FINALLY!

Our 2014 campaign begins today with a double header against AUM and Olgethorpe. I didn't think February 14,  would ever get here, but, finally, we are ready to go. I was always look at tennis seasons as a marathon as a opposed to a sprint.

The first mile of the marathon began on January 26, 2014. The first two weeks of practice are very similar to a military boot camp. Our players go through intense practices, grinding conditioning sessions, and pressure filled challenge matches. The goal of the first two weeks is to lay the foundation for the season. I have had years where the start of the season is shaky at best, but this group of young men have really gotten off to a great start. They have embraced the challenge and are ready to go!

Keys to the season 2014:

1. Health: One of the challenges every year is to avoid anyone going to down with Mono. Halpern missed significant action last year because of mono. As of now we have a few guys sick with a nasty cold virus running around campus, but generally, we are good to go.

2. Doubles: Every year we talk about how critical it is to get off to a good start in doubles. Our doubles lineup has a great deal of experience and hopefully we will be able to off-set the loss Elliot Kahler. We will be with out Ayush Bajoria and Simon Lavoie Perusse for the first few matches, but we have nice depth and players that are ready to step up.

3.  Patience: As I stated before, it's a marathon not a sprint. Tennis seasons always have highs and lows, the team that manages this inevitably, usually will end up hoisting the trophy. This could arguably one of the most challenging schedules I have put together,  but this group is mentally tough and our goal is not to peak in March, but rather the first day of NCAA's.

4. Chemistry: One of the most underrated components to a successful season. It's very hard to define but everyone knows when it's on and when it's not right. Chemistry doesn't mean that everyone has to love each other, it means we all have to know our roles and pull together in the same direction. When individual goals become secondary to the team goals then you have potential magic. Our team captains have done a really nice job so far of making this a priority.

Well it's about time to get is started!! It should be an exciting year and I hope you follow along our journey.