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Men’s tennis bounces back from loss
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What is the driving force behind the Boise State men’s tennis team? It could be that they have more heart and soul than the competition knows what to do with.
To this team, tennis is more than just competition. It’s about dedication to the sport and to each other.
“I have one of the best teams I’ve ever coached,” Head Coach Greg Patton said.
With a 5-1 record to head off the season, Patton has nothing but confidence in his team.
“We’re like an Oklahoma oil well,” Patton said. “We’ve got a lot of talent.”
Junior Steve Robertson agreed.
“Experience is catching up with us,” Robertson said. “There are so many guys that are on the same level on any given day that could beat any player in the country.”
Veterans Kean Feeder, Luke Shields and Clancy Shields dominate the singles opposition while junior Paul Koenke and senior Eric Roberson hold the No.3 doubles spot and are No. 41 in the nation.
The only loss of the season came from Texas A & M when an undeniable set of nerves interfered with the team’s performance.
“Our guys want it,” Patton said. “They care so much and they want it so much that they get nervous and are afraid to fail. They are so invested in each other that they don’t want to let each other down.”
Patton empathizes with the team but understands what the loss means in the grand scheme of things.
“Did Texas A & M. hurt?” Patton said. “Yeah, that really hurt. That’s like your grandma telling you she’s putting you up for adoption. She doesn’t love you anymore.”
The 4-3 loss may have eliminated the opportunity for an undefeated season, but it didn’t keep the team down for long.
“We’re competing with the best teams in the country and we’re doing pretty well right now so I’m pretty happy with that,” Luke Shields said. “We lost a close one to Texas A & M, but it was a good learning experience for a lot of us.
The Broncos head to the road for the next five matches with their first stop at Brigham Young University, Feb.1.
The road trip also includes battles against powerhouse teams UCLA and USC.
The road will be grueling, but according to Patton, playing on the road early in the season will only strengthen the team.
“The adversity is good,” Patton said. “We go places where everyone is cheering against us and we’re kind of a big match for a lot of schools because we’re ranked so high. So there’s that intensity. I want my guys to realize that if you want to be the best, you’ve got to play the best.”
With confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back, Patton plans to make improvements in conditioning, stamina, footwork and serving.
“Every guy has something different they need to work on,” Patton said.
While the Broncos may have individual challenges they need to overcome, they unify and succeed in their goals.
“I want to give everything I have during practice and every match, be 100 percent positive and win or lose, push my teammates to do their best,” Robertson said.
His teammates feel the same.
“Not only do they have incredible team comradery,” Patton said, “but they have an overwhelming desire, thirst and hunger to win a national championship.”
The Broncos will compete in the National Team Indoors championships in Seattle Feb. 15-18.
TRACI HURLESS
Sports Writer
