(Febraury 17, 2002) The men's tennis team claimed a national title at Whitman College in Washington last weekend, defeating Emory University from Atlanta, Georgia in the semifinals and the University of California- Santa Cruz in the finals. Both matches were 4-3 thrillers. In the win over Emory Daryn Collins (Sr, Duluth), down one set and 4-1 in the second, came back to capture a 10-8 tiebreaker for the third set. Against Santa Cruz Josh Heiden sealed the victory in straight sets with aggressive, net rushing play.

In both victories Gustavus swept all three doubles matches, and then split the six singles matches. Only Kevin Whipple (Jr, St. Cloud) went undefeated in singles and doubles. For the past two years the Gusties have been close to several national championships, but three times on the short end of 4-3 scores. This made the victory special for a senior dominated team which also included Nick Crossley (Sr, Rock Island, IL), Michael Hom(Sr, Plover, WI), Tommy Valentini (Sr, Duluth) and Eric Butorac (Jr, Rochester, MN). In other action this past weekend Gustavus defeated Minnesota State-Mankato 9-0 and U. of Mary 6-1. Going undefeated in both singles and doubles were Kyle Anderson (So, Bloomington), Ben Lundell (Fr, Dubuque, IA), Alexi Gasiorkiewicz (Fr, Racine, WI), Matt Narr (Jr, Rochester) and Jon Farnsworth (So, St. Paul). The varsity team record is now 4-1.

On Friday, February 22 half of the varsity team plays MIAC conference opponent St. Olaf at 6 pm in Owatonna. At the same time the other half goes against the University of Sioux Falls in St. Peter. On Saturday the varsity will play St. Cloud State and South Dakota State at 10 am, and Luther College at 6 pm, all in the Swanson Center on the Gustavus campus.

Gustavus Wins Division III National Indoor Tennis Title! (Febraury 17, 2002) The men's tennis team claimed a national title at Whitman College in Washington last weekend, defeating Emory University from Atlanta, Georgia in the semifinals and the University of California- Santa Cruz in the finals. Both matches were 4-3 thrillers. In the win over Emory Daryn Collins (Sr, Duluth), down one set and 4-1 in the second, came back to capture a 10-8 tiebreaker for the third set. Against Santa Cruz Josh Heiden sealed the victory in straight sets with aggressive, net rushing play. In both victories Gustavus swept all three doubles matches, and then split the six singles matches. Only Kevin Whipple (Jr, St. Cloud) went undefeated in singles and doubles. For the past two years the Gusties have been close to several national championships, but three times on the short end of 4-3 scores. This made the victory special for a senior dominated team which also included Nick Crossley (Sr, Rock Island, IL), Michael Hom(Sr, Plover, WI), Tommy Valentini (Sr, Duluth) and Eric Butorac (Jr, Rochester, MN). In other action this past weekend Gustavus defeated Minnesota State-Mankato 9-0 and U. of Mary 6-1. Going undefeated in both singles and doubles were Kyle Anderson (So, Bloomington), Ben Lundell (Fr, Dubuque, IA), Alexi Gasiorkiewicz (Fr, Racine, WI), Matt Narr (Jr, Rochester) and Jon Farnsworth (So, St. Paul). The varsity team record is now 4-1. On Friday, February 22 half of the varsity team plays MIAC conference opponent St. Olaf at 6 pm in Owatonna. At the same time the other half goes against the University of Sioux Falls in St. Peter. On Saturday the varsity will play St. Cloud State and South Dakota State at 10 am, and Luther College at 6 pm, all in the Swanson Center on the Gustavus campus.