Third-year M. Squash coach masland steps down

Penn men's squash coach Jim Masland refused to outline the reasons for his announced departure, effective at season's end. Yesterday, men's squash joined the ranks of women's basketball and women's soccer among Penn teams that will debut a new coach next season. Jim Masland, in his third year as the Quakers' head coach, announced last night that he was resigning, effective at the end of the season. Masland has compiled a 17-24 overall record in his three seasons at Penn. "The Penn squash program is undergoing exciting changes and I'm very happy to have been able to be a part of it," Masland said. Masland told Penn Athletic Communications that although his Penn experience was enjoyable, "I just think this is the best time for myself and the program to make a change." The resignation of their coach is not the only major change the Quakers have seen this year. Earlier this season, former No. 2 and No. 3 players Shams Mistry and Chuck Braff quit the team. Additionally, off the court, the squash team has seen the renovation of the Ringe Squash courts and the addition of the Intercollegiate Squash Hall of Fame, which will be dedicated the first weekend of March. "Jim did a lot for the Penn squash program, not only improving our players' ability but also renovating the courts and creating the Intercollegiate Hall of Fame," sophomore Will Ruthrauff said. "It turned out great, and will be one of Jim's lasting marks on Penn squash. "We all appreciate the work he did in creating it." The timing of Masland's decision comes as a surprise with just two weeks remaining on the schedule. It is unknown why Masland, who will stay with the team for the final two meets -- the ISA team tournament this weekend and the ISA individuals the following week -- did not wait until the end of the season to make his announcement. Masland announced his decision to the team yesterday in a meeting after practice. "We were all shocked when we went into the meeting. No one was expecting this right now," sophomore Peter Withstandley said. "I think what surprised us was the timing. "With a big weekend coming up, it seems kind of odd." When reached, Masland refused to comment on the timing of the announcement. The team must now try to keep its focus for this weekend's championships, as they deal with the loss of a coach for whom they all expressed nothing but the highest regard. "Jim is a really good guy and has been a friend of mine at Penn," sophomore Alex Hurst said. "As a coach he helped me personally improve my game. "He helped us all out on the court a lot." With Masland's departure, the future direction of the Penn men's squash team is now a mystery. The team is graduating only one senior and next year's coach will have to deal with a team that has been together for a while. Masland will also continue his recruiting and administrative duties until another coach is hired. "When Jim Masland arrived 2 1/2 years ago he brought an incredible knowledge and experience about the game of squash and I feel both the Penn squash program and individual players benefited from these qualities," junior captain Andrew Hopkins said. "In addition, I have enjoyed working with Jim throughout the season in leading this team to being ninth in the nation. I speak for the entire team when I wish Jim all the best in his future endeavors."