Written by Bella Wise

Boys Varsity Squash is heading into the second half of the season with an impressive record of 7-2. Two of the Captains, Henry Fogel ‘25 and Chris Mathias ‘25, recently shared their thoughts on the team’s progress and what’s ahead for the Wildcats in an interview with the Rye CROP.

Since preseason, the team has grown closer and “evolved into a much more cohesive unit,” Fogel exclaimed. “The freshmen are fully integrated now, feeling comfortable voicing their opinions and getting involved.” Mathias said, “We’ve grown tremendously as a group, celebrating big wins and learning from tough matches. Moving forward, we need to focus on building mental strength and fortitude.”

When asked about the hardest matches so far, Captain Mathias highlighted Choate Rosemary Hall as a particularly tough match for the team when faced on December 18. Captain Fogel emphasized Hotchkiss and Brunswick, noting that “there’s always one or two upsets that keep things intense.” While these two schools were challenging opponents, Fogel highlighted the team’s spirit during their matches against Hotchkiss, specifically celebrating Mathias as the sole winner. Similarly, Mathias explained how fellow Captain James Murphy ‘25 had an excellent performance versus Choate. “We were tied 3-3, and James’s enthusiasm and charisma carried him to an individual victory that secured our overall win,” Mathias said.

For those unfamiliar with squash, Captain Fogel describes it as “one of the most fast-paced games out there,” promising non-stop action for viewers. Mathias added, “It’s an exciting, lively atmosphere. Plus, we destroy pretty much everybody.” 

As a fun segment of the interview, the Rye CROP asked the captains to compare members of the team to a squash racquet. “The captains are the frame because we provide support,” Fogel explained. “The strings are the freshmen and other kids, bound together.” 

Maintaining high energy in both challenging and celebratory moments and maintaining unique team habits has been key to the Wildcats’ success. Both captains praised Murphy as the team’s biggest hype man. “He’s incredibly loud during matches and cheers for everyone,” Fogel said. And when it comes to quirky pre-game rituals? Winn Metrailler ‘26 takes the cake – or rather, the picnic – setting up snacks and drinks courtside before each match.

The Rye CROP also asked the captains which teammate would win if the team had to survive a reality TV show like Survivor or a movie like Jumanji. Fogel considered himself to be a good competitor, mentioning his bushcraft skills, but admitted that Turner Wolf ‘25 and Miles Wolf ‘27 might take the win due to their “brotherhood.” Mathias jokingly ruled out Fogel and suggested Grant Dinger ’27 was most likely to win, saying he is “already like an animal.” The team’s friendly and supportive energy helps explain their many successes this season. 

Looking ahead, the Wildcats prepare for more high-stakes matches, including the anticipated rematch with Hotchkiss. Players like Metrailler (1), Captain Fogel (2), and Captain Mathias (3) are leading the Wildcats’ rankings, with Murphy’s infectious energy fueling the team’s momentum. Despite the two losses on their record, one thing remains clear: the Wildcats aren’t slowing down anytime soon.