The Colorado College men’s tennis team opened their spring season against Colorado Christian University this past Friday. The Tigers prevailed 8-1. Sophomore Jason Guiterrez set the pace for the Tigers by winning both his number one matches in the doubles and singles. Guiterrez edged his opponent 6-2, 7-6 (2).
Senior Jack Burger paired with Guiterrez for the doubles victory. Burger won his singles match 6-2, 6-2. Head coach Anthony Weber credits preseason preparation for the victory. “We have the indoor game under our belt and used that coming into this spring,” says Weber, “we had a month of practice before this match and that always helps.” Burger also credits the commitment and preparation the team has been showing. “We worked really hard in the off season with (strength coaches) Kevin and Steven.”
The Tigers have been battling the always-changing Colorado weather by rising early for indoor practice. Burger says, “I really like the motivation and commitment everyone has been showing—waking up at 5 a.m. for practice when it snows and still working hard.”
Despite inclement weather and a tough schedule, the Tigers are looking to finish in the top half of their conference. The Tigers will be facing a number of Division II opponents as well as SCAC Division III. “If we work hard, we can finish in the top four of the conference,” says Weber.
“I want to end our season with a winning record and finish in the top two in our conference,” says Burger. “I think we can achieve these goals.”
Both Burger and Weber acknowledge that the goals will require hard work. “We are going to have to play really well in doubles all year,” says Burger. “We have a deep team, so I really want our lower players to step up and pick up some big wins.” The Tigers will be facing tough competition in conference, especially against the team’s rival, Trinity College. “Trinity just won the indoor championship so they’ll be tough,” says Weber.
Weber acknowledges the difficulty of playing several local Division II schools but hopes the experience will help to shape the team. “We play a lot of Division II locally. It’ll help when we go up against Division III. It’s tough to keep morale up but it helps our tennis,” he says. The Tigers are back in action against Portland State on March 6.