This past weekend, St. Lawrence University (SLU) hosted the men’s squash Liberty League Championships. The UR Yellowjackets took second place, with a commendable loss to host SLU of 5–4. This is the third straight year SLU has taken first place, after Rochester won the previous six consecutive years—2007-2012. Freshman and South African native Lawrence Kuhn aided Rochester in its victories and received laudable recognition. Kuhn was named Liberty League Squash Rookie of the Week for the third time this season due to his impressive performance. He swept at the championships and has won seven consecutive matches, totalling to 11–1 this season.
How does it feel to be Rookie of the Week for the third time this season?
Well, to start off, I didn’t even know I was Rookie of the Week the first time, so I can’t say it really feels any different. I don’t follow it, anyway.
How long have you been playing squash, and what makes you enjoy the sport?
I think I have been playing squash for about 10 years. I am not even sure anymore. I love it because from when I was young, squash has always been my escape from the pressures of the world, and I can just be me and enjoy myself.
How do you feel about your team’s overall performance this season?
I don’t really have anything to relate it to, but from what I have seen, I think, as a team, we work really well together with everyone functioning well as a group, the performances as a group could have been better, but I don’t think we have to worry about that too much right now. I prefer to just take it one day at time, and when it’s time to perform, I think everyone will really show their best.
How does playing squash help you in other aspects of your life?
It definitely gives me discipline and determination. I don’t think I am the smartest person, but I am one of the most persistent, and I can only get that from the many hours that I have spent training to get only a little bit further. It also keeps me grounded and does not let me think that I am bigger than the world. Squash players know that the sport is underappreciated, and we don’t have huge income potential here, so we don’t really get much fame either.
Are there any professional players that you admire?
I admire all of the top professional players. I think it really takes guts to go into the sport knowing that you will have to work harder than any other person and not get paid much for it, so they end up just doing it for the passion of the sport. I think that is amazing.
Would you rather compete in a hotdog-eating contest or get the leak of Kanye West’s new album?
Well, I really like food and competitions, and I am not a huge fan of Kanye, so I think I’ll go with the hotdog-eating competition.
