Story Links
Oct. 1, 2002
Youthful potential is a term that best describes this year’s University of Virginia men’s tennis team. Following UVa’s 12-12 finish last season, second-year head coach Brian Boland has high aspirations for the Cavaliers in 2002-03. With a mix of outstanding newcomers and solid returning players leading the way, expectations are beginning to soar for UVa men’s tennis.
The Cavaliers lost four starters from last year’s team. Co-captains Jason Romesburg and Jonathan Chou, as well as Jay Curtis and Gregg Alpert, integral parts of last year’s squad, will be sorely missed. Romesburg concluded his career as a Cavalier with his finest season. He tallied a career-high 21 singles victories, which tied for the team lead. For his efforts, Romesburg was rewarded with team MVP honors. Chou and Curtis competed mainly at the No. 4 and 5 singles positions. Alpert competed at the No. 6 singles position.
Although Romesburg, Chou, Curtis and Alpert are gone, four key contributors return for the 2002-03 season. Leading the group of four returning players is lone fourth-year Michael Duquette, who improved significantly throughout last year. Duquette played mainly in the No. 1 position for the Cavaliers, moving up from the No. 4 and 5 slots in the previous year.
Also returning are second-years Stephen Nolen, Dillon Walker and Mark Montandon. Nolen, a key member of last year’s squad, is expected to play a major role again this season. Nolen, who competed mainly at No. 2 last year, had a big summer in 2002, winning several tournaments including the ITA tournament hosted by East Tennessee State. Walker was a key doubles contributor for the Cavaliers and will look to crack the singles lineup this year while continuing his doubles success. Montandon saw limited playing time last season but has worked extremely hard over the summer.
“We are very fortunate to have four valuable returning members for this year’s team. Michael and Stephen were our top two players a year ago. They have both worked very hard and are poised to make a run at the national rankings in both singles and doubles. Dillon and Mark have the potential to play a major role for us and improve the depth of the team,” says Boland. “The guys have all worked very hard over the summer and I expect them to lead this year’s team to new heights. Expectations are high, but I believe we’re ready to handle the pressure and have a great season.”
Cavalier veteran Duquette says, “I think last year’s team improved dramatically over the course of the season. We gained a lot of experience and confidence, and hopefully we’ll be able to build on that this year. The new guys should mix in well and add some energy and enthusiasm. I’m looking forward to working hard and finishing my career as a Cavalier by accomplishing the goals we have set.”
Nolen adds, “We took a lot of hard losses last year and I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to avenge those defeats. We’ve worked very hard and I can’t wait to get the season underway. Many people are saying we’re young and we’re going to be really good in a couple years. That’s true, but I think we’re capable of being good this year too. Our chemistry is outstanding, and if we can stay healthy we should have a great season.”
The Cavaliers will be bolstered this season by arguably the best recruiting class in school history, as well as potentially in the nation. Eight new players join this year’s team. Highly touted first years, all of whom could land a spot in the lineup, include Darrin Cohen, Nick Meythaler, Rylan Rizza, Stephen Rozek and Douglas Stewart. Chris Gonyer, a second-year transfer from Dartmouth, and first-years Mike Downing and Kyle Hatton round out the newcomers.
“Our recruiting class will play a major role in the success of this year’s team,” says Boland. “On paper, we have some excellent players. However, they are going to have to adapt to the college game and make the transition as smoothly as possible. I have no doubt they’re ready for the challenge, and I fully expect all of them to make significant contributions.”
Stewart was one of the most highly recruited players in the country. He had many great results over the summer, including winning the Easter Bowl in singles and doubles, defeating Jaymon Crabb, ranked 192 on the ATP tour, in the Mercedes-Benz Cup, and reaching the final in the Super National Hardcourt Championships.
Rizza, also a past Easter Bowl champion, brings impeccable credentials to the program. Cohen, Meythaler and Rozek are talented first-years who have all been ranked in the top 20 nationally. Their youth and enthusiasm are sure to make them valuable members of the program for years to come.
Gonyer should also have a huge impact on the team. He transfers to Virginia from Dartmouth, where he played the No. 1 and 2 positions. Gonyer was one of the most highly recruited players in the nation a year ago, and at one point he was ranked No. 1 nationally.
“This recruiting class should bring our program to new heights,” adds assistant coach Tony Bresky. “These guys are all very talented, but most importantly, are hard workers who are looking to improve. I’ve had the opportunity to watch all these players in various tournaments, and I’m extremely excited about them joining our program. All of our recruits will have a chance at a starting spot and the high level of competition within the team will undoubtedly improve the performance of everyone.”
The team is set to play a demanding schedule that should be extremely challenging. Several lengthy trips include journeys to California and Florida where the Cavaliers expect tough competition from the likes of UCLA and Florida State. Virginia concludes the season with a challenging Atlantic Coast Conference schedule that features four teams that spent time in the top 25 last year.
“I’m very excited about the opportunity our schedule will afford us this season. We play several teams that were ranked very highly last year, as well as some tough ACC squads. With big trips to California and Florida, as well as some potent perennial rivals like VCU from within Virginia, the guys will have the chance to play some strong competition and prepare for the NCAA Tournament. Our schedule is tough but I think the guys are up for the challenge,” says Bresky.
With the ACC consistently ranking as one of the nation’s best men’s tennis conferences, the Cavaliers will have their work cut out for them in competing for the ACC Championship. Due to the revolving conference schedule, Virginia will only play three ACC home matches this season – Georgia Tech, Maryland and Clemson. The remaining five conference matches – against North Carolina, Duke, N.C. State, Wake Forest and Florida State – will all be played on the road.
“The Conference schedule is always the time of the year when we would like to peak. This year will be particularly difficult as the bulk of our ACC matches will be played on the road. However, I think our preparation before the ACC schedule begins will give us the experience to handle hostile crowds and rowdy environments. The ACC Championships are very grueling; it’s very important for us to have a good regular season so we can gain a high seed in the tournament. It will certainly be a difficult challenge, but the guys are looking forward to the opportunity,” says Boland.The Cavaliers have high expectations for the coming season. Although the team is very young, no one should underestimate the fight and desire of the squad. It should be an exciting season, one that will undoubtedly lay the foundation for future Virginia men’s tennis success in the years to come.
Boland has high expectations. “Our primary goal is to win the ACC Championship and compete for the NCAA Championship. We’re young but very talented, which should make for an exciting season. If we can stay healthy and continue to work hard, we should have a great year.”
It’s easy to say the future looks bright for men’s tennis at Virginia. However, with key returning players all healthy and hungry and an outstanding recruiting class, the Cavaliers’ future may already be here.