University of Toronto Athletics

Trinity College graduate Ernest Howard will long be remembered as one of the best volleying players to set foot on the squash court. His uncanny ability to play the ball with equal effect from the front, sides and back of the squash court made Howard an imposing opposition in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Throughout his undergraduate career, he participated in both intercollegiate tennis (1948-50) and squash (1949-50). But it was on the squash court that he had the greatest impact.

Competitive squash during the 1940s were very informal, and Howard and his compatriots played many teams from across North America with varying success. In 1950, Howard won the Ontario Open Squash championship, but narrowly missed capturing the U.S. intercollegiate championship, losing to Yale University’s number one ranked player in a five-game match. The Ontario championship was his second in as many years. In recognition of his commitment and love of the sport, Howard was awarded both a Special T and a Bronze T in 1949-50.

Howard’s athletic pursuits were not limited to intercollegiate sport. He also participated in intramural ice hockey (1947-50) and squash (1948-50) where he won the title in 1948-49.

Ernest Howard continued to play squash after graduation, winning the Canadian and U.S. national singles titles in 1953; playing on seven Lapham Cup teams; and serving as vice-president of the Executive Committee of the Canadian Squash Racquets Association.