Please note that US Squash High School Nationals are scheduled to take place at the Arlen Specter US Squash Center and UPenn in Philadelphia from Feb. 25-27, 2022. This overlaps with the end of the DHS February school break. The players on the boys and girls teams will travel together as a team on Feb. 24, 2022 for this event. Please keep this in mind as you make travel plans!
Itinerary
DARIEN BLUE WAVE SQUASH
US HIGH SCHOOL NATIONALS - FEBRUARY 25-27, 2022
TOURNAMENT WEBSITE: http://clublocker.com/tournaments/12703/info
The top nine players on the DHS Squash ladder are expected to play. Players 1-7 will be guaranteed matches, player 8-9 will be alternates in the event of illness or injury.
Arlen Specter US Squash Center and University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Start time: Players to be available at venue by 8:00am on Friday, 2/25
*Team travels to Nationals on 2/24.
The boys will be playing in Division 2 at the Specter Center. The girls will be playing in Divsion 3 at UPenn.
End time: Players to be available until 6:00pm on Sunday, 2/27
The tournament schedule will be posted by US Squash, at that time we will know when each of our teams will have their first match.
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The cost per player is based on transportation and accommodations. Payment is now open on http://darien.schoolcashonline.com
Deadline for payments is by end of day on Monday, 2/7
The co-pay will not include meals. Players will pay for this with their own cash or credit card.
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US Squash Covid Policies:
All players must submit proof of Covid vaccination prior to the tournament and should be prepared to follow Covid testing requirements.
If a player has tested positive for COVID-19 within 90 days of the start of a tournament, testing will be waived and players must be prepared to show documentation of recovery (proof of a recent positive viral test and/or a letter from your healthcare provider or a public health official stating that you were cleared to travel). Documentation of proof of positive test must be uploaded using the form provided in the link below.
All spectators must present proof of Covid vaccination to enter the Arlen Specter Center.
US Squash has posted their Covid policy on their website. All players must upload proof of vaccination to US Squash and submit proof of a Covid test taken within 48 hours of the start of the tournament.
Proof of Vaccination:
The below link leads you directly to the US Squash page that provides information regarding how to upload vaccination cards. Every player needs to complete this prior to the tournament. In addition, it’s helpful for parents/spectators to submit proof of vaccine as well. (Please note each player is limited to no more than 2 spectators.)
Upon entering the tournament venue, spectators will need to show their vaccine cards again. We will keep players updated on the mask policy, but players should assume they will need to bring masks to the tournament. Masks are also required at all indoor spaces in Philadelphia.
Covid testing:
The below link also includes Covid testing information. All players must submit proof of a negative test taken within 48 hours of the start of the tournament, or provide proof of testing positive within the 90 days prior to the start of the tournament. PCR or Rapid Antigen Tests are acceptable. Once test are completed, you will see the form to upload your results under “Covid 19 Acceptable Tests” and follow the steps as listed on the website. Several of our players who participate in US Squash Tournaments use the BionaxNow Covid-19 Ag Card Home Test.
http://ussquash.org/policies/participation/
All players will travel together as a team via bus from the DHS sports loop on Thursday, February 24 at 7:00pm. The bus driver will provide transportation to the hotel and to bring everyone home on Sunday, 2/27.
The hotel is easy walking distance to the Arlen Specter Center and UPenn.
HOTEL INFORMATION
Rooms have been reserved for our players at:
The Study at University City
20 S. 33rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Ph: (215) 387-1400
Coaches will provide players with team rules re: curfew and other guidelines. Players are to stay together as a team and should not leave the hotel, Arlen Specter Center or restaurant venues on their own.
A limited number of rooms are also available under a Darien Squash room block for parents who wish to attend. Please call asap to book a room as space is limited.
Parents/spectators are responsible for making their own reservations and travel arrangements.
Other nearby hotels include:
Sheraton University City, 3549 Chestnut Street
*Easy walking distance from The Study and Arlen Specter Center. Rooms are a bit dated, but clean. Has attached garage for guest self parking.
The Inn at Penn, A Hilton Hotel, 3600 Sansom Street
*Also easy walking distance (12 minutes) to the Arlen Specter Center.
Homewood Suites by Hilton, 4109 Walnut Street
*A bit further away from the Arlen Specter Center (about a 20 minute walk).
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MEALS FOR PLAYERS:
*Teams will have all meals together. Players will need money for breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
- Breakfast – players will go as a team to a local/casual location for breakfast. Players should bring money for this.
- Lunch – Players should bring money for lunch at the cafe located in the Arlen Specter Center.
- Dinner – Players should bring money for dinners. These will be casual.
- Depending on interest, a group dinner for parents may be arranged for Saturday night (8pm) at a nearby restaurant. Please email Liz Koons at lkoons@dariensquash.com if you wish to attend. Details to follow.
DINING OPTIONS FOR OTHERS:
The University City section of Philadelphia has many food options. Below is a list of some suggestions from parents who have recently visited the area:
Local grocery option:
Heirloom Market- 3401 Chestnut Street. A small, upscale grocery store with some grab and go options including sandwiches and sushi.
Casual:
During matches: There is a casual cafe located on the second level of the Arlen Specter Center that offers a good assortment of lunch and snack options.
Axis Pizza- 20 S 36th St, Philadelphia. Dine in or take out pizza restaurant. Rec from recent visitors said the white pizza is good, tastes like cheesy garlic bread, but skip the garden salad.
Fuel- 3200 Chestnut - smoothies, salads & acai bowls
Shake Shack- 3200 Chestnut
Boba King- Bubble tea restaurant 3200 Chestnut
Spread Bagels- 3602 Chestnut Offers a great selection of fresh ball and delicious breakfast and lunch bagels. Really good coffee.
Sang Kee Noodle House- 3549 Chestnut Street. Located in the lobby of the Sheraton, this is a popular Chinese restaurant.
Starbucks - 34th and Walnut
Chipotle - 3400 Lancaster Ave
Ramen Bar- casual Japanese options.3400 Lancaster Ave
Casual Elegant Options:
Louie Louie-3611 Walnut Street. Higher-end French American bistro located in the lobby of the Inn at Penn. Reservations recommended
White Dog - 3420 Samson Street. The first farm-to-table restaurant in Philadelphia, offers a great menu and is very popular. Reservations recommended.
Co-op in The Study- offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dinner reservations recommended.
All players are responsible for their personal items.
Players may NOT charge anything to their hotel rooms.
Players are all expected to stay with their teamates at all times and should plan to attend/support their teamates matches. When boys are not playing, they will attend the girls' matches and vis versa.
The Study does not offer guests access to laundry faciltiies, but does have an overnight option for a fee. Please bring extra uniform shirts/shorts/skirts if you have them. We will also bring an extra shirts.
DHS CONTACT LIST (Cell phones)
Chris Mitrano (Parent Volunteer) 203.219.9120
Hugh Underhill (Coach) 203.561.1369
Sarah Sealy (Coach) (917) 348-6551
Liz Koons (Parent Volunteer) (203) 940-0588
Thank you in advance to the Captain's moms for organizing snacks/water for the bus/travel and for our lunches.
Parents, please remember to take pictures - action shots or non-action shots (video fine too)- and send them to lkoons@dariensquash.com
Finally, it is important to remember that we are the DHS Nationals team so we ride on the bus to Nationals together as a team, we cheer on each other as a team, and we take the bus home as a team... and we have Fun!
