MEDFORD, MA (November 17, 2023) -- It's been a long road for the Tufts University men's squash program to get where it is today, but head coach Joseph Raho has seen the team build and build to the point where they are among the top programs in the program.
The reason Raho says this team has continued to progress to the No. 12 preseason ranking in the College Squash Association (CSA) rankings is their comradery, He mentioned multiple times in speaking with him during the preseason how this team understands that despite being on court individually, that their match is bigger than just them.
"These guys work hard and play hard because they know its about getting five (points)," said Raho. "It's a beautiful thing as a coach when they battle for one another because the team success means more. Obviously, they want to win for themselves but the motivation to help the entire squad succeed has meant more to them."
Interestingly enough, when you look at the overall records for the Jumbos in 2022-23, there wasn't one player that was overly dominant all season. Despite that, Tufts finished with nine victories on the campaign because the victories came from all over the lineup. Tufts only had four players with double-digit wins on the season, but nine players with seven or more wins. The depth and grit up and down the lineup was a key factor to the success.
That depth comes back in 2023-24, as the Jumbos graduated some important pieces in
Kunal Valia, Vivaan Kaikishan, Shloke Suhay but did bring back a familar name in
Sanjeev Jeyabalan. Keeping a key piece like Jeyabalan around will just fortify what looks to be a strong lineup this season.
Team captains
Harry Charlton and
Kerwin Teh look to play in the top two spots for the Jumbos, as that pair have been strong leaders thus far. "They lead with their play, from a work ethic and character standpoint, we're lucky to have them as captains," said Raho.
Charlton was the only player to play No. 1 last season, battling to six victories on the season. Teh played No. 3 but looks to move up to the No. 2 spot as a junior after going 9-8 as a sophomore.
Youssef Ezzo played pretty much exclusively at the No. 4 spot, and he looks locked in to that position once again after posting an even 8-8 mark as a sophomore.
Jeyabalan was the team's No. 5 last year, but his leadership and experience looks to move him into the top three as a graduate student. Jeyabalan was 9-7 at the No. 5 position, also picking up wins at No. 3 and No. 4.
Oliver Eielson was the main starter at No. 6 last season, and is back after posting seven wins as a sophomore.
Sophomore
Jared Chin tallied a 10-7 record and should push for a spot in the middle of the ladder after going 8-4 at No. 7 as a first-year. Chin also finished the season with a three-match win streak.
Rohan Valia had a great year as a newcomer, finishing tied for second on the team in total wins with 11. He finished the year with five straight victories, and he should slot into the lineup once again after living mainly at the No. 9 position as a first-year.
Seniors
Sam Charlton and
Krish Shah had success in limited opportunities last season, and that pari along with sophomore
Mustafa Ayaz will look to battle into the lineup in 2023-24.
The team is also excited about its five newcomers, as all five bring potential and talent to the table.
Aarav Gill is a solid prospect who has the staff excited going into the year, and
Nachiket Desai and
Rutva Samant have also looked strong in preseason workouts.
Emerson Wang and
Rohan Bhatia are very talented as well and possess potential to get chances in the lineup as well.
The Jumbos have a tough schedule in 2023-24, including the always difficult New England Small College Athletic Conference slate, but Raho thinks that finishing the season where they are ranked in the preseason is attainable and would be a great accomplishment for this squad. "I think we're worked hard to get where we are now, but I'm excited for these guys to get out and compete and show everyone what this team is about."
--JUMBOS--
