SHEPHERD MEN'S TENNIS PREVIEW
SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. -- Can lightning strike twice in one spot?
For the Shepherd College men's tennis team, the lightning struck in the form of the dominant 2002 squad. Even though that particular team posted a stunning 22-2 record (the most wins in school history), the current team is as good if not better, according to head coach Chris Stambaugh.
"We are very strong and very deep," says Stambaugh. "Our schedule is tougher this time around but I think we can stand up to it. All that really matters is the conference tournament. We'll just need to get our confidence rolling during the season and take that into the tournament."
Knowing something about conference tournaments would be senior Greg Selby (Brunswick (MD)/Shepherdstown, WV). He is the winner of four individual conference titles in just the last two seasons. The left-handed and 32-year-old Selby is the team captain as well as the engine, according to his coach.
"Greg was here when we were struggling a little bit," Stambaugh says. "He's helped us climb to the top of the conference. I will be counting on his leadership to keep us there."
Selby also chalked up another noteworthy accomplishment this fall by winning his 100th match as a Ram.
Junior Mike Farrell (Peary/Ijamsville, MD) will also be counted on to provide leadership to the team. Even at age 49, Farrell has a jaw-dropping record of 76-17 in two seasons with the Rams. In singles and doubles, Farrell's style is intense—running down every shot and never showing a sign of fatigue.
"When Mike is through here at Shepherd, he will have probably set every school record for wins," says Stambaugh. "It's pretty amazing for someone who is competing against players 30 years younger than him."
Following the "old guys" (Farrell and Selby) are four young guys that Stambaugh calls the "fab four" (Brian Clarke, Tim Halter, Wray Sherman, and Eric Stevenson). These four sophomores provided incredible depth last year as freshmen. This year, they will be called on to do a lot more.
Brian Clarke (Hedgesville/Hedgesville, WV) played mostly at number six last season and never lost a match. This past fall, Clarke leaped to number one. Such a jump might be considered drastic, but not to Stambaugh.
"Brian possesses all the tools that make a great number one," Stambaugh says. "I think he realizes that more and more. He never quits; he's strong mentally; and he gets better as the match goes on. I'm very confident with him at one."
Tim Halter (Linganore/New Market, MD) will be high in the lineup as well. Combining outstanding timing, spin, and pace, Halter can handle any hard-hit ball and hit it back even harder.
"There is no question that Tim has the quickest hands on the team," says Stambaugh. "I've seen a lot of his opponents try to out-hit him. They find that strategy to be a grave mistake."
Wray Sherman (Rockbridge/Lexington, VA) is looking to provide some help for the Rams. Last season, Wray played on an undefeated number three doubles team. However, he was the number seven man in singles.
"Wray wants to change that, I know," admits Stambaugh. "He's a very scrappy and determined player. Getting into the top six may be a challenge for him, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him end up there."
The last of the "fab" sophomores is Eric Stevenson (Northwest/Germantown, MD). Last season he was number eight. He wants to play a lot higher.
"Eric is capable of playing at a very high level," says Stambaugh. "He has a big serve, powerful strokes, and excellent volleys. A little more confidence is what he needs."
Freshman David Seifarth (Smithsburg/ Hagerstown, MD) is one of three newcomers to the Rams. In the fall, David played the five position and wants to maintain that seed this spring.
Lyall Cohen (Stratford College/Dublin, Ireland), another newcomer, played in the sixth spot. The Ireland native plays an all-court game combining power and finesse.
The third freshman is David Marquette (Martinsburg/Martinsburg, WV). With his crushing serve and groundstrokes, Marquette could see a lot of playing time.
"These three guys can make a huge impact for us," says Stambaugh. "It's much like last year, another unbelievably talented class of recruits once again. They could play top three for a lot of schools out there right now."
With this much talent on one team, the feats of their predecessors may just pale in comparison to what this current group could accomplish in 2003.
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