ASSAIANTE NAMES U.S. SQUASH COACH FOR 1999 PAN AMERICAN GAMES

Hartford, Conn.- The United States Squash Racquets’ Association (USSRA) Men's Committee, after months of careful deliberation have selected

Trinity College Head Men’s Squash and Tennis Coach Paul Assaiante from a field of very talented applicants to coach the National Men's Team that will represent the US in the 1999 Pan American Games in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada in late July and early August. Assaiante led his men's squash team to their first Intercollegiate Team Championship this season. A highly ranked singles and doubles player through his career, Assaiante brings to the team over 20 years of high level coaching experience. A former international gymnast in the 70's, Paul understands the honor and thrill of elite competition and clearly conveys his enthusiasm and expectations. Paul joins Women's Coach Sharon Bradey in the training and final selection of the best 4 male and 4 female athletes to compete for individual and team medal honors.

An extensive schedule of team trials and training is being developed using the Trinity College squash courts as home base . The team departs their respective home cities for Grand Fork, N.D. on July 26 to take part in several days of outfitting, photos sessions and indoctrination before taking the two hour bus ride to Winnipeg. Once settled in the Athletes Village on the campus of the University of Manitoba, there will be two days of practice before the first day of competition begins August 1.

The traditional format allows for 4 days of Individual competition and 4 days of Team competition. A field of 12 men's teams and 8 women's team will vie for medal honors. The sport of squash is scheduled for the second half of The Games, so the players will be able to march in the spectacular Closing Ceremonies a few short hours after their final matches. They will return home on the August 9.