Captains of the Week: Boys Squash

By RISHI GURUDEVAN and MAX MANTEL

Twenty players comprise Exeter’s squash team at both junior varsity and varsity levels, playing in quick and difficult individual matches to influence the overall team score. Captain and seniors Sean Wu and Eric Zhang have been leaders toward success for the team, alongside head coach Bruce Shang and assistant coach Paul Langford.

Both Zhang and Wu bring a strong amount of squash skill and leadership to the team, which has boosted team morale and spirit. “They are very different captains, but work together to encourage our athletes to improve as squash players and human beings. For example, Sean will ask the team to clean up after matches and demonstrate drills and teach skills to his teammates. Eric is very calm by nature and will run off-season training and help instruct kids on technique,” Shang said.

Upper Dieder Wagner agreed and commented on how Eric and Sean have helped him grow as a squash player. “The first week I started playing I asked [Eric] if I could train with him a few times after practice and he’s been really open to being flexible with me… I did club in previous years, but he definitely helped me with a lot of those techniques that I wouldn’t know otherwise and it’s definitely helped me improve.

This willingness to share advice and tips with younger students has led to strong all-around team morale. “This year’s team has been very hard-working and shown a lot of comradery and goodwill, all of which has produced an especially positive and enjoyable atmosphere during practices and matches. Eric and Sean have contributed a great deal to this situation, and they are very generous in sharing their knowledge of the game and encouraging the younger players,” Langford said.

Both captains have grown throughout their squash careers as both teammates and leaders. Upper Eric Wu admired Zhang’s persistence. “When I came in as a prep, I think Eric was ranked number seven on the overall squash ladder, but since then he’s grown to be ranked number one overall on the team. Even now, he still has a lot of matches against people ranked higher than him from other schools… often we’ll be tied 3-3 going into his match [for varsity], and it’ll be down to his game, or his set.”

Shang commented “both players hold themselves to high standards and believe hard work will pay off in the end. These captains are setting the tone for the future. It has been their team for so long. They started as freshmen on varsity and moved up the ladder to number one and number two for the last three years. They are Exeter squash and try to lead by example. Our players watch their skill and effort and appreciate the work it took to get there.”