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Show Text: Dave Allison . . V. "- - IK 4 I A talented Weber State men's tennis team met both the challenges and expectations of 1986 and capped its year with a Big Sky championship. The Wildcats have worn the BSC tennis crown for four consecutive years, and Weber State tennis is laying down a serious claim as a Big Sky dynasty. And with the '86 men's team being so young, there may not be enough room in the WSC trophy case before this collection of players is through. "This team is the best or the second best team I have ever coached," said Wildcat coach Keith Cox. ". . . we'll only lose one player from this team, (senior) Jeff Robison, and everyone else returns." But the 'Cats didn't waltz through its competitors throughout the year, they worked hard for every win. It was a somewhat rollercoaster season for the 22-10 team, but they managed to get through it successfully. Peaking at just the right time enabled the WSC netters to win the conference tournament. "On a scale from one to ten, we began the year playing at a level of nine, dropped to a six and went back up to a nine for the conference championships," said Cox. Weber State's great start slumped in the latter part of the year during the time of the Wildcat Invitational. But the 'Cats regrouped to powder their league opponents around postseason time, outscoring Northern Arizona bb-4 or bj possible points. Jonas Ehrlin, Niklas van der Schoot and Jeff Robison took their respective, one, four and three singles divisions by going 7-0; Andrew Veasey successfully defended his number five singles title. Bradley Ferreira teamed with Ehrlin to capture the number two doubles title while Warren Pretorious joined van der Schoot and bested the number three doubles division. Van der Schoot had the biggest season for the 'Cats and totaled a 28-3 overall record. Just a freshman, van der Schoot was a pleasant and unexpected surprise for Coach Cox. "He was mediocre at the start of the year," said Cox. "He went home to Sweden over Christmas break, returned, and was Popeye in a tennis shirt," Cox said. The cornerstone of Cox's recent victory teams has been Jonas Ehrlin. Erhlin is one of Weber State's greatest tennis players ever and concluded his third year at WSC with a 25-5 slate while attending his second NCAA tennis tournament. Sophomores, Veasey and Strahle, overshadowed by Ehrlin's and van der Schoot's remarkable seasons, totaled 20 wins apiece (20-4, 20-12 respectively). Strahle and Veasey also were the 'Cats number one doubles team, posting a 16-11 mark. Ferriera was 17-11 in his first tp""5-" afoiuorB niatK. Kooison, a senior, overcame serious injuries and bounced back for an inspirational 14-5 record. Warren Pretorius, yet another freshman, subbed grittily for Robison in singles, going 6-10. The Pretorius van der Schoot doubles team ended its season at 16-7. If it's true that you get better with age, then this team could be a token champ in next year's Big Sky season. I 4 X i i . - , . 't ; ? H WOMEN'S TENNIS: Melanie Puddefoot returns a volley in MWAC action. (Signpost photo: Matthew Brown) Weber's Anna Gunnarsson finished 22-0 this year for the Lady Cats. (Signpost photo: Rory Easley) Tennis s Cf' ' ' : ' f ' ' ' MEN S TENNIS: Jonas Ehrlin returns a volley for the 'Cats. Andrew Veasey, Weber's number five singles player, prepares to serve. Weber's lone senior this year, Jeff Robison, finished 14-5 for the year. Signpost photos: Eric Christensen) |