The Observer, February 8, 2008
Volume XL, Issue 16
With new leadership, tennis program on the mend
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With the resignation of tennis coach Nancy Rahn, the tennis teams are adjusting to playing with new teammates while training during the winter.
More than doubling each team's size, the men's and women's teams feel excited to play again after what turned out to be the controversial tenure of Rahn.
"It's a lot better now than it was. With the more experienced members on the team we all feel more comfortable. Last semester we were all young pretty much and were all getting the hang of things. Now with a full team we can compete in all matches," said freshman Kevin White.
With the addition of football coach Greg Debeljak for the men and soccer coach Dan Palmer for the women, the team now has more individual time with a coach and a tennis pro who comes in three times a week. The team has three days for hitting balls and the men's team has two additional days for conditioning.
"I really think it is positive for our team. Before it was just hitting outside, because we had the courts, but now we work on specific things as a team; it's more instructional now," said White.
Debeljak served as men's tennis coach at John Carroll in recent years before coming to Case as head football coach.
"I'm just really excited and feel a whole lot more comfortable this season than last. I was afraid someone was just going to be thrown in to the fray and it would be a temporary fix to the tennis issue. It has been the complete opposite; from what I've seen both coaches really enjoy their jobs," said sophomore Jennifer Clever.
Conditioning, while not a main priority outside in the sun last semester, has become a staple for the Spartans.
"He [Palmer] has really helped us to condition the right way. Not just in general shape like last semester but in a tennis-specific sense. We will be very prepared for the season this spring," said Clever.
The upperclassmen influx has created an atmosphere conducive to improving tennis and has helped the younger players adapt.
"There is definitely a more team atmosphere now. Before it was a little more 'do- your-own-thing' sort of mentality. And it's great to get their opinions, have fun, and watch them and just learn," said freshman Colin Downey.
The transition from the team of ad hoc replacements to the team in place today was relatively smooth, all things considered.
"I think with our team it worked out well because there is a pretty even variety between new players and older players. A few upperclassmen stepped up and organized a dinner to help get to know each other and to mesh. The mentality is to work really hard and to make it work," said Clever.
A few players on the men's side decided not to play this season due to various reasons. The drastic increase in talent now on the team and certain schedule conflicts caused the problems.
"Everything is a lot more comfortable this season. Last semester we were kind of caught in a feud between the coach and administration and the old players. Everyone seems excited just to begin," said White.
Due to the coaching switch, the teams won't be playing as many matches as in years past. Last year the Spartans played seven matches before the playoffs; this year, only four.
