Jan. 7, 2003
EVANSTON, Ill. - Coming off a 13-10 season and an NCAA Tournament berth, Paul Torricelli and the Wildcats are at it again. Despite losing three starters to graduation, NU returns six letterwinners, including the ITA Region IV Rookie of the Year in 2003. With the addition of a talented freshman, the pieces are in place to compete at the top of the Big Ten.
"We lost three starters," said NU head coach Paul Torricelli. "But that doesn't mean we can't be effective and competitive. Our expectations are to remain in the top four of the Big Ten and return to the NCAA Tournament. This group is up to the challenge."
The upper echelon of the Big Ten includes Illinois, Minnesota and Ohio State, all of which are perennial top-20 teams.
"We have a large group of teams in the conference that are all very able," Torricelli said. "It'll be extremely competitive but we want to go a little further this year."
It's no secret Tommy Hanus will play a big role in the success of NU this year. Hanus is back after earning Region IV Rookie of the Year honors, as well as Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors. The Palatine, Ill. native went 20-13 in singles play, competing at the No. 1 spot a majority of the time. He entered the fall season with a preseason No. 76 ranking and is expected to resume at the No. 1 singles position.
"We want Tommy to qualify for the NCAAs," Torricelli said. "He had a terrific freshman season, but people are going to come after him this year. He has already seen some of that this fall."
Josh Axler, Jackie Jenkins and Russell Bennett represent the senior leaders of this year's group. Axler also went 20-13 in singles play in 2002 and posted a 7-4 Big Ten mark.
Jenkins is back after going .500 (14-14) in singles competition and. looks to make big strides this year after having a strong fall. Jenkins and sophomore Chuck Perrin paired up for the doubles title at the adidas Invitational in September. After a 14-10 freshman campaign, Perrin is expected to play a significant role in singles and doubles.
Bennett, the 2003 team captain, gives the 'Cats another option in the lineup and figures to be a factor in doubles.
"Leadership comes with the territory of being a senior," Torricelli said. "What I see is more of a team of leaders. We have a relatively experienced group and the team chemistry is terrific."
Freshman Adam Schaechterle, who hails from Oconomowoc, Wis., has been a big part of the team's chemistry. During the fall season, Schaechterle led the Wildcats with a 9-2 overall doubles mark and a 4-3 singles mark. Pairing with Axler, he went 7-2, which included a trip to the Midwest regionals final.
"One pleasant surprise has been with the addition of Adam," Torricelli said. "He has stepped right in and made his presence felt and will start in singles and doubles."
Torricelli said he expects doubles to be a strong point of the team. This fall, the Wildcats went 16-9 in doubles.
"Our doubles play is another of the bright spots this fall," Torricelli said. "Now we have the confidence where we feel like we can win the doubles point. We had two significant performances this fall and I'm very pleased with our chances."
Justin Hoeveler, a native of Ross, Calif., joins the Wildcats in competition after walking on to the team in 2002. Junior Ahmed Wahla had a solid fall with a 3-2 singles mark. He went 8-5 overall last year and saw some dual match action at the No. 6 spot. Torricelli said he expects both guys to contribute.
"Justin worked hard and earned a roster spot," Torricelli said. "Ahmed is looking to step in and start. He has a great attitude and we need him to perform for us."
"The thing about our kids is that they are all good kids." Torricelli said. "We have a big challenge ahead of us, but we also have a great group of guys, which makes it easier."
"They're excited about this season. They all get along really well. With guys like Jackie, Josh and Russell, this is their last year. They want to go out on a high note."