Colgate University’s men’s tennis team sits at 12-8 this season, enjoying one of their best seasons in the past few years. The team is on a run of two consecutive wins against Boston University and Lafayette College, sweeping both 4-0. These wins are crucial as the Patriot League regular season draws to a close, bolstering the team’s hopes of a successful playoff tournament run.
Senior Benito Vlassis shared his thoughts on the factors that contributed to these wins, elaborating on how close-knit the team has been as well as the contributions of the new additions, including first-years Tim Viding, Lochlan Seth and Wesley Nichols.
“The biggest aspect is probably the team culture we’ve had that’s grown throughout the season,” Vlassis said. “Seeing everyone playing together and supporting each other has helped the team’s chemistry, and also the new first-years […] have been playing very well. Intensity and practice have been raised this year, and due to this, we have honed in on our goals. Loyola [University Maryland] showed the amount of work we have put in, especially because we had a close match last year.”
Sophomore Jerome Falcon echoed his teammate’s thoughts, highlighting the team’s successful execution of their game plan.
“I think our level and energy were very good, and everyone stepped up when it mattered most,” Falcon said. “We also were able to stay focused under pressure and executed our game plan well.”
Senior Ben Graham spoke about the contribution of the coaches to this year’s success, focusing on the team spirit that has been built throughout the season and the improvement of the team as a whole.
“The coaches have helped foster positive team spirit,” Graham explained. “Culture matters significantly more than people think. If you are close to your teammates playing on the court next to you, and you are in a tight situation in your match, you want to win for them. Everyone has worked hard this year, harder than we have ever worked before. That’s why the entire team has gotten better, not just one or two players.”
The team is now focused on advancing in the Patriot League, in which they currently stand fifth, as of April 15, and reaching their highest seed in four years.
“This is the best season I have been a part of in my four years here,” Vlassis commented. “Making a deep run in the Patriot League would be the cherry on top. Closing out the season with a win would be something special, and we have the right team behind us to do it.”
“It would mean a lot for our team to make a deep run [in the playoffs],” Falcon added. “It would be a special moment for our seniors because in the past three years, they have not made it past the quarterfinals.”
With the seniors going into their final two matches of the year, they are leaving the team on a high note. Vlassis and Graham offered words of advice and what first-years need to do, according to them, to succeed at Colgate.
“I can see the finish line now, so I think the biggest thing would be to keep my intensity up and give it my all for these last two matches this weekend,” Vlassis said. “I have enjoyed my time here, so I hope the last weekend goes well.”
“Our performances also help in terms of recruitment, especially because incoming first-years who are picking between different colleges can see how well we are doing,” Graham reiterated. “It’s a cyclical process because better players will want to come here. As an alum, I look forward to keeping a close watch on the team and witnessing the success they have.”
Winning their last two games of the season against Boston and Lafayette means that men’s tennis will end the season having more wins (12) than in the last two seasons combined. Graham reflected on his last few matches ahead as a Colgate athlete.
“The emotions have not sunk in yet because it is so fast-paced,” Graham said. “It’s a very surreal feeling, and the fact that we have had such an amazing year and turned the program around makes it all a little better.”
The team has had several successful outings this year — including at Siena College, the University of Rochester and Florida National University, to name a few. However, Vlassis’ most memorable moment remains his doubles win against the U.S. Naval Academy in February alongside senior Josh Israel, as he, too, looks to bid farewell to men’s tennis.
“Between doubles and singles, my biggest moment this season was the Navy match with my doubles partner,” Vlassis said. “We beat the Navy team, and I went on to win my singles game as well. They’re top of the league, so it was a big accomplishment for us.”
