides free educational, recreational, and social programs to children and families living with medical challenges. The event was a huge success, bringing mentors and mentees together to help make a difference in the lives of other, less fortunate children. At the end of the day, the CitySquash team had put together over 100 craft kits for Project Sunshine. Thank you to all who participated!

CitySquash had a tough, yet rewarding, weekend at the Westchester Silver Tournament.  While some team members played in their correct age division, we decided to play a few team members up a division to gain some important match experience. In the BU11 division the “Three Musketeers” – Hugo Barroso, Axel Michaca and Christopher Lucero – played in their second tournament of the year. Hugo and Axel met in the consolation final with Hugo winning a close fought 5 game battle. Robert Williams played up a division, in the BU13, and did well against his older opponents eventually winning the consolation draw. In the GU13 division, Alexandra Limas’ gritty and tough play helped her reach the finals of the consolation draw. To prepare him for the upcoming National Silver Tournament, Billy Fleurima also played up a division going on to take 2nd place in the BU15. Katiria Sanchez played in the GU19 division. Director of Squash, Bryan Patterson, had this to say about Katiria’s play:
 
“Katiria is a wonderful representative for CitySquash, always supportive of our younger players, a terrific role model, great on court and very sporting. Katiria played some really great squash to reach the final. This final was for me the best match of the day – terrific squash, hard running, sportsmanship and respect. Katiria lost in 5 but what a wonderful match.”

Though we did not win a title, our team members came away with some great experience from a weekend of touch matches. We are now looking forward to this weekend and the Silver Nationals. GO CITYSQUASH!

Last weekend, 20 CitySquash students competed in two tournaments throughout the New York area. Nine team members traveled to Queens to participate in the CityView Silver Open while eleven team members competed in the SportsPlex Bronze Tournament in Stamford, CT. By the end of the weekend, CitySquash had claimed four titles. Three of the four titles were won at the SportsPlex Silver Open. Billy Fleurima overcame fellow teammate, Robert Williams, to win the BU13 division. Andrew Cadienhead, Darrius Campbell, and Kingsley Amoako dominated the BU15 division finishing first, second and third respectfully. The BU19 division also had an all CitySquash final as Seetreeon Torres edged out long time teammate and friend Santiago Moran. Katiria Sanchez had another strong result finishing second in the GU19 division. At the SportsPlex Bronze tournament, Miguel Betances won the BU15 division handly. Alexandra Limas had a fantastic weekend as well, finishing second in the GU13 division. All of our students played their hearts out and represented CitySquash well. Congratualtions to all on a great weekend of squash!

CitySquash team member Andrew Cadienhead helped the Taft squash team win its first New England Interscholastic Squash Championship in eight years when he won the #4 flight of the A division on Sunday, February 27th. Having placed second at the National High School Championships earlier in the season, the Taft team were favored to take home the New England title. Andrew breezed through the bracket only dropping one game before reaching the finals. Playing against his Brunswick rival, Andrew battled back from two games down to win the final and help secure Taft’s overall victory. Other CitySquashers were in action over the weekend playing for their respective schools including Chris Fernandez, Kingsley Amoako, Seetreeon Torres, Fernando Flores, Alija Hogans, Santiago Moran, Felipe Pantle, Myriam Kelly, Jocelyn McKenzie, Cris Margaret Frias, Andreina Benedith and Doris Amoako. Doris finished second in the #1 flight of the C division. Congratulations to all our team members for a great season!