Deerfield Academy Squash History Detailed In A New Book
from Daily Squash Report

To purchase a copy ($50) please contact Tom Poor at:

tpoor43@aol.com



January 25, 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.