Argo Online

Mallet Madness
By Elliott Liebling

Since the seventeenth century, croquet has been enjoyed by many, both as a pastime and a sport. Croquet, a lawn game that began in England, gained prominence due to its social aspect and the fact that both genders could play. The famous All-England Club at Wimbledon was originally founded as a croquet club. Now, almost 150 years after the height of the croquet craze, this highly enjoyable sport has spread to Rutgers Prep.
Joy Bradford, a parent of a Rutgers Prep alumna, donated funds to be used for a croquet lawn, dedicated to her daughter. This is commemorated in a plaque beside the court that reads, “The Donna Lynn Dickens ’68 Croquet Court.” The turf lawn, currently situated between the Field House and the baseball field, was created in the spring of 2008. Shortly after its construction, the lawn was put to good use when Tim Cohen, a History teacher in the Upper School, took charge.
Mr. Cohen was first introduced to croquet at the University of Vermont, where he attended graduate school. He enjoyed the sport as many had done before him, calling it “a casual way to spend some time.” Mr. Cohen organized croquet practices during the summer of 2008, open to students of Rutgers Prep and their families. He carried the growing interest among students into the school year, regularly holding practices on the lawn.
Croquet at Rutgers Prep took off. Cohen credits the interest in croquet to the fact that, “if you’re big enough to hold a mallet, you can play.” Croquet is popular on campus, with practices held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, weather permitting. Kevin Roberts, a senior and one of many ardent participants in croquet, has been hooked on the game ever since he was introduced to it at a young age. A student versus faculty croquet match, an exciting prospect, is also on the horizon.
While croquet is a relaxing activity open to all, skill and repetition is needed to master it. Cohen said, “I was surprised by how challenging and how strategic the game can be.”