Squash

Mark Talbott ’78 thrust Mercersburg’s squash program into national prominence in the 1970s and 1980s. After a stellar career under founding coach Bo Burbank, Talbott became one of the game’s most dominant players and was named the World Professional Squash Association’s Player of the Year eight times between 1983 and 1992. He was inducted into the U.S. Squash Hall of Fame in 2000.

One of the program’s primary goals is to prepare high school players to compete at the collegiate level. Over the last several years, Mercersburg alumni have competed on the varsity teams at Colby College, Connecticut College, Cornell University, Drexel University, Franklin and Marshall College, Hamilton College, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Middlebury College, and the U.S. Naval Academy.

The Davenport Squash Center features 10 state-of-the-art ASB courts and expansive viewing areas. The numerous courts accommodate the strong student interest in the sport at Mercersburg and provide seasoned squash players with a facility that is considered one of the best high school squash centers on the East Coast.

The extensive varsity schedule is complemented by a solid junior varsity slate for developing players. Mercersburg is a member of the Mid-Atlantic Squash Organization and annually competes against some of the top teams in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C., metro areas, in addition to the Storm’s Mid-Atlantic Prep League events. The schedule is highlighted by the U.S. High School Squash Nationals tournament each February. During the 2022-2023 season, the boys placed into the 1st Division at Nationals, their highest since the 2016 season with All-American Illia Presman.