Huskers Find Solid Results Despite Depleted Roster

By Jerry Trickie

The Nebraska men’s tennis team ended fall play last weekend at the Region V Championships, with one doubles team advancing to the quarterfinals and one singles player reaching the consolation draw quarterfinals.

Most years, having that few athletes reach at least the quarterfinals would be a little disheartening for the Huskers and head coach Kerry McDermott. But after losing their top two players from last year in the off-season, there was some relief that NU’s depth may be better than expected despite only having seven players on the roster.

Leading the Huskers will be a trio of players who have gained needed experience over the past 12 months. Add in a pair of seniors looking to end their careers on a solid note and two newcomers, and the Huskers enter 2004 with solid expectations.

Sophomore Joerg Barthel could be the key to Nebraska’s fortunes next spring. The Friedrichsdorf, Germany, native was NU’s top player this fall when healthy, but a lingering back injury held him out of the lineup in nearly half of NU’s fall matches.

When Barthel hits the court, he is a tough and experienced competitor. Last year, he was one of NU’s biggest winners when he picked up an 8-12 record in the spring. Barthel proved he could win against top competition, as he led the Huskers in wins at the Nos. 2 and 3 positions.

Along with Barthel, junior Joel Reckewey had a solid run at the regional this fall, finishing the tournament with a 3-2 record and reaching the quarterfinals of the consolation draw. On the fall, Reckewey finished with a 6-9 singles mark and his improved play overall will help him see significant playing time in the middle of the lineup this spring.

"Joel has really made strides to get better and it has started to fall in place this fall," McDermott said. "I’ve never seen him as aggressive, and the confidence he has gained has just helped the process."

Also making McDermott take notice was junior Jose Rivera, who looked to be one of the Huskers’ most improved players at the end of the fall.

"Jose has been playing really well, probably the best we’ve seen him play," McDermott said. "He has had to pick up his play because of where we’ve put him in the lineup, and he has responded."

Rivera led the Huskers with a 9-5 mark, after producing just a 2-6 record last spring. Rivera reached the finals of the ?B’ Flight singles draw at the Louisville Men’s Invitational in September, and finished the fall season winning nine of his last 13 matches.

Nebraska will also rely on seniors Ryan Jay and Jeff Nabity in the spring. Nabity has shown the potential to fight for a spot in the top three singles slots, while Jay looks to continue his solid play in the doubles lineup.

Freshman Justin Junck was solid in his collegiate debut and could work his way into the mix in the spring. Junck earned a 6-4 singles record in the fall, and produced solid doubles results with sophomore transfer Tanner Gates.