FIGHTING TIGER MEN’S TENNIS GEARS UP FOR 2008 SEASON

As Fighting Tiger Head Men’s Tennis Coach Scott Hill prepares for his third season at the helm of the SUNY Cobleskill program the buzz around the Cobleskill Tennis Complex centers around what the 2008 campaign holds for the Orange & Black. Coming off a highly successful 2007 season which saw them post a 6-3 overall record then place third at the NJCAA Region III Division III Championship Tournament expectations run high for the young Fighting Tigers.

“With the graduations of two-time All-Mountain Valley Conference players Steve Weiss and Andy Steiner at the first and second singles spots we might not be as strong upfront as we have been over the past few seasons,” said Coach Hill. “But we are going to be highly competitive at a number of other spots this season and might have a deeper roster this year. One of the keys to our success this season is that we have to be better in doubles play this year. We have focused on this during the pre-season and we are committed to making this happen.”

The Fighting Tigers will be led this year by a pair of senior returning All-Mountain Valley Conference performers in John Hazelton, Greenville, NY, Greenville High School, and Greg Klopfer, Voorheesville, NY, Voorheesville High School. Although they will move up on the Cobleskill depth chart this season; Coach Hill believes that their experience will pay dividends this year against, another difficult schedule.

Among the newcomers freshman Section IV standout Jeremy McMichael, Binghamton, NY, Susquehanna Valley High School, has looked impressive in the early season workouts as has freshman Zak Kraehmer, Wallkill, NY, Wallkill High School, who despite limited competitive tennis experience has opened eyes with his athletic ability.

The Fighting Tigers will open the 2008 season at home on Saturday March 29th when they host Community College of Rhode Island at the Cobleskill Tennis Complex beginning at 11:00 AM. Admission is free to the general public.