SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. -- The Shepherd College men's tennis team is poised to make a run at the WVIAC title as the beginning of the 2002 season approaches. Last year head coach Chris Stambaugh led the Rams to a 13-7 overall mark, including a 7-1 conference mark. The Rams placed third in the conference tournament only two points behind champion University of Charleston and Stambaugh received WVIAC Coach of the Year honors.
Senior captain Scott Eyler (Smithsburg/Maugansville, MD) heads the list of returnees. Eyler is slated to play at number one singles and number two doubles.
"Scott is a very consistent and aggressive player from the baseline," noted Stambaugh. "I think he may be the best player in the conference."
Playing at number two singles for the Rams will be Mike Farrell (Peary/Ijamsville, MD). Farrell, a 48-year-old sophomore, played at number one last year. An outstanding student, Farrell boasts a 3.9 grade point averages as a recreation/leisure studies major.
"Mike is unflappable," stated Stambaugh. "He hits everything back and he rarely misses. Both Scott and Mike have a great ability to frustrate their opponents."
Farrell will also play at number one doubles with senior Thomas Bohrnstedt (Greenbrier East/Lewisburg, WV).
"I believe Mike and Thomas could be the best doubles team in the conference," said Stambaugh. "They find a way to win. Last year they trailed Charleston, 7-2, and rallied for a 9-8 victory."
Bohrnstedt is also slated to play at number three singles after capturing the conference title at number two singles last year.
"He is a very instinctive player who comes up with the right shot at the right time," noted Stambaugh. "He is always in good position and the best strokes on the team."
Junior Greg Selby (Brunswick (MD)/Shepherdstown, WV) will probably play at number four or five singles. Selby was a conference champion at both number three singles and doubles for the Rams last year. He should also figure in the mix at doubles.
"Greg is a lefty with a big forehand for his size (5-9)," stated Stambaugh. "He's experienced and he knows how to win matches."
Freshman Brian Clarke (Hedgesville/Hedgesville, WV) could push for time at either the three, four, or five singles spots.
"Brian is very consistent from the baseline, said Stambaugh. "He's not very tall (5-6), but he is extremely athletic and competitive. He never gives up."
Freshman Tim Halter (Linganore/New Market, MD) will vie for time at the number four, five, or six singles spots.
"Tim crushes the ball and uses a lot of top spin," noted Stambaugh. "He pushes himself and does not like to lose. He has the potential to be a dominating player for us in the future."
Freshman Wray Sherman (Rockbridge/Lexington, VA) will push for playing time at number six singles.
"Wray is a very competitive, gritty player," stated Stambaugh. "He is constantly battling his opponents."
Freshman Eric Stevenson (Northwest/Germantown, MD) should vie for action at the number seven or eight singles spots.
"Eric has textbook strokes and a very hard serve," said Stambaugh. "He has a surprising amount of finesse for a big guy (6-3) and he plays very well at the net."
Stambaugh expects the Rams to challenge for the WVIAC crown with the likes of University of Charleston, West Virginia Wesleyan, and West Liberty.
Shepherd will open the 2002 campaign on March 3 when they host Salem International. Home matches will be played at the Holiday Inn in Martinsburg.
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