Illinois State head mens tennis coach Greg Kennett announced the 2002 award winners for the Redbirds, Friday, highlighted by the teams most valuable player honor, which was presented to Ricky Heath.
Heath, a senior from Cape Town, South Africa, led the Birds from the No. 1 singles position and finished with a 29-12 record on the season. Heath, who was also named to the Missouri Valley Conference All-Select team, finished his Illinois State career with a 58-24 mark.
During the conference season Ricky really stepped up and was terrific, Kennett said. He was a dominate player for us in the league and he truly deserves this award.
The 2002 recipient of the Barry Nixon Fighter First Award was junior Ciaran Foley. Foley, a native of Dublin, Ireland, earned the honor after posting an 18-17 record in singles this season predominantly at the No. 3 spot.
Ciaran treated every match this season like it was his last match, Kennett said. He fought for every point and never gave his opponents the easy one. He is mentally tough and that carries over to his play on the court.
Junior Andy Martin was presented with the Strength and Conditioning Award, which is given to the ISU tennis player that excelled in the weight room. Martin, who primarily competed at No. 5 singles, finished the year with a 12-17 record.
Andy really come on this season and played the best tennis in his Illinois State career, Kennett said. He was effective for us at both singles and doubles. He worked hard in the weight room and his body strength helped him on the court.
The Redbirds finished the 2001-02 season with a 14-11 record overall that included two wins in the league tournament before losing to Indiana State in the championship game.
