Monday, February 20, 2012

UIS trying to squash the competition

During the week they’re your average college students taking classes, but on the weekend these UIS students are out east taking on the best in their sport.

"Most of us here just started playing during college," said John Tienken, founder of the UIS Squash Club.

Since squash isn't a big sport in central Illinois the team spends a lot of time on the road, but the road well traveled has led to success. The team made it to nationals its first year earning the attention of some collegiate giants.

"We play big schools like Northwestern, Notre Dame, and we're faced with the fact that most of our players haven't played squash, so we're playing catch up a lot, but it's exciting to play big names," said Tienken.

The team could only compete with a five member squad its first year, but now is able to face off against the giants with a nine member team.

WCIA-TV featured the team in an February 20, 2012, report.

Watch the story online