Men’s Tennis preview

By Cody Dalton

As the weather appears to be getting warmer and classes hit the mid-point of the semester, the action prepares to heat up for the men on the tennis courts at UVA-Wise.

This year, the men’s team hopes to rebound after a disappointing season that saw the team struggle throughout and ultimately finish 3-12 overall.

“I believe we can perform much better than last year,” said junior Henning Kuich. “The development of our players is just as crucial as winning.”

The Cavalier returns all, but three starters this season, including Kuich, senior Chris Kostic, and junior Derick Wood. The team will mesh this great experience with the talent of newcomers in Robert Bareford and Wes Sturgill. This combination may prove to surprise many of the teams in the AAC.

“We have a much more solid team all the way down the line than last year,” said Derick Wood, a third-year player from J.J. Kelly. “We seem to be working harder and have better morale this year too.”

“I think we will be a much improved team over last year,” said coach Danny Rowland. “Our lack of depth, with only six players on the roster, is a concern, but I know that we can play with everyone in the AAC this year.”

The team’s main strength will come from Kuich, who was an All-AAC performer last season. Kuich had a balanced 2006 campaign, finishing with a 7-6 overall record. He and teammate Derick Wood, who was 6-7 overall last season, were also both members of the All-AAC academic team, finishing with at least a 3.5 GPA or higher.

“The strengths are our top seeds,” said Rowland. “We have experience also in Chris Kostic and good young talent all throughout our lineup.”

In doubles competition on the team, many different combinations are going to be tried. The duo that seemed to work the best last season was Kuich and teammate Daniel Robinson. They both pulled together and finished the season at 4-2 overall in doubles competition. Kostic and Wood also performed well together and finished the season at 3-2. Both doubles team were 2-1 in conference play.

As far as preparations for the upcoming campaign, the team has undergone intense and rigorous training.

“We’ve done it all,” said Wood. “Sprints, weights, long distance running, you name it. We are back into tennis shape.”

“All we have been able to do so far is condition both in the gym and in the pool,” said Rowland. “We have only had three days of formal practice.

The Cavs have already played three contests in February, falling to ETSU, 1-6, and Mars Hill, 1-8. They also defeated Pikeville, 9-0. The men’s team will see their first action of March on the second, as they travel to take on Covenant at 3 p.m.

“We will get better as the season goes on,” said Rowland. “We will also need to get some practice time outside.”

The Cavs first home contest will take place on March 20, as they take on Southern Virginia University at the Humphreys Tennis Complex. The matches are scheduled to begin at 3:30 pm.

(February 26, 2007)