Bear Stearns Selected As Lead Sponsor Of College Squash

The College Squash Association today announced that Bear Stearns, one of the world's most prominent investment banking and securities trading firms, has been chosen as the lead sponsor for intercollegiate squash.

"Bear Stearns is a champion of the professional squash community," said John K Power, Men's CSA president. "Our selection of Bear Stearns among several world-class organizations as lead sponsor reflects the close alignment of our goals, strategies and philosophies."

Added Stuart LeGassick, Women's CSA president: "This partnership will provide college squash with an exciting platform for growth and expansion."

As lead sponsor, Bear Stearns will actively develop a communication and education program with the CSA for squash student athletes interested in career options in the fields of investment banking and finance. The firm will work with the CSA to create a marketing program to enhance the visibility of the sport, which is increasing in popularity. Bear Stearns is also lead sponsor of the Tournament of Champions, which takes place annually in New York's Grand Central Station.

"Squash at a collegiate level represents the qualities of excellence, hard work, sportsmanship, teamwork and growth that Bear Stearns respects and admires," said Samuel L Molinaro, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Bear Stearns. "We are proud to be associated with the sport and look forward to helping it flourish this season."

In the CSA intercollegiate squash program, 95 teams compete in over 400 matches. The season culminates in the College National Squash Championships, which will involve more than 800 student athletes competing over three weekends in February.

The CSA has welcomed eight new collegiate teams and two new varsity teams to intercollegiate competition over the past three seasons. There are currently 30 clubs across the USA in the process of organizing teams, and the Bear Stearns sponsorship will provide for a series of yearly seed grants to assist these young club teams in funding training and intercollegiate match play.