Harvard Squash Team Opens Defense of National Championship at Amherst

Harvard's varsity squash team, seeking its third straight national intercollegiate team championship, opens its season this afternoon against Amherst. "We're not unbeatable, but we're potentially a winner against any opponent," varsity coach Jack Barnaby said.

Last year's team, led by the nation's leading squash player, Anil Nayar, was unbeatable- but it lost. Harvard lost to Penn 5-4 and dropped its first Ivy title in seven years. Barnaby is not letting the Crimson forget that upset.

A Nemesis

"Penn is still a great team," Barnaby said, "but we're a very strong team with a lot of potential. If we can realize 50 per cent of our potential. we'll be a real nemesis."

Harvard certainly has the top collegiate squash player in the nation in Larry Terrell. The senior captain has finished second to Nayar in the collegiate individual championships in the last two years. "If it weren't for Nayar, Larry would be the country's best collegiate player." Barnaby said many times last year. Now his prediction is true.

"Terrell relies on a sound, aggressive ground stroke," Barnaby said "He has developed a lot of game strategy and recently he has been concentrating on adding a front wall finesse to his attack." The result is that Terrell is presently ranked as the third best amateur player in the nation.

An Avalanche

In contrast to Terrell is Harvard's number two man, Fritz Hobbs. "Hobbs has a distinctive style all his own," Barnaby said. The former Olympic crew member "gets on top of his opponent and pummels him." Barnaby said. "He's a big son-of-a-gun, and he just hits hard and pushes right at his opponents. It's like expecting a snowstorm and suddenly getting hit by an avalanche."

Harvard's potential for a great season lies in the backup players. At number three. Fernando Gonzales is a position player. "He doesn't win points, but he never loses any. Gonzales makes others make mistakes." Barnaby explained "He's adding a planned attack, and could be great."

Seasoned Veterans

At four and five are seasoned veterans John Ince and Ed Atwood. "Both of these players are constantly getting stronger and better. There's no limit to their potential." Barnaby said.

Two sophomores, Paul Brown and Dave Fish, enter the line-up at the six and seven positions. Barnaby characterizes Brown as "another Hobbs." while Fish's skill is rated "a toss-up compared to Brown's talent."

Rounding out the starting nine are lettermen Jaime Gonzales and Pete Abrams. Barnaby always considers an 11- man team, and sophomores Reggie Foster and Allen Quasha are ready and waiting to challenge any lagging starter.