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After a strong finish to the 2001-02 season, the Bloomsburg University men's tennis team is looking forward to bigger and better things this year.

The Huskies return all seven of its starters from last year giving them its most experienced lineup in several years. Head coach Marty Coyne will be looking for his veterans to return the Huskies to the top of the PSAC as well as earning another trip to the NCAA championships.

“We will have a lineup that has plenty of experience top to bottom,” said Coyne. “Our top player, Kris Shumway, is a senior and was ranked number two in the East in singles play last year, while Aleks Kalezic, a junior, is now free of injuries that plagued him last season.”

Kris Shumway

Shumway, the Huskies MVP for second straight year, was All-PSAC first team for the second straight year after posting a record of 15-9 playing number one singles. In doubles, he teamed with three partners to post a record of 18-9.

Kalezic was second team All-PSAC after posting a record of 13-7 in singles competition and 11-8 in doubles play.

“The middle of our lineup is also strong with sophomores Mike McGrath and Mark Vellek,” Coyne added. “Now that they have a year of competition under their belt I expect them to really make an impact in the league.”

McGrath, a first team All-PSAC choice last year, posted 15 wins in singles play and 14 wins in doubles.

The Huskies also have a trio of players who saw quite a bit of playing time last season. Kurt Caster, Brendan Miller and Kevin Wenck all made contributions to the team this season and will battle for playing time in singles.

Kurt Caster

Caster was second team All-PSAC last year and led the team with 20 wins against nine losses.

Some new blood to the Huskies roster will also help the team as its fights to regain hold of the PSAC title. Transfers Brian Bogus, from Southeast Louisiana, and Alex Yamploski, from St. Peter's, will both add tremendously to the depth of the team.

“Brian is from Texas and was the former number one ranked junior in doubles, while Alex has worked with former Bloomsburg standout Evan Rosen and will be looking to crack the top six of our lineup,” said Coyne.

A couple of freshmen will also be looking for playing time this season for the Huskies. Jason Brooke, from Strath Haven High School and Justin Herzog, from Emmaus, will give coach Coyne more flexibility with his lineup. In January, look for two-time PIAA State Doubles champion Nick Hjorth, from Central Bucks East High School, to give the team as boost in doubles.

“I expect big things from the team this year,” said Coyne. “With our experience and with the talent we have coming into the program this year, I expect this team to be right near the top of the rankings and allow us a good shot at returning the PSAC title to its longtime home here at Bloomsburg.”