After ending the 2016 season nationally ranked for the first time since 2012 and returning a bevy of talent to this year's team, the Kalamazoo College men's tennis team has high expectations for itself once again heading into the 2017 season.
"As a team, we focus on winning the MIAA and continuing the streak," said head coach Mark Riley. "That's a nice motivator right out of the shoot. There's some pressure that comes right along with that. Then we focus on winning the MIAA automatic qualifier tournament to get us into the NCAA tournament."
The consecutive MIAA championship streak extended to 78 straight in 2016 and the group continued to be the only men's tennis team in the country to qualify for the NCAA tournament every year since its inception in 1976.
Aside from the team's goals on the court, Riley said the first talking point at the team's first practice this year was earning MIAA Academic Honor Roll distinction along with being named an ITA Academic All-American team.
Key Returners
After a memorable run taking him to the NCAA Singles National Championship in 2016, Branden Metzler headlines a deep pool of returning talent for Kalamazoo. A team captain for the 2017 season, Metzler hopes to help guide his teammates in the right direction while continuing to improve individually.
"I have to be more of a leader for the younger guys," Metzler said. "I have to help them and guide them like I was groomed as a K men's tennis player—school first and then tennis—and then work on being a good teammate overall."
Metzler, currently ranked fifth in the region, holds a career singles record of 70-16 and went 31-3 in 2016, his best season record-wise so far at K.
Seniors Eric De Witt and Spencer Navarre join Metzler as team captains for the 2017 season. De Witt—who's a two-year captain—and Navarre, played primarily four singles and six singles in 2016, respectively.
Other returners who've seen significant time in the lineup for the Hornets include Elan Dantus and Allen Vinson. Dantus, a junior from Okemos was slotted in at three singles for much of 2016 while Vinson played five singles as a freshman last season.
The Newcomers
Three first-years were added to the mix this fall and two already join Metzler as regionally ranked players. Noah Karoub, a Detroit Country Day product from Farmington Hills, is ranked 17th in the Central Region heading into the spring season. Daniel Henry out of Kalamazoo Central is the 23rd ranked player in the region.
Zack Ray also provides depth and added competition for the Hornets' six lineup spots.
"With the new talent we have added to the fray, we can be very good," Riley said. "They're the new guys and they're putting some pressure on trying to find their way into the lineup."
Season Outlook
The combination of experienced returners and talented first-years has the 2017 men's tennis team in a position to build off a nationally ranked finish in 2016. Metzler has little doubt the group will do just that.
"We've got some stepping stones," Metzler said. "First, it's winning the MIAA, then winning the MIAA tournament and then making it to the quarterfinals of the NCAA tournament.
"This is the best team I've played with since my freshman year. Everybody's bringing something to the table and has a unique game."
The Hornets start the spring season this weekend with a pair of matches in the Markin Racquet Center. Saturday, Kalamazoo welcomes Wheaton to campus for a 10 a.m. match. No. 11 Kenyon closes opening weekend on Sunday with matches beginning at 2 p.m.