The University of Illinois and Texas A&M University have had an intense, college tennis rivalry in the last few years. It was A&M that prevailed in Aggie Land in 2006 in a hard fought 4-1 defeat. Illinois returned the favor in 2007. The team that later made the National Championship match dominated in the friendly confines of Atkins Tennis Center, taking a 6-1 victory. This past weekend, we had the privilege of returning to College Station for what was sure to be a dogfight.
In looking towards our first outdoor match of the year, we knew that preparation would be key. On Monday, March 9, our squad bundled up and braved the sub-fifty degree temperatures to try and get used to outdoor play. For those that don't know, outdoor play presents an entirely different set of problems. For one, the pace of play is much slower. The courts, affected by the elements, are quite gritty, grabbing the ball and preventing it from skidding as often happens during indoor play. The wind and sun force players to practice intense concentration. A player's shot selection or ball striking manner can depend on a handful of factors. We knew that Texas A&M would be used to such conditions and so our success would depend on our ability to adapt.
It turned out that these basic assumptions could not have been further from the truth. Amidst many weeks of seventy-five degree heat, rain and cold moved into Texas all of last week. Additionally, the normally large crowd was significantly smaller due to spring break. A&M's match against Ohio State on Friday, March 13, was played indoors due to rain. We arrived late Friday night, and needed to use squeegees to dry soaked courts for our two practices on Saturday. We focused on adjusting to outdoor play and being ready to bring our own energy and atmosphere to an away match. Despite the strange circumstances, we were ready to play on Sunday at noon.
In looking towards our first outdoor match of the year, we knew that preparation would be key. On Monday, March 9, our squad bundled up and braved the sub-fifty degree temperatures to try and get used to outdoor play. For those that don't know, outdoor play presents an entirely different set of problems. For one, the pace of play is much slower. The courts, affected by the elements, are quite gritty, grabbing the ball and preventing it from skidding as often happens during indoor play. The wind and sun force players to practice intense concentration. A player's shot selection or ball striking manner can depend on a handful of factors. We knew that Texas A&M would be used to such conditions and so our success would depend on our ability to adapt.
Our team had the privilege of practicing with another extremely successful alumni in Ruben Gonzales beginning on Wednesday. Ruben, who is now traveling the U.S. and the world playing professionally, passed through Champaign and gave us his thoughts on professional tennis, practice habits, and most importantly, playing Texas A&M. His ideas on our upcoming match were in line with those of the coaching staff and other notable Illinois alumni. It was essential to be ready for the heat. If not handled properly, playing in heat can neutralize any players strengths, regardless of their ability. Fitness, hydration, patience, and clarity on game plan would be at a premium. Also, the Aggies have the reputation (and have had it for a few years) of bringing out a large, raucous crowd. Staying composed in a hostile environment would be crucial.
It turned out that these basic assumptions could not have been further from the truth. Amidst many weeks of seventy-five degree heat, rain and cold moved into Texas all of last week. Additionally, the normally large crowd was significantly smaller due to spring break. A&M's match against Ohio State on Friday, March 13, was played indoors due to rain. We arrived late Friday night, and needed to use squeegees to dry soaked courts for our two practices on Saturday. We focused on adjusting to outdoor play and being ready to bring our own energy and atmosphere to an away match. Despite the strange circumstances, we were ready to play on Sunday at noon.
The doubles point was hard fought. Marc and Marek did a great job with being aggressive and consistent at number 1 doubles, but fell 8-5 to a solid Aggie team. We fell at number 2 doubles as well, handing A&M the doubles point, yet managed to grab some momentum in a win at number 3. Singles was equally hard fought. We grabbed wins at 3, 4,and 5, tying the total score at 3-all. Brian Livingston lost a heartbreaker at number 6, 7-5 in the third set in the deciding match. Even though we lost, we were encouraged by our fight. With spring break this coming week, our team looks for rest, recuperation, and preparation for a hectic end to our year. Big Ten matches followed by NCAAs will clutter our schedule. We will need to be well rested.
Until next time,
Abe
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