Season Preview
men’s tennis courts success

The Muhlenberg men’s tennis team has put in a lot of time on the court in preparation for the 2009 season. And not just the tennis court.

The Mules, who are scheduled to open with a home match against Arcadia tomorrow, have a large roster of 18 players, half of whom are newcomers. But team unity hasn’t been an issue.

“I was surprised at how well this group has

Wernick won 7-6, 7-5 in the last match on the court to give the Mules a 5-4 win against Franklin & Marshall last year – their first defeat of the Diplomats in five years.

come together,” said Brian Wernick, one of only two seniors on the roster. “In previous years it wasn’t as much of a team. We all like each other, we hang out, we even had our own intramural basketball team.”

And how did that go? “We didn’t do too well – we’re going to stick to tennis,” joked Wernick.

That’s a good idea. Muhlenberg finished the 2008 year with an 8-7 record, its first winning record and most wins since the 2003 squad went 9-2. The Mules’ 3-6 Centennial Conference mark ended a string of four straight years with only two league victories.

“We want to continue to improve,” said Wernick.

To do that, Muhlenberg will rely on a mix of returning players and newcomers. Injuries last year forced the Mules to juggle their lineup numerous times, and as a result many players have experience.

Sophomore Dan Zakheim is the top candidate to move into the No. 1 singles spot after playing two matches there last year. Wernick and junior Yoni Farber, who are serving as co-captains, are veterans who lead all active Mules with 25 and 20 career wins, respectively. Sophomore John Osborne had a combined record of 10-13 in an injury-plagued freshman season, and fellow soph Wayne Mitchel had a team-leading 8-3 singles record in spring dual matches.

And then there are the freshmen. Two of them, Zach Adler and Jordan Rutt, reached the doubles consolation final at the F&M Fall Invitational their first time playing together. Adler will figure high in the singles lineup.

“These young guys are really good,” noted Wernick. “They have a great work ethic, and they’re very mature.

“We’re setting up for a team that’s going to be really good the next 2-3 years.”