A generous group of community sports enthusiasts and financial supporters of Binghamton University are conducting a feasibility study to determine the possibility of donating four squash courts to the campus. Converting four of the West Gym’s eight racquetball courts to squash courts with glass walls in the back would allow the formation of competitive teams for both women and men either at the club level or as a varsity sport. Additionally, students would have access to the facility as well for recreational play.

BU is within 200 miles of 17 universities that have varsity squash programs. Such storied and prestigious schools as Princeton, Yale, Vassar, Williams, Cornell, Fordham, Columbia and the University of Pennsylvania have all voiced strong support for the addition of BU to their competitive schedules.

Princeton’s men’s squash coach, Bob Callahan says, “I am thrilled to learn of Binghamton’s interest in squash. Many teams within a few hours drive of Binghamton would love to schedule matches.”

Cornell men’s squash coach Mark Devoy adds, “I would like to offer my support in the effort to establish squash on the Binghamton campus.”

Unlike many other sports programs that require huge investments in physical facilities and expensive staffing, squash teams fit nicely into a van and need only rackets and sneakers to compete. Squash is a game you learn and then play the rest of your life, which makes it a great investment in your heath. The U.S. Squash Racquets Association sanctions national championships for players in age categories all the way up to those 85 years of age. College team national championships are held annually and date back to 1932.

As a former BU student, squash teaching professional and supporter of the University, I believe the addition of a squash program on our campus would greatly broaden the sport-for-life offerings for the students and facilitate competitive inner-action between BU and some of the finest and most noteworthy schools in the world.

As a part of this study, we are seeking input from the students. Please e-mail me at Hmrun123@aol.com if you are interested in this project. We would also like to learn how many squash players we currently have on the campus.

Bob Kingsley