Every year since he began as the leader of the Penn men's squash program, coach Craig Thorpe-Clark has set a goal of finishing in the top five in the nation; this season marks the first time in his five-year tenure that this goal is within reach.
The key this year for the Quakers will be the play of their new talent, which is by far the best crop the Red and Blue have ever seen. Even though the Quakers are returning eight of nine starters from last year's seventh-ranked team, there are five new faces in the starting lineup. These new players are freshmen Will Simonton, Ben Ende, Gilly Lane and Graham Bassett, and sophomore transfer Doug Weeden.
With these additions, Thorpe-Clark hopes to move into the upper echelon of collegiate squash, joining Trinity, Harvard, Yale and Princeton.
"This year we hope to move up and be able to challenge and beat some of the top four teams," Thorpe-Clark said. "Our first two matches this season are against last years fifth- and sixth-ranked teams" -- Cornell and Western Ontario.
"Two victories this weekend would really set the tone for the entire season and give us the confidence we need to beat Princeton and take over their fourth spot."
Thorpe-Clark's optimism seems to be infectious as the Quakers have worked harder than ever before, now that they are officially contenders.
"The difference this year is that while we still expect to beat the teams ranked below us, there are hardly any teams above us that we can't compete with on any given day," sophomore Jacob Himmelrich said. "This fact has really inspired us to take our work level up a notch."
Even the freshmen have been caught up in the excitement surrounding the start of what looks to be the Quakers' breakout season.
"This weekend's matches against Cornell and Western Ontario are the most important of the season," Ende said. "And we are going to win them convincingly. The work ethic on this team is infectious and it will definitely pay off in the big matches."
Senior captain Matt Vergare, who finished second on the team in wins last year, epitomized the feeling of the team.
"We are not going to be complacent with a fifth-place finish this season," Vergare said. "Even though fifth would be higher than we have placed in my three years at Penn, this is our year to beat Princeton."
But for all the depth and confidence that the Quakers may have, it will mean nothing if they do not emerge with two wins this weekend. The key to these matches, and the entire season, will be the play of the freshmen and sophomores.
"This weekend will be the defining moment of the season," Thorpe-Clark said. "If we win convincingly I think we will have the momentum to go head-to-head with Princeton and come out with a victory."
It has been 30 years since the Quakers have beaten Ivy League rival Princeton, but if the younger players fulfill their expectations, this season could mark the start off a new Penn squash era.
