The Omnibus

Issue date: 5/6/04 Section: Sports

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After losing in the second round of nationals last year, the Southwest Baptist University men's tennis team is taking the opportunity to win a national championship even more seriously.

Media Credit: Kellee Clark Senior John Paden serves at a recent team practice.

Number one singles player, junior Dante Cipulli said, "We have a higher level of motivation this year because two of our best players are leaving."

Seniors Andras Bori and Mark Eori will both be graduating at the end of the season.

Before the spring 2004 season, Bori had a record of 75-11 in singles and 68-15 in doubles. Eori was 81-14 in singles and 100-15 in doubles.

The main concern for the Bearcats last spring was the intense heat and humidity at the national tournament in Florida. Coach John Bryant is preparing his team for the warm weather in practice.

Number five singles player, sophomore Peter Joos commented on last year's run in Florida.

"In the second round we were playing well," Joos said. "We won all three doubles matches. But then the whole team seemed to run out of gas in the singles and we ended up losing. The weather affected our performance."

Joos also explained how the team's practices are geared toward preparing them for nationals.

"Now we wear sweat pants, sweat shirts and stocking caps while practicing," Joos said. "We also have to run three miles three days a week with this very warm clothing. Even if it is raining, we train hard in the gym doing sprints and playing basketball."

Another teammate, South Africa native, junior Johan Nortje added, "At practice it is all about working toward Florida. This year we are tougher physically. A lot of our practices we work hard with the warm clothing, but we also have fun and get along well as a team. I think we are ready to compete for a championship."

The Bearcats will host the NCAA Division II North Central Regional at SBU's John Bryant Tennis Center today and Saturday May 7-8.

SBU's first round opponent will be Truman State, a team the Bearcats defeated earlier in the season 5-0.

"We have to do play well, because if we do, we know we can win," Joos said. "The matches at regionals will be good practice for our team. We can just go out there and enjoy our game. I think this will help us before we are put into a situation in Orlando where every point matters." The team has adopted a new slogan this year. "GFI" (Go For It) is the phrase the team is using to help propel them to a national championship.

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