In May 2010, seven seniors graduated from the Whitman College men’s tennis team after three seasons with perfect conference records, leaving the rest of the team wondering how to reshape themselves and maintain their high level of excellence.
A promising freshman class and early successes have helped bolster the team’s confidence this year.
“Usually with teams it’s pretty tough to lose so many guys,” said senior Etienne Moshevich. “But this year we got four all-star freshmen.”
Their performance at the ITA Pacific Northwest men’s tennis championships from Sept. 25 to 27 was evidence of this resilience.
“Our freshmen really stepped up and played tough,” said Moshevich.
Freshman Andrew La Cava played his way to the number one singles ranking without dropping a set. He then teamed up with junior Conor Holton-Burke to win the doubles bracket, earning themselves spots in the National Small College Championships in Mobile, Ala. from Oct. 14 to 17.
“I had no idea I was going to be at the top of the conference,” said La Cava, reflecting on his wins. “Going into [the tournament], the freshmen had no idea how we compared to anyone else besides our teammates.”
The team as a whole exhibited “a great effort,” said Head Coach Jeff Northam, getting eight players into the top 16 individual spots.
Though they have been practicing together for barely a month, the team has already developed tight bonds and strong kinship, going blackberry picking and camping together during the first weeks of school.
The men say their close personal ties and strong athletic performance are absolutely related. The more in tune the players are to each other, the better they play as a team.
“A lot of other teams have one or two guys that are good, but the team as a whole isn’t deep,” said sophomore Matt Tesmond.
“In contrast,” said Northam, “we’ve been fortunate to have a deep roster [of many talented players].”
Two and a half months lie between the men and their next competition.
Freshman Will Huskey said he feels “great” and “can’t wait for the season” in the spring.
“Until then,” said Northam, the young team will be training eagerly and “looking forward to what the year will bring.”
