MenTennis

By Tim Clemens

With a new head coach, greater depth, and more experience this year's men's tennis team has one goal in mind: going to Nationals.

The team welcomes back three players and four new members. Scott Grabowski from L-P, and Travis Klien and Nate Tolley from Mendota, return to the team for new coach Eric Perez.

The new comers are Ryan Myers and Chris Ford from Ottawa, Andy Jalley from L-P, and Nathan

Holmes from Princeton.

Perez takes over this year's team for Bruce Nelson, who resigned. Perez played for IVCC in 1995 and 1996. Perez has no prior coaching experience, but he has taught tennis lessons for the Peru Park District.

"I have wanted to coach and when this opportunity arose to coach here I gave it a shot (to get the job)," he said.

Perez, who is a financial advisor, said he has a flexible schedule because he makes his own hours, so he will have plenty of time to coach the team.

"Our depth is our strength and I see no real weaknesses in this team," he said.

Perez believes that histeam is the top in the conference, with Lake County being IVCC's toughest competition.

"We should be able to make it to the Nationals," said Perez.

Perez is unable to give a seeding of the players at this time because the team has not practiced enough yet.

"We should be getting outside to play next week," the coach said.

"We practiced some in the fall and went to Bloomington and practiced inside a couple of times."

According to one team member, this should be a very successful season for Apaches tennis.

"I believe we will go undefeated in the regular season and then go to Nationals," the player said. "Grabowski, Myers, and Ford will battle for the top three spots, while Klien, Tolley, Jalley, and Holmes battle for the rest."

While fans may be in for some good tennis this season, Perez said, "the fans may be in for some jet lag. We only have three matches at home this year."

The Apaches open the season at home on March 25, against Oakton.

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