Volume CXXXIII, Number 18 March 1, 2002 f

The best-kept secret at Bowdoin
ANDREW MINESS
STAFF WRITER

It is 6:00 a.m.. The guys are already sweating and seem focused on their pattern drills. Coach Paterson is emphasizing the importance of good footwork to a tired yet attentive player on court 2. John Carolan '03 says of the practice, "Dude, with one early practice a week, my game is thriving like Joey Harrington in the Fiesta Bowl!" The intensity at the practice is incredible, and it serves as a constant reminder to the guys on the team of their potential. With two consecutive trips to the NCAA Tournament, the Bowdoin Men's Tennis Team has its eyes set on moving past the Sweet Sixteen, and into the crop of elite Division III teams.

In her fourth year as coach at Bowdoin College, Jane Paterson has compiled an impressive 35-12 record, with obvious improvements each year. So now you may be asking yourself, who are these guys? Here is a list of the members of the Men's Tennis Team (the BEST- kept secret at Bowdoin):

1)August Felker '03: After studying away in the fall, Felker returns with big expectations as co-captain. He said that "without question, this is the most talented group of tennis players I've ever stepped on the court with." High praise coming from a seasoned veteran, characterized by his fiery and relentless spirit on the court.
Interesting Fact: Felker enjoys listening to some Celine Dion songs before matches!

2)Colin Joyner '03: Co-Captain Colin Joyner also returns after a semester abroad with great hope for the team. He targets the match against rival MIT as critical to this team's success, but realizes that there are "tough matches before MIT." Joyner's tremendous work ethic has certainly contributed to his great success in prior years, and that should continue this season.
Interesting Fact: According to Carolan '03, Joyner "has the strongest trunk on the team."

3)Louis Plough '03: Plough returns to the court after a long hiatus. Plough spent last spring rehabbing a shoulder injury, and spent the fall abroad. Plough's calm and composed demeanor sets a perfect example for younger players on the team.
Interesting Fact: Plough attributes his game to the heavy competition he faced growing up in the Pacific Northwes;, adopting a strong baseline game was the only way to go.

4)John Carolan '04: After a solid rookie season, many expect Carolan to come up big in his second year. Hoping to use the momentum from an impressive fall tournament record, Carolan looks forward to the team's trip to California over spring break.
Interesting Fact: John likes Dr. Pepper, he likes it a lot.

5)Pat Soong '04: Soong has said that "the team has the arsenal to make it to the National Championships." Goals such as these help Soong work hard on the court, but he feels the greatest aspect of the team rests in the mixture of people on it.
Interesting Fact: Soong believes that his performance on the court is strongly correlated to time spent playing Virtual Tennis (and no, I am not joking)…

6)Pat Keneally '05: Keneally had a tremendous fall and should carry this over to the spring season. His patient and composed style eases Coach Paterson's worries surrounding his rookie status. Look for big things from Keneally, he leaves it all out on the court.
Interesting Fact: Keneally's high school doubles partner, Scott Levy, plays for Trinity.

7)Mac Burke '05: After talking to guys on the team, they informed me that Burke has been lighting it up thus far. A native of St. Louis, Burke brings a big forehand and booming serve to the team. Like Keneally, expect some thunder from this kid.
Interesting Fact: He enjoys watching Kingpin before big matches.

8)Thomas (a.k.a. "Bucky") Jencks '05: Bucky joins the team after playing for the Men's Soccer Team in the fall. Characterized by his serve and volley game, Bucky should make immediate contributions this spring.
Interesting Fact: Bucky lives in Coleman Dorm.

9)Barrett Lawson '05: Lawson enters his first spring with the Men's Tennis Team, but do not expect Lawson to be intimidated easily. Winning a state championship in his senior year in high school, Lawson knows what it takes to win it all.
Interesting Fact: Lawson is also an avid bird watcher.

These nine guys, led by Coach Paterson and Assistant Coach Martin Wilson, have set high standards for themselves. The only way to reach them will be to dedicate themselves entirely to the team and the sport. Now two weeks into the season, the team is preparing for its first match on the road against Wesleyan. After that, it is on to sunny California where the team will take on several high-powered and tough opponents. So the stakes are high early on for the Men's Tennis Team, and if preparation is any indication of performance, expect these Polar Bears to be ready to go come that first match. After watching the team practice, I saw the intensity and devotion of each member. Good things await this team, stay posted for further news.

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