North Carolina State University Athletics
Choboy Has Pack Ready to Take Another Step in '07
1/16/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
By Brandon Yopp
Assistant Media Relations Director
Raleigh, N.C. - After a successful 2006 season, including an appearance in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1999, the men’s tennis team enters the 2007 season with high hopes. Making nine fall tournament appearances, the Wolfpack worked hard to show opponents what they would be facing in the spring. Head coach Jon Choboy will be directing the ship for the fifth year alongside new assistant coach Jeff Kader.
NC State begins the season ranked No. 37 nationally in the Fila Collegiate Tennis Rankings released by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA). The team ranking marks the Pack’s highest spot ever at the beginning of the season. In 2006, NC State began the season at No. 45 nationally before going on to win 20 matches, make the NCAA Tournament field and finish at No. 42. The Pack also boasts two ranked players in singles for the first time in school history.
The Pack will have a home court advantage in the first 12 matches of the season. After posting a 15-2 home record last year, the red and white feel comfortable at the J.W. Isenhour Tennis Center. Fourteen of the team’s opponents come from outside the Atlantic Coast Conference, including two teams, Winthrop and Louisville, that made the NCAA Tournament in 2006. Nine ACC teams, including the Pack, made the NCAA Tournament a year ago. Facing these tough opponents will be a challenge, but one the team is more than willing to take on, especially with desires to make a strong showing in the ACC Tournament and a second straight appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
Choboy is excited about the season ahead, the players on the team, and the future of the program. Seven players return this season and will use their experience to take the team to the top of the ACC. Three new team members look to make a name for themselves and help the Wolfpack accomplish its goals.
Senior William Noblitt returns after being selected First Team All-ACC for No. 3 singles in 2006. Choboy views Noblitt as a cornerstone of the team and sees great improvement this season from an already consistent player.
Fellow senior Andre Iriarte has steadily improved during his career at NC State. He has shown versatility, competing in the Nos. 1-5 singles positions, as well as many different doubles combinations. Plagued by injuries last year, Iriarte is expected to make his presence known in the Pack’s top-six with a new clean bill of health.
“Andre can now hurt the opponent from all areas of the court,” said Choboy. “With an improved volley game, he can finish points at the net.”
Junior Nick Cavaday enters the 2007 season ranked 99th nationally and will hold the number one spot in singles play.
“Nick has steadily progressed over his career and developed a strong all court game,” said Choboy. “He will be a strong candidate to reach the NCAA’s in singles in 2007.”
Junior David Rozek, one of two left-handed players on the team, is a quick athlete with a powerful serve. Rozek is able to move to the net off the serve and the return, which can be dangerous to any opponent. Choboy has also seen junior Ben Zink’s improvement over the years in his serve and volley.
“Ben was one of the best doubles players on the team in 2006, and we look for even bigger things from him in 2007,” said Choboy.
After breaking the NC State record for singles victories in a season with 23 last year, sophomore Jay Weinacker is looking to build on his success. He has improved his transition and his volley game, and anticipates progressing up the lineup and taking on more difficult opponents this season. Weinacker stands at No. 100 nationally in the Fila/ITA Rankings.
Sophomore Christian Welte added more offense to his game by improving his serve and his volley after last season. As one of the team’s strong double players, he will continue to add to his success.
Freshman James McGee is one of the newest members to join the Wolfpack. With a few wins over ranked opponent in the fall tournaments, he is already expected to be a force at the front of the Pack’s rotation.
“James is one of the best freshmen in the country and possesses all the attributes to be one of the best in college tennis,” said Choboy. “He is strong, fast, mentally tough and very technically sound.”
Freshman Frideric Prandecki is a hard-working lefty that fits the Wolfpack program well. His serve and volley is solid and, according to Choboy, he has a strong instinct for tennis. Daniel Schinke, a graduate from Germany, may be 6’6” but he uses his height to his advantage and attacks at the net. As an all-court player, Schinke looks to be successful in doubles play.
“We look forward to another challenging year,” said Choboy. “We’ve brought in some quality tennis players. We’re going to continue to work hard and make a name for this program."
After last season, that’s no surprise.
