Fresno State Athletics
New Era for Men's Tennis
1/9/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
Jan. 9, 2002
Fresno, Calif. - A lot of changes have occurred in the men's tennis program since the 2001 season, and the team's adaptability will be tested as they face the challenges that the upcoming season holds. Brad Dancer, formerly the head women's coach at University of Arizona, replaced previous head coach Michael Hegarty. The energetic Dancer is committed to building a top 10 team, and his enthusiasm has galvanized the Bulldogs into performing up to their potential. While gaining a new coach, the team lost their three top players, as All-Americans Peter Luczak, David Mullins and Sean Cooper were departing seniors.
Undaunted by the changes, the team has set high goals for themselves. They are looking to stay in the top 20, and also hope to win the WAC, though with SMU and Tulsa, among others, it will be a tough road. Ultimately, the Bulldogs hope to place at least two players in the NCAA individual championships.
Starting in February, the team faces a difficult time on the road with six consecutive matches that promise to offer intense competition. The grind starts off with California on Feb. 15, then progresses to Stanford, Texas, SMU, Harvard and Brown. These highly ranked teams promise to challenge the young squad. Shortly after that is the prestigious Blue-Gray Classic in Montgomery, Ala. The WAC championships take place April 26-28 in Tulsa, Okla., where the team is hoping to demonstrate their growth and progress. Less than a month later, the NCAA Championships take place, with competition kicking off May 10. The individual tournament begins May 18.
Though the team lacks experience as a whole, they are eager, fresh and willing to learn. Senior Nick Fustar and the experienced sophomore Stefan Suta will provide leadership and maturity. Nick Fustar was a key contributor last season for the Bulldogs. He has been a pivotal leader during the transition of coaches, and "is a tremendous all-around person. He has great energy and effort on a consistent basis. I think that he's a stronger player than his results show," said Dancer of the senior. "To perfect his game, the athletic Fustar will be looking to improve his variations in offense and defense."
After winning the Wathen/Hancock Bulldog Classic in the fall, Suta has already demonstrated he has what it takes to be a significant contributor to the team. The sophomore has gained experience over the last three years by playing in various futures and satellites across the world and is currently ranked 130th in Germany. According to Dancer, Suta is "a silky smooth experienced competitor who will fit in near the top of the lineup. His beautiful forehand will be even more of a weapon as he utilizes it to create opportunities. I've already seen improvements in his service velocity, as well as his transition play. The heaviness of Stefan's ball will continue to give him chances to become more of an all-court player."
Alex Krohn is off to a good start after performing well at the Regionals in the fall, where he advanced to the quarterfinals. "Alex Krohn has the work ethic of the top professionals with his incredible commitment to improving. He will push others in the lineup to match his intensity."
Sophomore Hector Almada is a flamboyant, explosive, and powerful player who has the unique combination of power and touch. "If his game comes together, he has the potential to play at the top of the lineup. He can hurt opponents with multiple methods, and is a fiery competitor."
Junior Vince Owens, a Fresno, Calif. native who had a 23-2 record while at Fresno City College, is flourishing in the program at Fresno State. "So far, he's the season's most improved player. He never backs down from a challenge, and just continues to push himself to get better. As his serve becomes more of a weapon, he will alter his playing style and utilize his improved net play."
Another freshman who will also be looking to contribute is Dustin Ilic. Ilic is "one of the strongest doubles players already. He will push himself into the singles lineup in time. His serve and net play to transition are all natural aspects of his game. Fine-tuning the return to groundstrokes will give him the confidence to beat the better players in college tennis."
Of the upcoming season, Dancer says, "We can't wait to get into competition. We have one of the toughest schedules in the country, and we'll increase our confidence as we go along."
