The Illinois State mens tennis team heads to its final tournament of the fall season looking to prove that it is still one of the top teams in the region. Two years ago, the Redbirds finished as the 10th ranked team in their region. They will try to show they are still worthy of a regional ranking at the Wilson/Intercollegiate Tennis Association Region V Men's Regional Championships, October 14-18 at the Michael D. Case Tennis Center in Tulsa, Okla.
The Birds will have the opportunity to face many of the same players and teams they faced at their last tournament, including host of the RazorRacket Invitational, Arkansas. Other teams competing in Tulsa from last weekends tournament include Oklahoma State, Oral Roberts and Saint Louis.
Also competing in Tulsa are Region V teams Arkansas-Little Rock, Missori-Kansas City, Nebraska, Oklahoma and host Tulsa. In addition to these teams, the Redbirds will also have the chance to face five Missouri Valley Conference schools -Wichita State, Southern Illinois, Creighton, Drake and Southwest Missouri State
Last year I think we lost some respect, partially due to our injuries, said head coach Greg Kennett. With all the Valley teams playing this weekend, it will be a great opportunity to prove we can play with anyone and get some of that respect back.
The Birds have already gained some attention at the tournament based on their pre-tournament seedings. Djordje Uskokovic and partner Guillermo Gomez are the second seed in the main doubles draw and Uskokovic is the No. 15 seed in the main singles draw.
Play begins at 9 a.m. on Thursday, with the qualifying rounds in action. The main draws or both singles and doubles will begin Friday, Oct. 15, at 9 a.m. Start times for Saturday and Sunday are also at 9 a.m. Monday's start time is TBA. Singles and doubles play will move indoors from the quarterfinals on.
