The Hobart College squash team begins the second half of its season this weekend, Jan. 16-17, at the Pioneer Valley Invitational. Head coach Tim Riskie asked professional squash player Shahier Razik to serve as a guest coach for three days during winter training in preparation for this weekend's tournament and the second half of the year.
 
Razik worked with the Statesmen both on and off the court. On the court, he helped improve their techniques while off the court, he educated them on how to improve the team's mindset. Razik is a six-time Canadian National Champion and has reached as high as No. 20 in the pro squash rankings. He has been a Canadian National Team member since 1999 and also holds 22 tour titles. Razik was also a coach at the World Class Squash Camp.
 
"Razik was able to enhance our skill level by demonstrating the right attitude to succeed on and off the court," junior captain Michael Woods said. "He also showed us new drills and exercises that we have added into our daily practices to help us compete at a higher level. His focus was not only squash, but also how to use our personalities to help convey a positive message to the rest of the team."
 
The Statesmen (5-4) enter 2015 ranked No. 26 in the latest Dunlop Men's College Squash Team Rankings. Hobart kicks off the new year with three matches at the Pioneer Valley Invitational this weekend, Jan. 16-17. On Friday, the Statesmen will No. 23 ranked Colby College at 3 p.m.  Hobart last met the Mules on Jan. 24, 2014, with Colby emerging victorious 7-2.  On Saturday, the Statesmen will play No. 27 Stanford at 10:30 a.m. and No. 22 Bowdoin at 3:30 p.m. Hobart defeated the Cardinal 8-1 earlier this season. The Statesmen and the Polar Bears last met Jan. 25, 2014, at the Yale Round Robin with Bowdoin winning 8-1. First-years Jack Shannon and Divine Wing have each posted team-best 5-3 records so far this season.