HOME OF BULLDOG MEN'S TENNIS:  56 SCIAC Championships, 15 National Titles

With 56 Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) championships setting the standard for the University of Redlands men’s tennis team, the No. 11 Bulldogs boast an unmatched tradition of success that demands excellence in 2010. Redlands has endured a four-year title drought and strives to make a change with this season’s capable and determined squad that includes one of the most touted incoming classes of late.

“We have an interesting mix of experience and youth. We have seniors who will play but also freshmen who will compete, and we’ll have important contributions from the junior class as well,” stated Head Coach Geoff Roche, who enters his 11th year at the helm.

But despite the eminent adjustments to the scoring lineup, the Bulldogs remain focused on the objectives that were established by legendary Jim Verdieck during his 38-year tenure at Redlands.

“Our goals remain the same – win the league, host the regional, go to nationals, and finish in the top five – but our focus is on being more consistent day-in and day-out, including everything from our training to our off-court preparation to our fitness,” Roche added.

In order to accomplish their challenging aspirations, the Bulldogs look to a formidable cast of competitors that ranges from three-time All-SCIAC performers to newcomers with outstanding junior tennis experience. Although the team returns all but two of last year’s starting crew, the men’s tennis team expects to shake up the lineup with a variety of changes to best utilize the squad’s depth and talent.

Headlining the contenders, junior Cameron Spearman (Laguna Niguel, CA) anticipates a banner year as he focuses on helping the team make nationals while earning a spot in the individual competition for singles and doubles. To make this a reality, this First-Team All-SCIAC performer returns to action more determined and fitter than ever. His all-court style that is complemented by a big serve makes him an intimidating prospect for opponents. Look for Spearman to compete at the top of the doubles and singles lineups in his second season at Redlands.

Senior Jeff Hammond (Mercer Island, WA) also looks to really take off this year by enjoying an entire season of competition. Now that his energy is no longer diverted to caring for an injury, he has fully committed to the necessary fitness and daily training to make this his best season yet. A heavy ball-striker and strong baseliner, he heads into 2010 with the experience and knowledge to be a factor in the team’s success.

The Bulldogs also welcome back seniors Matt Liebman (Westport, CT) and Mike Reading (Mill Creek, WA) as competitive and committed leaders among the returnees. Liebman enters the 2010 campaign with the personal mission to do anything he can to help the team. This passionate leader brings consistency to the singles lineup while providing a fiery spirit that spurs on the Bulldogs. Reading enters his fourth season with the men’s tennis program as the most decorated player among the returnees. This three-time All-SICAC Second-Teamer has competed in the scoring lineup every year so far and looks forward to vying for continued opportunities during the upcoming campaign.

Equipped with the best doubles win percentage from a year ago, junior Casey Fashouer (Arlington, VA) brings the tools and determination to make a difference in doubles again this season. This great inspirational leader continues to prove his big-time match abilities by really raising his level of play when the team needs it most. Count on him to continue making a name for himself during the 2010 season.

Rounding out the top returnees, junior Keven Wong (Kaneohe, HI) enters his third season with the Bulldogs as a physically-changed tennis player, boasting more height and strength than ever before. Following his past experiences, he now revels in the energy and commitment that playing at a high level demands everyday. Redlands anticipates seeing Wong serve a vital role in the doubles lineup.

In addition, the Bulldogs boast heavy artillery in the form of incoming players who will immediately improve the level of play within day-to-day training as well as the competitiveness of matches.

“We are a young team but there exists a new dynamic in terms of work ethic,” Roche commented. “The freshmen may be young in age but their level of play is more seasoned than we have seen in a long time.”

Freshman Darren Dahl (Westlake Village, CA) offers a strong and aggressive baseline style to the squad. Equipped with a big forehand and a poised demeanor, he teams up with Spearman to provide a formidable 1-2 punch for the Bulldogs. Look for Dahl to rely on his impressive junior tennis experience to bolster the top of the lineup in singles and doubles.

The Bulldogs look forward to the contributions of freshman Anish Nanda (Cerritos, CA), who offers an outstanding work ethic and positive attitude to go along with a versatile all-court game. His forehand stands out as his top weapon but his level-headedness allows him to frustrate his opponents. Eager to help the team in any way that he can, Nanda strives to make immediate contributions to both lineups.

In addition, freshman Kevin Kosanke (Bellevue, WA) joins the team as a fearless ball-striker and competitor. He possesses the abilities to back up his level of performance, allowing him to truly play an integral role in the team’s success.

Finally, freshman Connor Hyde (Peterborough, NH) boasts an unmatched command of doubles fundamentals that complements his intimidating size at the net. Despite being a rookie, he consistently constructs points at an impressive level that bodes well for the Bulldogs in both doubles and singles. His intense work ethic and all-around knowledge of the game make him a threatening option.

The Redlands men’s tennis team features additional returnees and rookies who solidify the depth and breadth of the Bulldogs. They strive to push their teammates to the next level while remaining committed to fundamentally developing their skills on a daily basis.

Outside of the student-athletes, the Bulldogs gain from an impressive coaching staff that clearly understands the history and tradition of the Redlands men’s tennis program.

“We are very lucky to have two great, committed, and dedicated assistant coaches from the program, which makes this coaching staff very unique,” Roche stated. “This enables us to help the players grow into the best that they can be.”

In addition, Redlands relies on its schedule to demand excellence and inspire improvement on a daily basis. The team kicks off the 2010 season with three out of four weekends on the road in February, which includes two matches against competitive NAIA schools.

“This will be a good test for the team,” Roche commented.

The Bulldogs open SCIAC on Feb. 13 against Occidental College and then head to No. 28 Cal Lutheran University and Westmont College at the end of the month. This leads to the start of Redlands’ own version of “March Madness” with numerous out-of-area teams coming to Verdieck Courts for highly competitive showdowns. Overall, the Maroon and Gray face off against 14 nationally ranked teams, including 11 of them during the month of March. The Bulldogs host top-ranked UC Santa Cruz on March 27.

Four conference schools, including Redlands, land among the top 30, making the SCIAC race as competitive as ever.

In order to accomplish their goals, the Bulldogs have plenty of work to do but look forward to the challenges and rewards of the 2010 season. With a talented and determined cast of competitors, this year’s edition of Redlands men’s tennis team strives to compete at a high level at every opportunity while focusing on the day-to-day achievements that inspire greatness.