2006-07 Media Guide - Washington & Lee - Washington and Lee ...

Washington washington and lee
2006-07 SEASON PREVIEW
Entering his seventh spring as the head
men's tennis coach at Washington and Lee,
David Detwiler doesn't take long to reflect
on his goals for the program -- because
they remain unchanged since the moment
he took over the program.
Detwiler expects his team to compete
for a conference title, rank among the top
teams in Division III men's tennis and make
it to the NCAA Regionals with the ultimate
goal of finishing among the Top 8 teams
at the NCAA National Championships.
As Detwiler prepares his team to meet
those expectations during the 2007 campaign,
he also doesn't take much time to
reflect on prior accomplishments -- they
have nothing to do with how this year's team will achieve its goals. They do, however,
give a little insight into his current team's level of experience.
The Generals graduated five senior players from last season, including All-
American David Shay. Again, Detwiler is undeterred because he knows there is
more to winning than individual talent.
"We have one senior in the Top 8 players and not nearly as much experience
as last season, but I feel like we're playing more like a team," he remarked. "This
is a close group of players and they push each other to be better players. They hit
on off days and are generally willing to do more than is asked in order to improve."
Shay's graduation left a noticeable gap at No. 1 singles, but Detwiler believes
that junior Tim Ross is up to the challenge. Ross posted a team-best 18-6 singles
record while playing primarily at No. 5 singles last season. He enters this spring
ranked 22nd in the Atlantic South Region.
"Tim worked really hard over the summer and it shows," noted Detwiler. "He
is one of our fittest players and he has been a nice surprise this year. He competed
well at the fall regionals and is holding his own at No. 1 -- he has a lot of determination."
As usual, Detwiler uses challenge matches to determine player positions and
all six singles spots are up for grabs, including Ross' No. 1 slot. Senior Jon Malooly,
juniors Nat Estes, Seth Feibelman, Stuart Sanford and Nelson Bunn, sophomore
Jamie McCardell and freshman Brent Meyers will all be battling for the top singles
positions.
A senior captain, Malooly has seen the most action of any player, but has had
to battle through injuries, most notably last season when he missed much of the
spring with a knee injury. An All-ODAC honoree as a freshman, Malooly has notched
a 36-25 overall singles record and has knocked off two regional singles champions
during his first three seasons.
"Jon is the only senior among the top eight and he is our most experienced
player," said Detwiler. "He is a solid baseliner and he has added a transition game.
If he can be more effective with his first serve, I expect him to have a fine season."
Estes was injured for much of his freshman season, but he recovered last
season to post a 12-7 singles record and earn All-ODAC honors at No. 2 singles. He
was named a captain this season and enters the spring ranked 23rd in the Atlantic
South Region. Detwiler looks for him to continue to improve as a player and team
leader.
"Nat is one of the most talented athletes on the team and he can hit any shot,"
he said. "He is exciting to watch as an all-court player."
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