Good Morning Friends of Wabash,

In case you didn't get a chance to look at our results on the the homepage, I am going to fill you in on how our fall season went.  First let me explain that my #1 singles player for the past 2 years is in Scotland studying abroad.  He will, however, return for the spring season.  Also, my #6 is in Italy studying abroad this fall, he will return as well.  I also graduated 6 guys from last years team.  Which leads me to this:  I have a very young team.  I have no seniors, 4 juniors, 1 sophomore, and 6 freshman.  

The freshman class is outstanding.  Every one of them is going to help take this program to the next level.  We participated in 2 tournaments this fall.  One was at DePauw host by UINDY and the other was the ITA Regional Championships in Kalamazoo.  The DePauw tournament turned out pretty well, with my #1, freshman Will Pelak, losing in the finals.  Luke Bielawski, another freshman, went 2-1 on the weekend, Ryan Tennyson (freshman) went 0-3 against tough opponents, Ricky Ritter (freshman) went 0-3, Luke Robbins (freshman) went 1-2, and Billy Evan (freshman) went 1-2.  Are we seeing a trend here?  Yes my top 6 guys this fall are all freshman.

The other tournament was very important for us.  The ITA's are the first factor when determining rankings in the region and in the nation.  I was allowed to have 5 players, all freshmen, participate and was very happy with their success.  Will Pelak made it to the round of 16 (128 draw) beating the #4 seed and #17 seed along the way.  The #4 seed was also ranked #20 in the nation!  Luke Bielawski made it to round of 32 beating the #8 seed along the way.  Ryan Tennyson made it to the Round of 16 in the "B" draw and lost to the #8 seed in 3 sets.  Ricky Ritter had the toughest draw, winning his first round in the "B" draw but facing a tough #5 seed and lost.

As for doubles, Pelak and Bielawski made it to the quarterfinals losing a match they probably should have won.  Robbins and Tennyson made it to the quarters before losing a winnable match 9-7.

Overall I was very pleased with how they played, but somewhat disappointed because I know we could have done a little better.  

It is now off-season and after taking this week and possibly next week off (Fall Break) the guys will come back and train on their own to get ready for our tough spring season.  With the results from this fall, we have a chance to get ranked as a team in the region.  Pelak should be ranked pretty high in the region and possibly nationally, Bielawski has a shot at a regional ranking and those 2 at doubles will definitely by ranked.

Hope all is well with everyone and I will talk soon.

Wabash Always Fights,

Coach Hutchison