Sept. 23, 2000

The University of Illinois men's tennis team proved today what many people already know--that the program is getting better and better. The current Illini were victorious over the alumni today in a 5-2 dual match.

The alumni team was not just a bunch of weekend tennis players. Three All-Americans, Cary Franklin, Gavin Sontag and Jeff Laski, all of whom are trying their hand on the professional circuit, were among the returnees.

The day began with doubles, where Fighting Illini freshmen Brian Wilson and Philip Stolt took down former UI players Matt Snyder and Ryan Clark, 8-4. Cary Franklin, who completed his eligibility last spring and is finishing his degree this semester, paired with former Illini Jerry Turek to oust juniors Mike Kosta and Jamal Parker, 8-1. The junior tandem of Nathan Zeder and Ben Schreiber took an 8-4 win over alums Brady Blain and Corbin Archer, while sophomore Alex Hobson and junior Alex Muresan claimed an 8-2 victory over Charlie Crawmer and John Zych. By winning three of the five doubles matches, the varsity won the doubles point to take a 1-0 lead over the alumni.

"It was really fun out there today," said senior All-American Graydon Oliver. "We knew it would be competitive because that is why we have been so successful--we are competitive by nature."

Graydon Oliver outlasted Franklin at No. 1 singles, 6-2, 6-7(6), 10-6. Laski pulled of a 1-6, 6-3, (12-10) victory over Zeder at No. 3 singles to give the alumni one of their two points. The other came when Crawmer defeated Hobson, 6-0, 6-7, 14-12 at the No. 8 spot.

The trio of freshmen made an incredible debut as they all won their matches to give the varsity squad the remaining three points it needed to claim the match. Newcomers Philip Stolt downed Snyder, 6-1, 7-5, at the No. 5 position, and Amer Delic dominated alum Jerry Turek, 6-2, 6-3 at No. 4. Brian Wilson completed the freshman perfection with his 6-0, 6-3 win over Corbin Archer.

"It was kind of an opener for us freshmen," said Stolt. "We kind of got a feel for what a college dual match is like, and we took it really seriously. They're not in as good of shape as we are- we've been in training."

"This was a fun environment today," said Head Coach Craig Tiley. "It was very competitive, but enjoyable at the same time. I also think that today showed the very high quality of our new freshman. As for the alumni, it was great to have them back- they're still part of the family."

Fans can catch Illinois in action next weekend as the team hosts its only home event of the first semester, the Nike/Fighting Ilini Fall Invitational at Atkins Tennis Center.