Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

I can’t believe the day has come for me to write my senior salute. I remember when I was a freshman and walked down to coach’s office to introduce myself. I was never recruited by Coach Halberg so I was really nervous to initially tell him that I was interested in trying out for the Saint Mary’s tennis team. Halberg gave me an opportunity to play for the team and I never looked back.

Now that I’m a senior, it’s crazy to think my tennis career is finally coming to an end. I’ve come a long way from being a walk on freshman to a starter on the tennis team the last 3 and half years. My freshman year was the most beneficial season of my career by far. When I joined the team, I was the 9th best player on the team and had a lot of work to do. I learned there is a big difference from playing high school tennis and collegiate tennis. The competition in the MIAC and other D3 schools was much higher than high school. One thing that really helped me improve my tennis game was the amount of tennis that I played compared to high school. We’d have 6 intense practices a week and I took advantage of the amount of tennis we played to improve my game. By the end of my freshman year, I finally earned a started spot in the roster with my fellow freshman teammates: Mike Lunka, Sam Puff and Bobby Steingraber. Each one of them had a lot of talent coming to Saint Mary’s and they each earned a starting spot at the beginning of their freshman year. Each one of them helped motivate me to become a starter just like them and I’d like to thank them for that.

The last three years as a starter has helped me tremendously to become a better tennis player. Every day I could tell my tennis game kept improving and this caused my confidence to grow to becoming a confident tennis player in the lineup.  Each year my tennis record saw more and more wins from the amount of practice and hard work that I put in and I hope the freshman on the team can learn from my experiences to help them realize how great they can become. I remember one day my sophomore year after we complained about working out at the end of practice, coach expressed that the workouts benefited us as much as we put in to it. Coach didn’t make us condition at the end of practice every day because he enjoyed seeing us work out; he did it to help each one of us become a better tennis player. So for all you freshman, go as hard as you can every day whether it’s a tennis drill, a singles match or our workouts because you will get what you put into it.

I’ve had so many great memories through my 4 years at Saint Mary’s. Some of them that come to mind include: spring break trips, England trip, lightning bolts, lamp posts, Bobby Steingraber Day, team dinners, long van rides, nut ball, chipotle, my partner in crime (Lunka), small talk with Puff during our doubles matches, doing something “cool”, playing “baseball” at practice, bluff hikes with the team, Gavin teaching me how to be “tight”, and of course, MONEY, MONEY, and more MONEY!!!

I’d first like to give thanks to my parents (Bob and Karla) for supporting me throughout my tennis career. My dad was the one to give me interest in the game of tennis back when I was young and I wouldn’t be playing tennis today if it wasn’t for him. My mom has been the one to support me through my career whether I win or lose. She is always very encouraging no matter what the outcome of my match is. Thank you so much mom and dad for everything and I love you both.

Next, I’d thank to thank Coach Halberg for giving me the opportunity to play for Saint Mary’s University. He really helped me develop my tennis game and to become the best tennis player I could possibly be. Also, he was a coach that not only helped me with my tennis skills, he also was an individual that I could go and talk to about anything I needed to talk about and I appreciate all that he has done for me. Thank you coach for everything.

I’d also like to thank both assistant coaches, Dave Sokolowski and Blake Duden. Dr. S has been a huge support during my career and I’ve enjoyed hitting with him the last 4 years. Blake Duden has been a great addition to the team the last 2 years and I’ve appreciated his presence on the team.

Lunka, Lunka, Lunka. What a ride we’ve had the last 4 years. I still remember that ONE time when I beat you in a set. Man I’m good. Tennis has helped us become best friends at Saint Mary’s and we sure made the best of it. We had some great times in Benilde, Joes/Hillside, the Old Village and we can’t forget the memories at 5th and Vila. You’d always be the one to make fun of me and had to have the last say in each argument we had. That’s something about you that will never change. You always had to be right.  The ride here at Saint Mary’s is almost to an end but our ride in the real world is just about to begin and I’m sure we will make many more memories together.

The first current senior I met on the tennis team was Bobby Steingraber. I remember the first day of practice freshman year when we played mixed doubles. You always come to practice with your small cut off t-shirts to show off your massive pipes. Also, I’ve always been impressed with your doubles skills. You started off freshman year as Lunka’s partner but over the last few years, it’s easy to say that you two are a team and both rely on each other. I’ve had a great 4 years with you and I hope for the best after graduation with physical therapy.

My ex-doubles partner Puff Daddy and I have had a blast these last four years. You were an inspiration to me my freshman year because I couldn’t even have a rally over 4 shots. You always find a way to just keep the point going and going and I believe my consistency has come from playing with you. Our doubles game together hasn’t always been the best doubles out there but man did we have a fun playing together. We must have been the most upbeat doubles team in the history of tennis. Win or lose, we’d always find a way to see the positive side together.

Where do I start about Gavin? You were a shy freshman until we broke you out of your shell during spring break and you’ve never been the same since. I’ve always appreciated that you always showed me the newest and worst songs Gucci Maine released. Also, I hope you think I’ve done something “cool” and “tight” over the years because I’ve been trying so hard. Good luck with all the freshman next year; they will be handful for you.

For all you fresh meat, I’ll keep it short and sweet. Collin – Don’t keep your hopes up with Wisconsin sports. They all suck and always will. Keep up the good work with your singles game. Garen – You scared me during ITA’s demonstrating that your phone is indestructible with that case. Don’t ever do that again. Warren – We had a fun ride during the Midwest tournament in the fall and your tennis game has improved a lot since. I love your intensity on the court lately and appreciate the rides you’ve given me in the time in need. Blake – STOP BEING SUCH A HOT HEAD!!! Stay patient on the court but keep the luscious flow going. Also, I feel your pain with Minnesota sports… Krystian – You’ve improved tremendously since the beginning of the season and I hope you stay at Saint Mary’s to keep up the good work. Also, BREAKING NEWS – Derrick Rose will not play basketball again until he can dunk from the free throw line (he’s never coming back).

Overall, my experience playing tennis at Saint Mary’s University has been a blast and I wouldn’t trade anything in the world for it. The team chemistry with my teammates has been nothing but the best.  I wish nothing but the best for my fellow coaches and teammates for their upcoming seasons.