Funding gives men’s tennis a boost
Posted on February 21, 2008
For JMU men’s tennis 2008 marks the beginning of the program’s return to being funded. Although the funding will incrementally increase in the coming years, the Dukes have already taken a huge step in recruiting.
Coach Steve Secord is looking to renew his program by building around two freshmen he found thousands of miles away.
Jared Robinson and Yaroslav Voznenko have joined the team from South Africa and Ukraine, respectively.
Robinson won his first career match on Jan. 19 against East Carolina sophomore Bryan Oakley. The Dukes got the team win 3-2 with the freshman’s win swinging the decision.
“Jared came through big in that one,” sophomore teammate Mike Smith said.
Senior Jesse Tarr, who plays in the No. 1 singles position, feels that the latest additions can have an immediate impact on the Dukes.
“Too bad I’m a senior,” Tarr said. “Because I would really like to be a part of what Coach Secord’s building. It’s a new transition for [Robinson and Voznenko] as well as us… and they fit right in.”
Since beginning spring semester play on Jan. 19, Madison has gone 2-4 with wins over ECU and Temple in Virginia Commonwealth’s 4+1 Invitational. Tarr won both of his singles matches in the two team-wins and will team with Smith in the No. 1 doubles spot.
The Dukes lost to then nationally ranked No. 31, VCU in the same tournament and lost 0-7 Sunday against William & Mary in their only other conference match of the year.
On Feb. 1, No. 10 North Carolina swept the Dukes 0-7, but Tarr finds playing tougher competition beneficial for the program.
“It’s tough to beat top-20, top-30 teams,” Tarr said. “But Yarri was close against UNC, Mike and I won Sunday against W&M in No. 1 doubles and Mike won at [No.] 3 singles. No one ever likes to lose, but you can gain success from that.”
With five more conference matches on the schedule, Tarr is confident that JMU could position itself for a manageable matchup in the Colonial Athletic Association championships in April.
Last year Georgia State finished fourth in the regular season but went on to win the tournament.
“I think if we finish fifth in the conference we’d play [Georgia State] in the first round of the CAA tournament,” Tarr said. “I think that could be a match that could be the change of the guard for us. If we can take them out we could go from the head of the middle of the pack to the upper echelon.”
JMU is back in action Sunday at Old Dominion. The Monarchs got the best of the Dukes a year ago Saturday with a 7-0 rout. The doubles matches will start the evening at 7.
