MensTennisLookinGood

For being arguably the best-looking male team at PLNU, the Sea Lions men’s tennis team sure doesn’t get enough ink. They smack that fuzzy little green ball around pretty well, too.

The team finished last season ranked ninth nationally, having played in their seventh consecutive NAIA national tournament. This year the team is looking to use a combination of veterans and newcomers to climb its way to the top of the GSAC and to make a run at possibly the finest season ever.

Pessimists will note that PLNU lost two key players with the end of last season: Christian Gerloff, who was No. 1 in singles, and Philip Wulf, No. 3. However, strong returning players and solid replacements will make up the difference.

Joel Myers, the massive 6’6” Aussie, makes his tennis racket look like a toothpick and will strike fear into his opponents as he competes in either the No. 1 or No. 2 singles position. He will play alongside senior Jon Bowman in No. 1 doubles. These two will be a nice duo, considering both are 6’6” and pop 130-mph serves in their sleep. Bowman will play at the No. 3 singles spot and will serve-and-volley his opponents to death.

Sharing the No. 1 or No. 2 singles spot with Myers will be sophomore Curt “Mad-Dog” Wheeler, who can be regularly spotted roaming campus in one of his many Hawaiian shirts. Last year, he compiled a smooth record of 23-2. Not too shabby for a guy who stands at 5’7.”

Court No. 4 will be home to the eccentric senior Craig Johnson, whose experience and enthusiasm have made him a leader on the court.
Two shaved-head sophomores, Travis Albaugh and Landon Hilker, will play singles at No. 5 and No. 6 respectively. Albaugh had a stellar season as a freshman, losing just three matches.

You can check out the Sea Lions this week on Thursday at 1 p.m. against Hope.