Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

Being on the SMU tennis team for the past four years has been quite an excellent experience. There are so many people I have to thank for making my tennis career tennis a positive one. First off I'd like to thank the SMU coaches for all their support and hard work.

Coach Halberg has played an active role in my college career on and off the tennis court. Not only has he been my college tennis coach, I also think of him as a mentor and friend. Over the years, Coach Halberg has done some big things for the tennis team like bring the tennis team to places like England, Florida, and Chicago. He has also given a few of us to work a summer tennis camp which is a blast. Even though Coach Halberg has given us all these wonderful gifts, the things I will remember him the most for are all the little details like stringing racquets, driving us everywhere, reading and critiquing papers, and just asking us how our day is going. Coach, you know I want to get into tennis after graduation and I look to you as a model of how to conduct myself as an instructor or coach. Thank you for being such a positive influence!

Next I'd like to thank Coach Duden for taking the time out of his busy schedule to come hit with us and drive us everywhere. It is unfortunate that the seniors weren't able to get all four years with him. Blake, thanks for the good times and the great laughs! I wish you and your Cotter team the best!

I'd also like to recognize Coach Sokolowski, aka Dr. S aka the silver fox for all the time he has put in hitting with us. Having Coach Sokolowski at our practice was a tremendous asset to us seniors because he is the world’s greatest hitting partner. Over the years he has helped many of us get out of ground stroke funks. There are two things I need to say to Coach Sokolowski. The first is obviously thank you! The second thing, THE BEACHES STAY OPEN!

I also need to mention my freshmen: Gare-Bear, Pretty Boy Blake, Christian the deadly lefty, Collin 'Air-Jordan' Kaczorowski, and last but not least that classy guy Warren. Over the past year I've gotten to know this group of guys and they remind me a lot of the seniors I came into college with. I had an absolute blast getting to know the freshmen better on spring break even though we may or may not have traumatized them. I can admit that in the beginning of the year I was worried about the future of the men's program once the four seniors were gone. These freshmen have completely silenced my worries! I know the SMU men's tennis program has a very bright future. I have great respect for these gentlemen and only wish them the best.

The next guy I need to mention is Gavin Smith. At the beginning of his freshman year (my sophomore year), us seniors thought he was just a quiet and super weird kid. Boy were we wrong. Spring Break really woke this kid up and we found a funny outspoken dude who is now known around the team as the Greek God. His presence on the tennis team was truly a pleasure. What started as a teammate relationship hopefully will turn into a long lasting friendship.  Thank you Gav for the great memories. Boo-ya!

I'd also like to thank the seniors — Sam, Andrew and Bobby.
Sam Puff aka Puff Daddy. When I was an incoming freshmen I never really heard of Sam Puff. I knew he played #1 singles at a very small catholic high school but that was it. When he first came on the squad, he was the definition of a backboard tennis player. It seemed as though his only goal was to get the ball back in play. Normally backboard tennis players do not have much room to grow as a tennis player. Sam Puff is plain and simply not the case. Over the four years, Sam Puff's effort in improving his game has been almost unparalleled and it shows. He has put so much work in on the tennis court and has played through so many injuries it baffles me. If there is someone who should be called the energizer bunny, it's NOT him because calling him the energizer bunny implies that he is running on batteries, but unlike batteries, Sam never runs out of energy. If you have ever come to a SMU tennis match, you would know Sam is first one on the court, and last one off. Not only is Sam an extremely hard worker on the court, he is one of the nicest guys I have ever met off the court. It was a blast rooming with him sophomore year. Sam, I just want to thank you for being our Puff Daddy these past four years!

Andrew 'Rangatang' Rangitsch. I don't even know where to start with this guy. When he first came onto the tennis court as a college tennis player, his technique was a mess. He was a basketball player playing tennis. Andrew went to North St. Paul High School and played in the same conference as I did. He informed me that we played each other in high school. I don't remember playing him once (he was that forgettable). The good thing about Andrew is what he lacked in technique, he made up for in athleticism and the will to win any way possible. After the hard work he put in learning proper technique, he has become a successful competitor in both singles and doubles and I am proud to call him a teammate. Andrew is not only a teammate but he is also my best friend. The last two years Andrew and I have roomed together. Yes there have been some low points but overall it’s been simply the greatest. Andrew, don't forget about me when you have a successful accounting career! Remember, you still owe me a new phone ;). Thanks for the good times bro!

Last, but not least, is Bobby 'Boobs' Steingraeber. Bobby has been my doubles partner from just about the beginning of freshmen year. At first it was hard to really assess the level of tennis he was capable of playing because I have never heard of him (because he is from cheese country) and he isn't the type of player to flaunt his talent. Bobby might not know this but when I first came to college, I was a little sad to lose my doubles partner from high school, Matt Schull who was a very good tennis player and I didn't think I'd have another partner with quite the same talent. No disrespect to Matt Schull but I am 100% certain the Lunka/Steingraeber doubles team is the greatest doubles team I have ever been a part of. The last four years with Bobby as a doubles partner has been a priceless experience that I will forever cherish. I wouldn't trade him for another partner even if it was for the best player in the conference. In my opinion, our communication and chemistry on the court cannot be taught. Boobs, I just want to thank you for the great doubles career! Without you, there is no us.

To all three of you, I hope one day we can get together and relive our glory days like old farts do!

Next I'd like to thank my girlfriend, Amy, for always coming out and supporting me during the years. Amy has made the two hour drive countless times to come watch me play in Winona. I know she wished I played a more exciting sport like basketball or hockey but I give her credit for taking a genuine interest in tennis.

I'd also like to thank my grandpa, James Schneider, for getting me started in Inner City Tennis when I was young. His love for the game changed my life forever. I don't know where I would be without him and tennis.

Lastly, I'd like to thank my parents, Rose and Bill. They are the ultimate support system. Since I was about 7 years old, my parents have driven me countless miles to get to tennis lessons, tennis tournaments and high school matches. I can't even imagine the amount of money they have invested in my tennis career. I can never repay them for everything they have given just so I could play a silly sport. This simply shows Mamma and Daddy Lunks are the best parents a kid can ever hope to have. As cliché as it sounds, if I become half person my parents are, I'll be just gravy! Mom and Dad, I love you guys and even though sometimes I don't show it, I am thankful for everything you have given me, especially outside the tennis court.