A Team of Excellence

Since the 1994-1995 season until midway through last year, the Yeshiva University Mens Tennis Macs did not lose a single match. For four and a half glorious seasons, the undefeated teams enjoyed what one current team member described as "the ultimate goal: perfection." To acknowledge this impressive achievement, the Yeshiva Athletic Department plans to hang a banner from the rafters in the gym in the Max Stern Athletic Center. Dr. Richard Zerneck, Director of Athletics, said, "I felt the banner was necessary to commemorate the excellence, that at least in my knowledge, is unprecedented in Yeshiva history. They deserve the recognition that only a permanent commemoration could provide".

In the meantime, though, banner or not, the Macs are enjoying a high level of respect. This year's first tennis tryouts, held on September 8th, enjoyed the largest turnout in team history. In fact, coach John Bandler had to enroll Shai Samet, a leading member of the undefeated squads, to help conduct the tryouts. This year's team has high hopes with an unprecedented nine players returning from last year's squad, and an impressive crew of new players.

This year's returners include Micha Porat who played second singles last year, was named one of the tri-captains of this year's team along with returners Jeffrey Taub and Adam Cohen. Porat spent the summer involved with tennis while giving free lessons to kids from disadvantaged families. The other returning players include Ari Ellenberg, Eric Taub, Jonathan Laoui, Dorian Levy, Adam Aftergut, Eido Jacobowitz, and Ari Raskas. The team is also graced with new players Ephraim and Raphael Horn, Oren Nidam, Michael Rouzenrouch, Ari Hoschander, Avi Bloom, and Joel Maza.

The large amount of returning players coupled with the new prospects give the Macs the confidence that is sorely needed. Porat remarked, "This year's team has a lot of potential. It is an honor to be named captain to a team that besides being a great bunch of guys, also has so much promise." Another team member remarked, "Tennis is all about confidence. Even though we did pretty well last year (7-3), we just didn't have the swagger that we should have this year. Tennis is such a finesse game, that if you don't have belief in your shots, they will stray. This year, though, I assure you will be different."

Additionally exciting for the Macs, is their introduction into the Skyline Athletic Conference. Despite the teams' previous successes, they were never able to participate in any type of post-season, as they did not belong to any official conferece. This year, with their newfound confidence, experienced players, and fresh talent, we are sure to see the Macs in post-season play, and perhaps to even earn their own banner of excellence.