Sept. 21, 2006
NORMAL, Ill. -
The 31st Annual Milwaukee Tennis Classic, hosed by Marquette, is set to start at 9 a.m. on Friday, Sep 22, and continue throughout the weekend at the Western Racquet Club. The Illinois State men's tennis team will be traveling for a second year in a row to the Milwaukee Tennis Classic in Milwaukee, Wis.
The Redbirds will be competing in a mock dual format, with each team competing in two singles and three doubles competitions. Participating men's teams include DePaul, Boston College and Marquette.
The `Birds will be returning to the tournament this year as the reining champions. Last year the Redbirds claimed victory in 17 singles matches and seven doubles matches over their opponents.
There are not high expectations from head coach Greg Kennett, instead he simply wants his team to perform well and is looking for them to improve.
"These tournaments in the fall are important, but our general goal is to just improve," said Kennett. "We always want to be game ready, mentally and physically."
Kennett will be looking for improved performances from seniors Tim Link and Yohann Nograbat and sophomore Nuno Jacinto.
"Tim has earned himself a spot and now he needs to prove he can handle the pressure," said Kennett. "Yohann and Nuno need to step up their play and I am sure they will figure it out because they are both great players.
"Luka Marinkovic needs to continue what he is doing playing at a high position. He is playing hard and it will be interesting to see where he ends up."
ISU's Schedule in the tournament is as follows:
Friday, Sep. 22
11:00 a.m. Men's Doubles: ISU vs. DePaul
1:00 p.m. Men's Singles: ISU vs. Boston College
Saturday Sep. 23
9:00 a.m. Men's singles: ISU vs. DePaul
3:00 p.m. Marquette vs. ISU
Sunday, Sep. 24
11:00 a.m. ISU vs. Boston College
