What are the key features of the George A. Kellner Squash Courts. How does this facility contribute to Trinity’s squash program excellence. Why are these courts considered among the best in collegiate squash.
The Legacy of George A. Kellner Squash Courts
The George A. Kellner Squash Courts stand as a testament to Trinity College’s commitment to excellence in squash. Named after a generous benefactor and squash enthusiast, these courts have played a pivotal role in shaping Trinity’s squash program into one of the most formidable in collegiate athletics.
George A. Kellner, a Trinity College alumnus and successful investment banker, made a significant donation to fund the construction of these state-of-the-art courts. His contribution has helped solidify Trinity’s position as a powerhouse in collegiate squash, attracting top talent from around the world and providing an unparalleled training environment for student-athletes.
Design and Technical Specifications
The George A. Kellner Squash Courts boast cutting-edge design and technical features that set them apart from typical collegiate squash facilities. These courts were constructed with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring optimal playing conditions for athletes of all levels.
Court Dimensions and Layout
The facility houses multiple regulation-size squash courts, each measuring 9.75 meters (32 feet) long and 6.4 meters (21 feet) wide. The ceiling height of 5.64 meters (18.5 feet) provides ample space for high lobs and overhead shots, allowing players to fully express their skills.
Flooring and Wall Systems
The courts feature premium hardwood flooring, specifically designed to provide the perfect balance of grip and slide for squash players. The walls are constructed using high-quality materials that ensure consistent ball rebounds and minimize dead spots, creating a fair and challenging playing environment.
Lighting and Climate Control
State-of-the-art lighting systems illuminate the courts evenly, reducing glare and shadows that could interfere with gameplay. Advanced climate control technology maintains optimal temperature and humidity levels, ensuring player comfort and consistent ball performance year-round.
Training and Performance Enhancement Features
The George A. Kellner Squash Courts are equipped with various training aids and performance enhancement tools, setting them apart from standard squash facilities.
- Video analysis systems for technique refinement
- Interactive training walls for solo practice
- Specialized fitness equipment tailored for squash-specific conditioning
- Recovery areas with ice baths and stretching zones
These features contribute to the holistic development of Trinity’s squash players, helping them reach their full potential both physically and mentally.
Spectator Experience and Tournament Hosting
The George A. Kellner Squash Courts were designed with spectators in mind, creating an immersive experience for fans and supporters of the sport.
Viewing Galleries and Seating
Elevated viewing galleries surround the courts, offering clear sightlines for spectators to follow the fast-paced action. Comfortable seating arrangements and standing areas accommodate large crowds during tournaments and high-profile matches.
Multimedia Integration
The facility is equipped with advanced multimedia systems, including large display screens and sound systems. These allow for real-time scoring updates, instant replays, and live streaming capabilities, enhancing the viewing experience for both in-person and remote audiences.
Tournament Infrastructure
The George A. Kellner Squash Courts are fully equipped to host prestigious tournaments, including national championships and international events. Dedicated areas for officials, media, and player warm-ups ensure smooth event operations and contribute to Trinity’s reputation as a premier squash destination.
Impact on Trinity’s Squash Program
The George A. Kellner Squash Courts have played a crucial role in elevating Trinity’s squash program to unprecedented heights. Since their inauguration, the facility has been instrumental in:
- Attracting top-tier recruits from around the globe
- Facilitating year-round training and skill development
- Hosting high-profile tournaments and showcasing Trinity’s talent
- Fostering a strong sense of community among players, coaches, and fans
- Maintaining Trinity’s dominance in collegiate squash rankings
The world-class facilities have undoubtedly contributed to Trinity’s remarkable streak of national championships and individual accolades in collegiate squash.
Community Engagement and Outreach
While primarily serving Trinity College’s squash program, the George A. Kellner Squash Courts also play a vital role in community engagement and outreach efforts.
Youth Programs and Clinics
The facility hosts various youth programs and clinics, introducing the sport of squash to local children and fostering a love for the game. These initiatives not only benefit the community but also help cultivate future talent for Trinity’s squash program.
Adult Leagues and Recreational Play
During off-peak hours, the courts are made available for adult leagues and recreational play, allowing community members to experience the world-class facilities. This engagement helps build a strong support base for Trinity’s squash program and promotes the sport in the wider community.
Charitable Events and Fundraisers
The George A. Kellner Squash Courts serve as a venue for charitable events and fundraisers, leveraging the popularity of squash to support various causes. These events strengthen Trinity’s ties with the local community and demonstrate the college’s commitment to social responsibility.
Maintenance and Sustainability
Maintaining the George A. Kellner Squash Courts at their peak condition is crucial for preserving their world-class status and ensuring longevity.
Regular Upkeep and Renovations
Trinity College employs a dedicated team of maintenance professionals who conduct regular inspections and upkeep of the facility. Periodic renovations and upgrades are carried out to incorporate the latest advancements in squash court technology and design.
Sustainable Practices
The facility incorporates various sustainable practices to minimize its environmental impact:
- Energy-efficient lighting and climate control systems
- Water conservation measures in shower and bathroom facilities
- Use of eco-friendly cleaning products and maintenance materials
- Recycling programs for equipment and waste management
These initiatives align with Trinity College’s broader commitment to sustainability and responsible resource management.
Future Plans and Innovations
Trinity College continues to invest in the George A. Kellner Squash Courts to maintain their status as a premier squash facility. Future plans and innovations under consideration include:
Technology Integration
Exploring the integration of advanced technologies such as augmented reality training aids, smart court systems for automated line calling, and wearable devices for performance tracking.
Expansion and Upgrades
Potential expansion of the facility to include additional courts, enhanced spectator areas, and dedicated spaces for sports science research related to squash performance.
Hosting International Events
Pursuing opportunities to host major international squash events, further cementing Trinity’s reputation as a global squash destination and providing invaluable exposure for student-athletes.
The George A. Kellner Squash Courts continue to evolve, adapting to the changing landscape of collegiate squash while honoring the legacy of excellence that has defined Trinity’s program for decades.
Ox Ridge Riding & Racquet Club
Ox Ridge is a private club in Darien, Connecticut, that is quickly becoming one of the leading squash destinations in the US. Ox Ridge is organized as a non-profit with no required return on equity, enabling the club to deploy all of its resources on player development through the retention of the world’s best coaches, members events, and training resources. Ox Ridge has a full range of programs for players of all levels and ages. The club provides an ideal set of opportunities to play year-round, for the beginner to avid enthusiast.
Juniors
Ox Ridge’s junior program is focused on developing juniors through a combination of individualized attention, community match play and group clinics. Ox Ridge Clinics are currently available to members and non-members. Clinics run through the school year and are available at the Mini (under 5 years old), Beginner, Intermediate and Elite levels.
Ox Ridge Clinics are structured like survey classes, covering different parts of the game throughout the year (Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer). They are structured to “stretch” the range of the developing player. Typical classes involve a combination of shot demonstration, practice drills, and match play.
Match Play sessions are 90-minute group playing sessions with multiple individual matches overseen by an Ox Ridge Pro. Each player will have an opportunity to play multiple matches with players of comparable skill level. The match play schedule is based on clinic level and is charged by the session at a rate of $75 per session for RMS Ox Elite, and $45 per session for Beginner and Intermediate Level Match Play. The following is the calendar for Match Play Sessions:
- RMS Ox Tournament and Club Elite – Saturdays, 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Junior Development Program (JDP – Intermediate) – Saturdays, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Beginner – Sundays, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Summer Camps
Ox Ridge Camps are meant to accelerate a player quickly over the summer. They typically last one week and focus on developing a full range of play within a short period of time. Please check our website in the Spring for information on 2023 Summer Camps.
All players must have a signed waiver and release form on file with Ox Ridge to participate in clinics, match plays or summer camps. Our waiver form can be filled out online by clicking here. You can also download, print and scan the waiver from this link.
Adults
Ox Ridge also provides offerings for adults of different levels. Whether you are learning the sport for the first time or switching from an advanced singles to a doubles player, the club has a range of program offerings to meet your interests. There are weekly “Round Robin” match plays as well as adult clinics. Ox Ridge is also forming a “House Team” to compete in the Connecticut League. All participants must have a Club Locker entry to participate. Contact Le Roy at [email protected] for more information.
Lessons
Ox Ridge pros are also available for regularly scheduled lessons (one-on-one or semi-private). Non-members are welcome to take up to three (3) lessons.
George A. Kellner Squash Courts – Facilities
The official site of Trinity Athletics
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Choose A Facility:
Ferris Athletic Center
Trinity Natatorium
Memorial Field House
Hazelton Fitness Center
Trinity Varsity Weight Room
George A. Kellner Squash Courts
Friends of Trinity Boathouse
Trinity Soccer Field
Koeppel Community Sports Center
Paul Assaiante Tennis Center
Trinity Softball Field
Murren Family Field/DiBenedetto Stadium
Jessee/Miller Field at Tansill Muldoon Stadium
Robin L. Sheppard Field
Oosting Gymnasium
Wickham Park
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The Kellner Squash Center is a fitting home base for the top men’s and women’s squash programs in the country. It features 10 international-sized courts, two of which are constructed with three color-paneled walls for easy spectator viewing, as well as pyramid-style amphitheater seating that enables up to 500 spectators to watch matches on all 10 courts simultaneously. Trinity was the first collegiate squash program with color-paneled glass courts, which require the use of a white ball.
300 Summit Street
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Hartford, CT
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860-297-2000
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www.trincoll.edu
ASB Squash Courts – Building a squash court: “How to build a squash court?”
When people ask about building a squash court, people usually think, well, it’s basically a box, with or without a glass wall at the back, 9. 75m long and 6.4m wide. However, it’s much more than it looks, and there are many factors to consider when building such a ‘box’.
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All structural components of the squash court walls must be capable of withstanding all loads that may be applied to them during normal play and must not be subject to any permanent or temporary damage resulting from the impact of balls or racquets.
Courts with transparent walls must be made of safe materials. It is recommended that the door to the court be located in the middle of the back wall, but in any case should be in the middle of the third and open into the court.
Let’s start with the playing surface.
For example, there are several playing surfaces: wood, concrete, plaster, sometimes even a rubber panel or glass. All court walls must be of the same construction throughout the playing area. Adjacent walls do not have to be of the same construction. Various colors are offered, but white prevails.
So what’s the difference in squash court design?
The most important characteristic of any squash court in the world is rebound. The squash player wants precise, crisp recoil, following a simple rule of physics: the angle of impact against the wall equals the angle of recoil. It is highly angering and discouraging for any squash player if he or she plays the ball and the ball does not come back as intended. This “bad feedback” is usually caused by 2 factors (at the moment we do not take into account the limited skills of squash players):
1) cracks and other obstacles that make the playing surface uneven; a classic example of this is in plaster courts, where failure leads to cracks and even pieces coming off, eventually resulting in a mishandling of the ball;
2) gaps and joints; a classic example is panel courts with multiple panels mounted on a skeletal front wall, resulting in not only a difference in sound that can be somewhat acceptable, although a violation; first of all, it results in a different kickback, since the panel is harder where it was mounted on the frame, and softer in the middle where there is no frame behind it.
So, how to solve these 2 problems and how to ensure even returns?
In simple terms, the solution is to build a court that has no visible joints and one flat surface that is not prone to cracking or breaking. ASB uses a special surface and large engineered wood panels that run the length of the courts. This ensures that the ball response is always the same and physics-compliant without any unexpected changes for a smooth, enjoyable squash game where technique and accurate shots are rewarded.
What about gender?
Thousands of squash players with over 20 years of experience complain of similar problems during periods of illness: pain in the knees, hips and ankles from playing squash on a hard wooden floor that used to be the standard and is still considered the standard in many countries. With these health concerns in mind, ASB went in a different direction, using an engineered floor that is more flexible and at the same time offers what players want: cushioning, precise and even ball release and, above all, good grip.
What are the dimensions of a squash court?
The planned dimensions of single courts, measured one meter above the level of the finished floor, should be:
Squash court length: 9750 mm +/- 10 mm 10 mm
Squash Court Height: 5640 mm
Squash Court Diagonal: 11665 mm +/- 25 mm
The construction of a squash court requires the construction of four solid playing walls (1 front, 2 side walls, 1 back wall). All playing court walls must have a hard, smooth finish.
Based on the dimensions established by the rules of the World Squash Federation (WSF), the area required for the construction of a squash court is determined by these rules.
What materials are used to build a squash court?
There are 4 different basic materials used to build the walls of a squash court:
– Sandfilled High Density Slab Walls
– Precast Panel Walls
– Gypsum Walls
– Glass Walls
The squash court is completed by laying the flooring, installing lighting (if necessary, ventilation / heating).
Construction of squash courts in Moscow
The attractiveness of squash courts lies in the fact that in a short time on a small area an excellent site for singles or doubles is built, and a small club with several courts is organized in a hangar or room with high ceilings. A squash court is built mainly indoors, equipped with glass or solid partitions and allows you to play in any weather. Recently, transparent structures have been installed on open sports grounds, complementing the court with a canopy or roof.
However, behind the apparent simplicity of the design, there is a thorough work on leveling the surfaces – the walls must be vertical, and the coating must be horizontal, without deviations. But here, too, everything is much simpler – if a tennis court must first be designed, work must be done to select the territory, prepare the base and lay the coating, then the squash court is assembled from ready-made glass or plastered with a special composition panels. The internal playing dimensions for one squash court are 9.70 m * 6.40 m * 5.64 m.
The basis is a metal supporting frame, which may be absent if the room meets the technical requirements. The metal frame is sheathed with a galvanized profile, on which wall panels are installed. In addition to glass and plaster, chipboard panels with a melamine-coated surface are used that are resistant to moisture changes, scratches, wear and cracks. This option for building a squash court is optionally complemented by a rear glass wall for spectators. If there is no space behind the court for spectators, then there is no need to use a glass wall and a “blind” back playing wall is installed.
The squash surface also has its own characteristics. If artificial grass, hard and other suitable surfaces are used on an open field, then a sports parquet is required for an indoor squash court, which ensures optimal ball bounce and glide.
Our company cooperates with Austrian and Dutch manufacturers of ready-made squash court kits and is ready to perform the work of installing a court on any site. We use a seamless installation method for wall panels with impact resistance. If necessary, we carry out complex work on the construction of turnkey metal frame structures, electrify, equip with ventilation and water supply. We provide warranty and post-warranty service.
The choice in favor of a squash court is obvious:
- The courts are small in size. If you have limited space, then a panel or glass squash court will be a good alternative to a large tennis field.
- Tournament and training squash courts are easy to maintain and repair. You can prepare the court for the game in a short time.
- Squash is dynamic, it requires a quick reaction, a miscalculation of the possible trajectory of the ball. With a sedentary lifestyle or sedentary work, a 30-60-minute workout will perfectly load the muscles and tone them.
- Squash tournaments are fun. In addition to physical activity, you can escape from everyday tasks and take a break from work.