The Gustavus Adolphus men’s tennis team was victorious over University of Wisconsin Whitewater on Sunday, March 2, with a score of 7-2. The victory allowed the Gusties to improve to 10-1 in the conference. This, being their ninth win in a row, also moved the team to a 7-1 standing against their regional competitors.
On March 8, the tennis team will host three of their MIAC opponents with a current record of 2-0 within the league. At 9 a.m., the team will take on Bethel University, and at 1 p.m. they will play Concordia College, then Macalester College at 6:30 p.m.
The team has high hopes for the rest of the season. Some of their goals consist of being ranked top ten in the nation, beating two top ten teams at home and another on the road, as well as making it to the quarterfinals of the NCAA tournament by winning their region.
The team works to exemplify the Three Crowns every day, whether they are on or off the tennis court. The Three Crowns is a philosophy dating back to the days when the legendary Steve Wilkinson was the head tennis coach at Gustavus, with each crown representing a different value. These values are choosing to put forth one’s best effort, having a positive attitude, and exhibiting a high level of sportsmanship.
“Our process goals that we strive for every day are to execute the Three Crowns, be fully focused on becoming a better tennis player each practice, and competing with a level of intensity that communicates belief that we are capable of being one of the best teams in the nation,” Sophomore David Brown said.
This season holds a lot of competition for the Gusties, and the team is looking forward to taking these challenges one at a time with maximum effort.
“In two weekends, our top players are traveling to an elite invite in California to play some of the best in the country, which will be exciting. Our spring break trip should also prove fruitful, because we will face steep competition and because everyone gets a chance to prove themselves against outside competition,” Senior Bryan Miles said.
Even though the men’s tennis team hasn’t skipped a beat on the court, they have still been struggling with the graduation of their number one player last year. In addition, some of the players have been battling injuries.
“Injuries have been an unfortunate part of the season. We continue to believe in ourselves, no matter the outcome against tough teams. Everyone is doing their absolute best to be proactive, rather than reactive, and as a result the time away from the court has been minimal,” Miles said.
With the support of their captains, coaches, and fellow Gusties, the team has been overcoming the challenges of this season and they believe that they are still right on track with accomplishing their goals this season.
“Our coaching staff is fantastic and knows how to push us, and make us the best we can be on and off the court. I’m extremely grateful to be a part of such a great program with so much history. I’m looking forward to my last season with the guys and can’t wait for what this spring holds for us,” Senior Joey MacGibbon said.
The team has also been receiving additional support from former men’s tennis Head Coach Steve Wilkinson. Wilkinson was inducted into the United States Professional Tennis Association’s Hall of Fame this fall for his accomplishments during his 38 years as head coach of the Gustavus men’s tennis team. Wilkinson retired from Gustavus as the winningest coach in the history of men’s collegiate tennis. The extra help and advice from this tennis legend has given the men an advantage.
“It has been an absolute pleasure having the legend that is Steve Wilkinson around at practice and competition. He is such a kind-spirited man with so much intelligence to offer—both tennis and life related,” Miles said.