Our trip as a team to College Station, Texas for the Sweet Sixteen had to be staggered because some guys had yet to finish finals. One group left Monday morning, and the other left Tuesday, flying from Champaign to Houston and then driving another two hours. Because the weather in Texas was scorching, it was very important that we practice a lot in order to get used to the tricky conditions. After a long day of travel (I went down on Tuesday) we went straight to the courts and practiced for two hours. The swirling wind and humidity made for a very different type of play than in Champaign.
Because we didn't play until Thursday, our team had a little free time. On Tuesday night we went and played laser tag. It was probably the most fun I've ever had. Our manager, Kevin Hall, somehow managed to win every single game which had to be some sort of sick joke. We played for two hours straight, breaking every single rule in the facility such as no running, yelling etc. We were relaxed and ready for our match against the defending National Champion Georgia Bulldogs.
Thursday came before we knew it. We knew that the key to the match would be a complete effort from every member of our team on every court, singles and doubles. Doubles was extremely hard fought. We won at number two doubles after losing at one, sending the doubles match decider to court three. We lost a battle 8-5, and went into the locker room down 1-0. Singles looked promising right from the get go. We took five out of six first sets. Roy and Waylon did a great job of grabbing early straight set victories for us. Ruan won in three late in the match, tying the score at 3-all. It came down to Marc's match on court one. His opponent Nate Schnugg of Georgia played a great third set, winning 6-4 in the decider.
We said at the beginning of the year that if we worked as hard as we could we would have a chance to win a National Championship. We certainly had that chance, and that is what Illinois tennis is all about. We stuck together in the tough moments, and created energy and momentum at the end of the year. We did not reach our lofty goals of winning NCAAs, but did manage to make an eighth straight sweet 16 appearance, something we are very proud of. It has been an absolute blast. The guys on our team are truly exceptional athletes and people. I will miss Marc, but am also looking forward to what we can do next year.
Because we didn't play until Thursday, our team had a little free time. On Tuesday night we went and played laser tag. It was probably the most fun I've ever had. Our manager, Kevin Hall, somehow managed to win every single game which had to be some sort of sick joke. We played for two hours straight, breaking every single rule in the facility such as no running, yelling etc. We were relaxed and ready for our match against the defending National Champion Georgia Bulldogs.
Thursday came before we knew it. We knew that the key to the match would be a complete effort from every member of our team on every court, singles and doubles. Doubles was extremely hard fought. We won at number two doubles after losing at one, sending the doubles match decider to court three. We lost a battle 8-5, and went into the locker room down 1-0. Singles looked promising right from the get go. We took five out of six first sets. Roy and Waylon did a great job of grabbing early straight set victories for us. Ruan won in three late in the match, tying the score at 3-all. It came down to Marc's match on court one. His opponent Nate Schnugg of Georgia played a great third set, winning 6-4 in the decider.
We said at the beginning of the year that if we worked as hard as we could we would have a chance to win a National Championship. We certainly had that chance, and that is what Illinois tennis is all about. We stuck together in the tough moments, and created energy and momentum at the end of the year. We did not reach our lofty goals of winning NCAAs, but did manage to make an eighth straight sweet 16 appearance, something we are very proud of. It has been an absolute blast. The guys on our team are truly exceptional athletes and people. I will miss Marc, but am also looking forward to what we can do next year.
Until next time,
Abe
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