The men's tennis team has been ranked 21
st in the National Junior College Athletic Association's Division II preseason poll.Tennis coach Eric Perez attributes the early national ranking to his team's depth and the reputation IVCC tennis has gained in recent years with back-to-back strong teams.
"We're a complete team and we have depth," said Perez. "I think some other teams saw that at the end of September when we competed in a fall tourney. We won 10 matches, improving from last year when we won seven, and opened some eyes."
Perez said his 2002-2001 squad was equally as strong, but not as many people had heard of IVCC or its tennis program. That team's trip to nationals in Tyler, Texas, and a final national ranking at 27
th last year helped IVCC to gain the early recognition this year, according to Perez.The men open the season March 16 in a triangular meet with Jefferson College of St. Louis, the No. 8 team in the nation, and St. Francis of Joliet.
Perez said he expects the team to be led this year by sophomores Ryan Blanco, L-P graduate; Rob Washo, Princeton graduate; and Kevin Olesen, Ottawa graduate.
A recruit from Madrid, Spain, freshman Jason Garner of Ottawa and L-P graduate Matt Rebholz round out the squad.
The Eagles tennis coach said his goal is to have his team improve on its preseason ranking and make another trip to nationals in May 2002.