Canavan to join Hall

Former multi-sport star at RHS went on to be international squash player

Editor’s Note: This is the last of seven articles profiling the 2017 inductees to the Roxborough High School Sports Hall of Fame.

Pat Canavan was a member of the Class of 1976.

He competed at the varsity level in both soccer and tennis, lettering in both for three years.

He co-captained the 1975 soccer team with fellow Hall of Famer George Ewerth as that team won the Public League championship. Canavan directed the team’s defense fromhis center back position.

Canavan also captained the varsity tennis team. As the No. 1 seed for Roxborough High for three years, he is widely regarded as one of the best scholastic players in Public League history.

His leadership skills on the field/court were also evident in the classroom. Hewas class president, as well as a member of the National Honor Society.

Canavan went on to play squash at the University of Pennsylvania and was team captain. After a collegiate career, he turned pro in squash and was ranked as high as sixth in the entire world.

He currently is the head professional in squash at the prestigious New York Athletic Club in New York City.

This year’s induction banquet will be held at Flourtown Country Club, 150 McCloskey Road, Flourtown, March 23. A cash bar reception will be at 6 p.m., with dinner to follow at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30, with children ages 4 to 12 at $15 each. Tables seating eight to 10 people are available. To order tickets, contact Canavan Robinson, 3481 Tilden Road, Philadelphia, PA 19129 at 215-870-7306. Make checks payable to RHSSHOF, with a deadline ofMarch 16. In order to facilitate seating arrangements, advise on your ticket request if you are a relation to one of the inductees, i.e. family, friend, teammate, classmate, etc., or if you wish to be seated with someone.