April 28, 2009

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - In recent weeks, the Navy squash team invited members of the Baltimore SquashWise program to the Naval Academy to promote the value of classroom and physical education. Twelve midshipmen and 10 sixth-graders from the Baltimore-based program interacted in a two-hour practice event where the youth learned how the Navy squash team runs its practices on a daily basis, while the two groups participated in stretching, drills, games and conditioning.

"It was fun to see the enthusiasm the kids showed toward learning the game," said Navy junior Justin Langan. "They even volunteered to run court sprints, which is the worst part of practice."

Added freshman Clayton Young, "I loved working with SquashWise! Being able to work with kids from the area that love squash just as much as I do makes my day."

While a good chunk of the day was spent on the squash courts, the midshipmen also answered questions about their experiences at the Academy, including the benefits of a great education. Three of the sixth graders who visited the Academy have already applied to be a part of the Naval Academy's Summer STEM program that focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

"I thought that working with SquashWise was a great opportunity for my teammates and I because it gave us an opportunity to give back in a unique way," said sophomore Tommy McNamara. "Programs like SquashWise are going to help squash continue to grow as a sport and bring it to people who 10 years ago would not have had a chance to play."

Founded in 2007, Baltimore SquashWise is a not-for-profit after-school youth enrichment program serving public middle school students in Baltimore City. The program combines squash instruction, academic tutoring and community service to empower under-served youth to excel academically, athletically and in life. The program's goals include - to use squash as a medium for teaching sportsmanship as well as respect for volunteers, fellow students, opponents and oneself; to surround students with academic tutors, coaches and positive role models to encourage all students to reach for their potential; to ensure high school graduation and community service involvement; and to create a safe, fun and constructive after-school environment for underserved youth.

"The day with the sixth graders from SquashWise in Baltimore was special for the Navy squash team," said Navy head coach Craig Dawson. "The team has worked with similar organizations in New York and Philadelphia, but this time we had the opportunity to work with a group only 45 minutes away. The team plans to go see the SquashWise group at their location in Baltimore in the future and work in the classroom, as well as play squash."

### Go Navy ###