Deer Path Middle School Program

 Since spring 2006, Deer Path Middle School students have the option to learn racquet sports at the Lake Forest Recreation Center in a two week wellness unit. This unique program combines on court and off court experiences by concluding with an after school tournament and a chance to write about their experience.

2008 Winner
Why I Love Squash

By Cameron Douglass
I love to play squash because it involves strategic thinking and ability. What motivates me is that my brother and father are very good at squash and soon I want to be able to beat them. I want to play them every weekend. DPM wellness class has helped me because each time I practice and play here at the Recreation Center, I get better.

2007 Winner
Squash Essay

By Will Owens
Last week was the first time I had every played squash. Once I heard that I would have a chance to play squash, I jumped at the opportunity and signed up right away because I like to try new things. After the first day, I went straight to my computer and checked out some information on the wonderful sport. I was surprised to find many informative websites. I did some reading and came to a few conclusions.

In 1865, a game like squash evolved from an English game called rackets at Harrow School when students realized that if they punctured a soft ball it would “squash” when it hit the racket. The game was later called squash rackets. In 1907, America made The United States Squash Racquets Association and later that year, we held the first National Championship of squash. John Miskey of Philadelphia won.

America may have been the first country to hold a tournament but we are not the best at the sport. In 1966, many countries called a meeting and it was decided that they would create the ISRF or International Squash Rackets Association. Then in 1992, the name was changed to the World Squash Federation known as WSF.

Squash has grown a lot through the years. It is now played in 130 countries on 47,000 courts. That is a vast increase in the past hundred years. The International Olympic Committee now recognizes it. The WSF is working on becoming the newest sport recognized by the Olympic Games in 2008. If this feat is accomplished, people everywhere will start to play more and more squash until it is one of the most widely played sports in the world.

In conclusion, I see the professional level in the game underrated right now but on a definite incline. Professional squash will be recognized as a great sport everywhere in the world.