Squash coaching and courts are open to all St John’s students, whether they play competitively or just for fitness and fun. The complex also offers professional coaching services running group and one-on-one training sessions.
The College currently fields up to three teams per age group and matches are played during the winter sports season.
The Barrow Squash Complex is open from 12pm to 6pm on weekdays but can be booked for private squash functions and fixtures outside of these times. The growing number of students, staff and parents in attendance certainly bodes well for the future of the sport at St John’s College and the development of squash in South Africa.
Anyone who has played league squash will tell you that the sport is far from the individual pursuit it is often claimed to be: teamwork is vital to overall success. There are a number of teachers who volunteer as team managers and we are always on the lookout for parents willing to assist with the hosting of fixtures and events like 'Social Squash Thursdays'.
We envisage squash at St John’s becoming the envy of every other sport - be it for player numbers, results, facilities or just the camaraderie. The number one objective remains promoting physical and mental well-being by nurturing lifelong sportsmen and women.
Please note: it is mandatory for all players to wear approved eye-protection before stepping onto the squash court.
The Barrow Squash Complex
Old Johannians Doug and Dave Barrow first learned to play squash on the Prep court at St John’s College, when the court had concrete floors and a wire net backing.
They both went on to successfully represent South Africa at squash. Much has changed since those humble days, not least of which is the upgrading of the squash courts and surrounds, generously sponsored by the Barrow family.
Architect Mark Pencharz was responsible for translating the original proposal into the facility, now known as the Barrow Squash Complex, which was built by Barrow Construction.
The pre-existing squash courts were built in 1986 on the site of the shooting range. Those were opened by Ken Hovelmeier in the same year. At the time, they were regarded as state-of-the-art, with glass back walls familiar in most of today’s courts. The legacy of squash at the College, however, stretches further back with the first open air courts near the pool built in 1937.
It is this history that the developers of the complex wished to preserve, while introducing various modern elements and technologies to bring them in line with the 21st century. The original brickwork and concrete columns of the oldest courts were left in place and the original stone walls of the shooting range have been incorporated into the building. The building also incorporates a large boulder that was too big to remove and the ceilings, the panelling and benches were made from salvaged floorboards and roof beams.
Two new courts adjacent to the older courts have been linked to the original courts with a gallery so that all six courts can be viewed from a central area. The complex has adequate seating, a change room and shower area and a small kitchenette. It is linked to the tennis courts by a deck.
The Barrow Squash Complex was opened in October 2015 by Doug and Dave Barrow, and was blessed by former Chaplain Fr Peter Beart (OJ). During the opening function, guests, friends of squash and of the Barrow family were entertained to an exhibition match between Mike Wood (previously ranked 4th in South Africa) and Zuko Kubuleli (currently ranked 26th in South Africa).
St John’s College is privileged to have an outstanding facility such as this for future generations to enjoy and appreciate the generosity of the Barrow family.