by Jordan Houser
Some students headed south to relax for spring break, but the tennis team had something else in mind when they set of to Florida. During mid-semester break, the team traveled 947 miles to battle through several preseason matches in Orlando, Fl.
They returned to Ohio with a 1-4 record, but feel they gained experience well worth the trip. Now, players look forward to a spring season with a team filled with many new faces. Coach Rob Postma will be leading the team for the second year.
A 2002 graduate of Wittenberg, Postma joined the Crusaders at the start of the 2010-2011 season. At the end of that season the team lost Casey Filas, a vitally-successful senior. Postma filled this spot through proactive recruitment, bringing five freshmen to the team.
Andrew Collins, Josh Dotson, Kenny Duncan, Omer Pennington, and Adrian Tolentino arrived on the team last fall. Several of them saw action in non-conference matches and now work hard for their first spring season here at Capital.
“Most of us are freshman. That makes it harder, but [Postma] is helping us get where we need to be.” Tolentino, first year player, said.
Lone senior Tommy Stein returns to the team this spring, joined by juniors Doug Gugel-Bryant and John Murray. This spring they will strive not only to improve their own game, but to help in rebuilding the team for the future.
As with any team, the veteran players set the tone for the season. With such a predominantly freshman group, the three upper classmen must take it upon themselves to guide the team.
An experienced player himself, Postma uses his talents to develop the skills of his up-and-coming athletes. Having a personal and mental connection to the athletes governs the effect a coach has on his players and with Postma this connection is evident. His own excitement for the sport bridges the player-to-coach gap.
“[Postma] is one of the most enthusiastic coaches I have ever met. I’m glad to be under his wing,” Tolentino said.
jhouser@capital.edu
