The men’s tennis team dominated their home opener against Saint Katherine on Sat., Feb. 4. 

The Golden Eagles defeated Saint Katherine 7-0. The match proved to be an opportunity for the freshmen and returning players to showcase their abilities in front of the home crowd. The team's senior players led the team's mindset with confidence, and the freshmen players got the confidence they needed to start their collegiate careers. 

Graduate student James Caddies said, “On a team level [the win] I think it was nice because we got to play some players that might not play much during the season, but they got to showcase what they got to do against a slightly weaker opposition. Personally, I played doubles with a walk-on… It was a nice moment for me as a senior on the team to take him under my wing and show him the ropes of college tennis and get him his first win.” 

One of the players who showcased his ability on the tennis court was newcomer and graduate student Tim Nutz. “Coming to a new school and playing your first match is always something special. So I am happy to get my first win for Concordia. On a personal level in doubles and singles, I think Leon and I played fairly well together. On a team level, it was good to get off the mark. This home opener was a must win,” said Nutz. 

The win against Saint Katherine was also a step forward for players that struggled to perform the previous season. “Especially because I struggled a bit last year, it was very very special for me. Finishing last with all the team watching me was a great feeling,” said senior Adrain D’Aoust, who did not have the season he wanted last year.  

With a strong lineup this season, the Golden Eagles hope to have a historic year in terms of accomplishments. “On a personal level I want to do better than I have ever done before. On a team level, this is the strongest team I have ever been a part of, which is also really exciting. The sky is the limit in terms of what this team can do, Regionals and Nationals. I think we can go pretty far,” said Caddies. 

Nutz agreed and added, “On a team level, I think we have a lot of potential. I would hope that we at least go to Regionals because I think we have a very good squad and a deep squad. So if we can all push each other to a higher level with good competition within the squad then it is possible.”

Everybody on this year’s team agreed on the importance of their team dynamic in relation to their abilities to accomplish their goals as a team this season. “Again [the team’s dynamic] is probably the best I have been a part of in my college tennis career. There are no fractions in the group. Everyone gets along with everyone. It is quite a nice mix of about six seniors and three freshmen. There are guys that have been there and done it and there are also guys that are eager to get going and are really motivated. It is a great dynamic,” said Caddies. 

Caddies said, “This is the strongest tennis team Concordia has had on the men’s side for a long time so if you want to go out and support, then we can put Concordia on the tennis map.”

To support your Golden Eagles through their journey, follow their Instagram page @cuitennis and support them on their Conference home opener on Mar. 3. For more information, check out cuigoldeneagles.com

Tags:

---

About Maad AlKadhim

More articles by Maad AlKadhim