Squash History
by Frank Millet
Milton Academy received its first three squash courts in 1964. They were given in memory of Ralph B. Williams III '51 and Albert C. Williams '60 by their parents, Ralph B. Williams '26 and Peggy C. Williams, and by other members of the Williams family and friends. The courts were built in the Wigglesworth Cage which had been used in the early spring for indoor baseball practice. In 1984, four more courts were added and in the prayer offered at their dedication on March 3 by the Rev. Craig W. Casey, husband of Sally Williams Casey (sister of Ralph and Bert Williams), it was hoped that the squash courts would be places where the spirit of true sportsmanship would be fostered. In 1995, the three original courts were converted to international size and rededicated on October 14. In the summer of 2000, the four remaining North American courts were converted to international size. We now have seven international courts, the perfect number for interscholastic competition. The funds necessary for these two conversions were donated almost entirely by former squash players.

The first year of interscholastic competition for the Boys was 1965-1966. After 40 years, the total number of wins has been 427; losses 151, for a winning percentage of 73. There have been five undefeated seasons (1977-1978, 1982-1983, 1983-1984, 1990-1991, and 2001 -2002). In all, 35 winning seasons, 3 losing and 2 ties. As for the Interscholastics, which in the early years had an average of 12 schools competing and lately has been averaging about 30, Milton won in 1974, 1975 and 1984. Philip Perry '53 and Frank Millet were the first coaches of the boys' teams; Phil retired in 1995, the longest coaching stretch of a first team in Milton's athletic history.

Other coaching associates for the boys' team have been Rob Shapiro in 1975 and Ethan Bisbee from 1976 through 1993. Following Phil Perry's retirement, Bob Gilpin and Nick Thayer joined Frank Millet; they in turn were succeeded by Richard R. Stewart ’49 a longtime squash player and winner of three national amateur singles championships. Scotty, as he was known at Milton, died suddenly June 22, 2005 at his home in Ipswich. There was an informal gathering in the Williams Squash Courts on Friday, December 23, 2005, for Scotty’s family, classmates, players, their parents and friends. Hayden Jaques, captain of the 2000-2001 team, spoke movingly for the many members of Scotty’s teams who were present. During the five years that Scotty coached the First Team, the record was 58 wins and 8 losses.

In Scotty’s memory, in recognition and admiration for his coaching, the Scotty Stewart Award for the Most Improved Player will be awarded annually to the player who, in the coaches’ opinion, has improved the most. The first award was made in 2006 for the 2005-2006 season and the first recipient was William C. Sullivan ’09.

Scotty is missed by Milton’s squash community. His powerfully calm, very personal instruction, always punctuated by light humor, guided each player, no matter what his ability was, to reach his potential.

One of his younger players wrote when he learned of Scotty’s death; “I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of our lively friend Scotty. He was always very upbeat and enjoyable to be around, on and off the court. He helped the squash team tremendously and will be a hard loss for all the boys, but his critiques and comments will be remembered and cherished by all the members of the squash team. I will always remember the many good times we had with our coach and mostly our friend.”

Ethan L. Kerr ’98 has been the coach for the past two years 2005 – 2007.