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By: Dylan DeWitt
Email: Dewittd@findlay.edu
Twitter: @dd_witt
When the fall season wrapped up for the men`s and women`s tennis teams, it was time for the offseason. An offseason that the tennis team would go into as underdogs only to prepare to turn heads when it came time for the spring to begin. As the spring season is near, the tennis teams are ready to take the next leap into a newly prepared and motivated team.
The women`s team comes off a 1-1 record through the fall season in the months of September and October. The team looks to build off its last performance against Oberlin where they swept all matches and came away with a 9-0 victory. As far as preparing for the season goes, sophomore Sullivan Sanders from Holland, Ohio says it’s been hard but they have pushed themselves this offseason.
“With the dedication and talent of the players, we will be unstoppable which makes this a very exciting time for the Findlay Tennis programs” Sanders stated.
Sanders credits their new addition to the coaching staff, Jeff Westmeyer as someone who has helped them get to the next level in preparation and skill levels. “(Coach Westmeyer) brings a wealth of knowledge and motivating spirit that we enjoy tapping into,” said Sanders.
All together, the newest members of the team and the returning players have been able to build off one another in sticking together as one team with a destination the team would like to get to.
“I think we will surprise everyone with the talents that we are bringing to the courts this season,” said Sanders.
The women`s tennis team will prepare for the next match which will be held at home on Feb. 23 when they take on the visiting Lake Superior State team. Along with the women, the men are trying to turn some heads as well this upcoming season.
For the men`s program, they are coming off an undefeated match record in the fall season. The team enters the fall season projected to finish as runner-up finishers on the courts behind the defending champions of Hillsdale.
For senior Trevor Majdalani of Perrysburg, he too believes the Oilers team could have one of their best years in his career here at Findlay.
“We have a very talented team this year, and it is for sure the most talent we have had in my four years on the team,” said Majdalani.
He says throughout the offseason, the key to success has come through staying focused and hard work in the weight room and practices in order to reach new heights. A big goal for the program is to beat their rivals in Hillsdale and Walsh to win the GMAC Championship. Majdalani and the rest of the team knew the offseason was the key to a successful spring. Majdalani gave credit to strength and condition coach Aaron Mawhirterin their footwork along with strength and speed, along with the team playing or practicing five to six times a week.
The men`s team will prepare for Ashland this weekend, Feb. 17 after its first loss of the year against Wayne State this past week. Players for both programs say they have worked hard and dedicated themselves to being the best they can be this offseason. Now Sanders and Majdalani say it`s time to show what they are made of to the rest of their opponents this spring.
