2008 Woodie Awards
Men's tennis anxious for fresh start
Young team has talent, energy
Shireen Sadaghiani
Issue date: 1/24/06 Section: Sports
UNCG men's tennis is underway, and the squad is looking to bounce back from a disappointing year in which it went 4-20. Led by Thomas Mozur, who will be entering his second season as head coach, the Spartans have high hopes.
"This season will be interesting to see. Everyone is working hard and I think we have improved from last year," said Mozur. "I am really looking forward to seeing what these guys can do. We have a great environment and the guys are having fun."
"We have a great coach," said junior Jason Steinhorn. "Thomas Mozur works us very hard and expects nothing but the best from us. He has helped everyone to gain tennis knowledge and skills for working hard."
The Spartans outlook is young, but promising as they take on three talented freshmen this season. Ryan Lewis, from Chapel Hill, NC, was a four-year varsity letter winner in high school, playing No. 1 singles and earning all-state accolades in doubles.
Also new to the Spartan squad is Matan Shitrit, who comes to UNCG from Tel Aviv, Israel. Finally, the Spartans welcome Austin Wilty, a Chamblee, GA native. Wilty also was a four-year varsity letter winner.
Although not a freshman, the new player with the greatest impact could possibly be sophomore Martin Redelinghuys, a transfer from UNLV. "I am excited to have Martin as part of our program. He will bring some experience to our young team," said Mozur. "Martin played both No. 5 and 6 singles and No. 3 doubles for UNLV last year and helped them beat Oklahoma State last season, which was ranked No. 10 at the time. As a junior player, Martin was ranked in the Top 10 in South Africa in both the 16-and-under and 18-and-under."
The Spartans lose two key players this year, Greg Levy and Chris Magnone who were No. 1 and No. 3, respectively, last season.
"Greg was a good player, but we don't have him." Mozur said. "We are a little deeper this year so I expect great things, but we will see what happens."
Returning for the Spartans include juniors Ian Conchar, Baxter Hufham, and Steinhorn. The Spartans will return only one senior, Marc Ladoucer, a Montreal, Canada native.
"Marc will be at the top of our line up this year." coach Mozur predicts. "If he can stay healthy he will do a good job at No. 1 and No. 2."
Steinhorn shared his insight on the 2005-06 season, "I expect that the team will be very good this year. We have some new players that are going to help the team a lot. I think we will be able to compete for the conference title."
The Spartans have not had a team meet yet this season, but will have their home opener on Jan. 31 against High Point University. Game time is 2 pm on the UNCG tennis courts.
Coach Mozur is looking forward to playing High Point, and considers it a key match to win, "As a team, we will see where we are at when we play High Point. It is a team that we have played every season and it will determine a lot of things. I am looking forward to that match and feel it is a good starting point."
"This season will be interesting to see. Everyone is working hard and I think we have improved from last year," said Mozur. "I am really looking forward to seeing what these guys can do. We have a great environment and the guys are having fun."
"We have a great coach," said junior Jason Steinhorn. "Thomas Mozur works us very hard and expects nothing but the best from us. He has helped everyone to gain tennis knowledge and skills for working hard."
The Spartans outlook is young, but promising as they take on three talented freshmen this season. Ryan Lewis, from Chapel Hill, NC, was a four-year varsity letter winner in high school, playing No. 1 singles and earning all-state accolades in doubles.
Also new to the Spartan squad is Matan Shitrit, who comes to UNCG from Tel Aviv, Israel. Finally, the Spartans welcome Austin Wilty, a Chamblee, GA native. Wilty also was a four-year varsity letter winner.
Although not a freshman, the new player with the greatest impact could possibly be sophomore Martin Redelinghuys, a transfer from UNLV. "I am excited to have Martin as part of our program. He will bring some experience to our young team," said Mozur. "Martin played both No. 5 and 6 singles and No. 3 doubles for UNLV last year and helped them beat Oklahoma State last season, which was ranked No. 10 at the time. As a junior player, Martin was ranked in the Top 10 in South Africa in both the 16-and-under and 18-and-under."
The Spartans lose two key players this year, Greg Levy and Chris Magnone who were No. 1 and No. 3, respectively, last season.
"Greg was a good player, but we don't have him." Mozur said. "We are a little deeper this year so I expect great things, but we will see what happens."
Returning for the Spartans include juniors Ian Conchar, Baxter Hufham, and Steinhorn. The Spartans will return only one senior, Marc Ladoucer, a Montreal, Canada native.
"Marc will be at the top of our line up this year." coach Mozur predicts. "If he can stay healthy he will do a good job at No. 1 and No. 2."
Steinhorn shared his insight on the 2005-06 season, "I expect that the team will be very good this year. We have some new players that are going to help the team a lot. I think we will be able to compete for the conference title."
The Spartans have not had a team meet yet this season, but will have their home opener on Jan. 31 against High Point University. Game time is 2 pm on the UNCG tennis courts.
Coach Mozur is looking forward to playing High Point, and considers it a key match to win, "As a team, we will see where we are at when we play High Point. It is a team that we have played every season and it will determine a lot of things. I am looking forward to that match and feel it is a good starting point."
