Babson Park, Fla. – The Webber International University men’s tennis team will open the 2010 season on Wednesday, February 3rd, on the Campus Courts in Babson Park, at 2 p.m.
The Warriors opponent for their opener is the Moc’s of Florida Southern College, ranked number 13 in the NCAA-II national rankings.
Coaching match-up features a father-son duel as Bill Heath is the Warriors Head Coach and son Trey is the Moc’s Head Coach. Adding to the family rivalry is Tyler Heath, youngest son of Bill and younger brother of Trey, as he will take the courts for Webber. Last year the Mocs defeated the Warriors 8-1.
Webber returns their top three players from last year: Junior, Rafael Teixeira from Brazil; Senior, Philippe Andermatt, from Switzerland, and Senior, Caio Cardoso, from Brazil.
New faces for WIU this year that are expected to see a lot of playing time are: Juuso Tapanainen as sophomore from Finland that played #1 at Averett University (VA) last season; Thiago Marion, a junior that played #2 singles at Delta State University (MS) last season. Heikki Riikonen, a sophomore from Finland, that played #1 and #2 singles at Brevard College (NC) last year; Tyler Heath a freshman from Babson Park and played #1 singles at Frostproof High School and was named First Team All-County last year; Marcel Schmitt a freshman from Germany; and Joonas Jalkanen, a sophomore that played #5 singles at Averett University (VA) last season.
“We are looking forward to getting the season started and we are excited to have the opportunity to open 2010 on our home courts,” stated Bill Heath.
“To be able to open the season against a team that Trey coaches is very special and I hope it is special for him also,” added Heath.
Trey is an Alum of WIU, graduating with his B.S. in 1994 and his M.B.A. in 2009. Trey lettered in tennis all 3 years he attended Webber and played on the Warriors team that played in the National Tournament for the first time in 1993. Trey, also resides in Babson Park.
Admission is free for all home Webber tennis matches. For more information on the match or about Webber tennis, call 863-638-2953.