Seton Hill University’s (SHU) men’s tennis team is back for their seventh year of slicing, serving, smashing and scoring. This year, just like the years past, these six men are working their way to the top and plan to finish out strong. With the help of coach Tony Grenek, the men are practicing every chance they get, working together on and off the court, and planning a big comeback for their future matches.
By Shellie Polly
Staff Writer
Seton Hill University’s (SHU) men’s tennis team is back for their seventh year of slicing, serving, smashing and scoring. This year, just like the years past, these six men are working their way to the top and plan to finish out strong. With the help of coach Tony Grenek, the men are practicing every chance they get, working together on and off the court, and planning a big comeback for their future matches.
Like any sport, the tennis team has goals for themselves and the team. They play their best, work hard and have fun. Just because all eyes aren’t on them, they don’t back down, they don’t give up, and they certainly don’t let anything get in the way of them becoming the strong leaders and players that they have come to be.
“Our goal is to have fun, period. These kids are awesome individuals that are at a competitive disadvantage going against schools that provide students with full scholarships and excellent tennis facilities so my goal as the coach is to make their experience of playing tennis at Seton Hill as enjoyable as possible,” said Grenek.
The team lost two seniors this year, but gained two freshmen. Mike Belsito, a sophomore, Adam Kensey, Justin Ryan, and Ivan Pandulev, juniors, and Carlos Peredo and Nick Sterner, freshmen, are all incredible team players, strong individuals, and have a strong love for the game.
“We practice as often as our schedules can make it work, and for the rest of the season we have one-two matches a week,” said Peredo.
Over spring break they had their first two matches. They traveled to Hilton Head, South Carolina and got to play and practice at some of the nicest facilities in the eastern part of the United States.
“We had a tremendous experience there. The whole area is conducive to tennis. For one week, we got to feel like big-time college tennis players,” said Grenek.
“For spring break we played two matched against Wittenberg and Hood College. Although we lost both matches, we had a lot of fun and played well for not practicing that much. Overall spring break was a lot of fun playing tennis,” said Kensey.
There are only eight matches left plus the conference tournament. They will be playing their best and having fun for the time remaining, because unfortunately, this is the last year for men’s tennis. Men’s tennis will be a club sport starting next year,” said Grenek.
“The men’s tennis team is really all about having fun. We know that we aren’t the best school out there but what matters to us is going out and doing our best. The camaraderie and the environment makes for a very fun experience,” said Peredo.