March 21, 2014
By Astrid Diaz, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The No. 27 Penn State men's tennis team is in the midst of one of its best seasons in program history. Under the leadership of head coach Jeff Zinn and assistant coach Paul Tobin, the Nittany Lions are 13-2 as they look forward to the stretch run of their Big Ten schedule beginning this season.
"This season has been a roller coaster ride for many top programs. Rankings have been all over the place [but] breaking the school record in both highest rankings and most wins back to back is a great achievement," said Coach Tobin. "Early on in the season we predicted we would end up top 30 by the time we started our conference matches. [There has been] lots of hard work by all."
The team remained at its peak ranking of 27th this week, and Coach Zinn says he has seen nothing but progress and growth from his players.
"The culture of the team has changed. All these new players and transfers have brought a new energy to the team. That positive energy has really caught fire with the other guys," said Zinn.
Coach Zinn has also been working with this program in ways that no other coach has before and he credits the coaching staff and the diligent student-athletes for their continued success.
"We do a lot of mental preparation and technique work in practice. Tennis is so mental. There is so much mental preparation involved and that's where our coaching staff comes into play," Zinn said.
"You have to have players that can play at this level. This group [that we have]...they are very talented players and they are extremely hard workers," said Zinn. "You can be a tremendous coach and have all the x's and o's but first and foremost, you need to have players that are talented [and confident] and able to execute and we are fortunate enough to have those players."
One of those players is standout sophomore, transfer from Oklahoma, and Ukraine native, Leonard Stakhovsky, who is in his first season of eligibility with Penn State. His preseason hard work is speaking for itself as he enters Friday's match undefeated in singles matches.
"I think this second semester is the most important. Even if I didn't get to play the first semester, this is when we get a chance to go to tournaments and Nationals," said Stakhovsky. "I am definitely prepared physically and mentally and I'm excited."
Additionally, Stakhovsky is 6-2 in doubles alongside senior Russell Bader.
"Russell and Leo are one of the better teams in the Big Ten. I happen to think they are the best team, but we will see how that plays out," said Zinn. "Russell is a great leader and Leo is a fantastic tennis player. That combination right there of leadership and talent, that's a lot of their chemistry right there. They've stepped up...they give us a good effort every time they're out there."
However, Bader and Stakhovsky are not the only duo that's showing dominance. The team has three pairings that have eight or more victories in dual matches.
"The success that we are having in doubles is a direct relation to all the work we have put in since August," said Zinn. "When we do well in doubles, that transfers into their singles."
Beginning Friday, the team will face opponents solely from the Big Ten conference and they say Penn State fans should expect nothing but victory.
Coach Zinn hopes that this last leg of the season will be a great one especially for the seniors on the team who are in their last of their Penn State tennis career.
"A lot of the guys are doing this for the seniors. This senior class is facing ten schools [in the conference] that they haven't been able to beat in their career," said Zinn. "That's a big goal for us...at least to say we beat everybody once."
The team will look to continue their undefeated home season with Michigan State Friday at 3 p.m.