Deerfield Academy Squash History Detailed In A New Book from Daily Squash Report January 2, 2017
- This past autumn witnessed the publication of “A History Of
Squash At Deerfield Academy,” a 114-page hardcover book that chronicles
seven decades of squash at Deerfield Academy, one of the most venerated
prep schools in New England. Written by squash historian Rob Dinerman,
who had previously authored Histories of squash at Harvard, the
Phillips Exeter Academy, and St. Paul’s School, this book discusses the
early squash years of such luminaries as Henri Salaun ’43, Charlie
Ufford ’49, Ted Simmons ’56, Bob Hetherington ’59, Tom Poor ’61, Howard
Coonley ’62, Larry Heath and Rick Sterne, both class of ’64, and
current Columbia No. 1 and 2015 Intercollegiate Individuals finalist
Osama Khaled Khalifa ’14, all of whom have subsequently achieved
significant distinction, including winning numerous national
championships.
The book delves into numerous intriguing Deerfield
squash-related moments, ranging from how Henry Poor persuaded a
reluctant Frank Boyden, the Academy’s legendary Headmaster (who held
that spot for SIXTY-SIX years, from 1902-68!) to allow squash to become
a varsity sport; to the fact that Salaun bought what he thought was a
squash ball but was actually a super-ball which bounced at crazy
angles, totally frustrating Salaun’s attempts to control it until Mr.
Poor explained that he was playing with the wrong ball, thereby
launching what became a Hall Of Fame career; to the thrilling 18-16
conclusion to the last and deciding match that enabled Deerfield’s 2011
girls team to win that year’s New England Interscholastic team title at
the expense of 14-time defending champion Greenwich Academy. Anyone
wishing to obtain a copy of the book, which costs $50, should contact
Tom Poor at tpoor43@aol.com.
