The Crusaders squash team paid tribute to eight members of the Class of 2022 on its Senior Night as the team prepared to head to this weekend's U.S. High School Team Squash Championships in Philadelphia.

Coach Steve Joyce said this year's team of 34 players were led by four-year varsity players PJ Snyder, Will Wischerath, Will Enright, Will Dunn, Chris Sabuda, Drew Sabuda, Steven Bleck and Charlie Quinn. Joyce emphasized the seniors' dedication to the sport, to each other and to their team. 

"Having experienced seniors setting the example for the underclassmen players is the best assistant coach you can have," Joyce said. "I'm indebted to their effort and leadership."

The Crusaders beat City Honors on Feb. 17 at the Nardin Academy Athletic Center to conclude a 4-6 regular season that included lingering affects of Covid-19, three matches canceled due to weather. That followed a 2020-21 year in which there was no season. "It made for a more resilient group," Joyce said. 

Joyce said this season's highlights included improvement throughout the depth of the ladder.

Freshman Tommy Sheehan "will be a top player for years to come," Joyce said, while the progression of sophomores Liam Ainslie, Oscar Bruce, Peter Kooshosian, Harry Scanlon, Cameron Culligan and Patrick Sullivan "show terrific promise." 

The junior were led by Alex Mecca, Tommy Vanner, Dan Welsh and Will Stott, "who will be excellent captains," Joyce said.

"All this, coupled with a strong incoming class of freshman, bode well for next year's team," Joyce said.  

The team departs Thursday for the nationals, which will be held at Philadelphia's Arlen Specter US Squash Center. 

"It will be the first big tournament stage for most of these players," Joyce said. "Leading the charge will be PJ Snyder at number one position. I'm excited, as are all the coaches, to see how we fare."