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For Immediate Release
January 15, 2005
TENNIS VETERANS, NEWCOMERS AIM FOR POSTSEASON
Written by Erin Amos, Sports Information Assistant
Amy Schmidt |
In his second year at the helm, Nebraska Wesleyan
Head Tennis Coach Dr. Rick Harley anticipates a successful season
based on hard work and toughness.
The University of Sioux Falls is expected to battle
the Prairie Wolves for the top spots in the Great Plains Athletic
Conference (GPAC) tennis again in 2005, making Nebraska Wesleyan
even more reliant on hard work and having the will to win close
matches.
When asked what needs to be done to achieve continued
success, Harley replied, “We need to continue to beat the
teams we should and play our best match against Sioux Falls.”
A year ago, both the men and the women were in tight
competition with the Cougars. The NWU women’s squad was the
only team GPAC team to defeat Sioux Falls, while the USF men were
responsible for the only blemish on Nebraska Wesleyan’s conference
record.
In 2004, the Prairie Wolves fell short in their
pursuit of bids to the NCAA Division III Championships, but this
season, they will be back in the hunt for spots in the Region IV
tournament and NAIA Championships.
Harley knows his players want to win, but creating
an enjoyable atmosphere on the court is another one of Harley’s
team goals.
The graduation of Tiffany Lotter and No. 1 singles
player Olga Nadeina on the women’s side, in addition to No.
1 singles player Jamie Tallman for the men, leaves room for some
fresh faces in both lineups.
“We have a good blend of experience and newcomers,”
Harley said. “Both teams have shown they want to work hard
and do well.”
For the NWU women, senior Amy Schmidt is within
striking range of the team’s records for victories. She will
team with Abbey Peterson, Lauren Pfister and Amy Stickney as Nebraska
Wesleyan aims for its fourth regular-season conference crown in
five years.
Andy Huls |
The men have a senior trio back to lead some talented
underclassmen into the 2005 season. Andy Huls, Jeff Salem and Chris
Salem already rank among the leaders in team history for career
dual-match wins. In fact, Huls needs just seven singles wins and
11 doubles wins to become the all-time leader on both NWU victory
charts. Sophomores Nic Eker, Grant Johnson and Zac Kerr are among
the other men who will see varsity action.
Several newcomers are also poised and ready to make
immediate impacts for their respective teams. For the men, newcomers
Eric Tesmer and Nate Anderson have the best chance to contribute,
while first-year athletes Ashton Sandy, Alex Yeagley and Kirsten
Soneson will be vital in providing support for the women.
In addition to their traditional mix of Div. III
and NAIA opponents, the Prairie Wolves will also play in-state rivals
Creighton University on Feb. 5 and the University of Nebraska-Kearney
on March 5.
“Everyone is really looking forward to the
season,” Harley said.
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