St. Peter, MN. (Blugolds.com)- The University of Wisconsin Eau Claire men's tennis team opened their 2019-20 season at the United States Tennis Association/Intercollegiate Tennis Association Midwest Regional Championships and the Midwest Open at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN over the weekend.
The Blugolds completed a record-breaking weekend in St. Peter, MN. They had one singles player and two doubles teams advance to the round of 16 in the ITA tourney, and broke records at the Midwest tourney. It is run in conjunction with the ITA.
In the Midwest the Blugolds had five doubles teams advance to the 3rd round, three advances to the semifinals, and two in the finals. They also had seven singles advance to the 3rd round and went on to advance five to the quarterfinals and two to the semis.
The Blugolds didn't stop there, they went on to crown their 3rd straight Midwest singles champion. All of these Marks are records in the Gillman era. This was the first time that Eau Claire has had zero players in the consolation. The freshman class was heavily heard from, with John Foley (Fr.—Wayzata, MN) winning the singles title, and Adam Harvey (Fr.—Lakeville,MN/ South) getting to the semis.
John Foley is the first male player under Coach Gillman that Has advanced to the Midwest finals in both singles and doubles. He won the singles title and finished runner up in doubles with his partner Matt Gilbert (Jr.—Minneapolis, MN/ Washburn) to his teammates Demetri Bush (Fr.—Edina, MN/ Duluth Marshall) and Harvey.
Veterans Zach Janssen (Sr.—Green Bay, WI/ Notre Dame), Grant Mauthe (Jr.—Neenah,WI), Matt Christensen (So.—Rochester, MN/ Century), Adam Burk (Jr.—Forest Lake, MN/ Totino Grace), and Matt Gilbert won several matches. Hunter Roseth (Fr.—Lakeville, MN/ South) lost a 3-hour classic to the number 8 seed in the ITA.
Bush/Harvey and Foley/Gilbert advanced to the finals in the Midwest. Only the second time in the Gillman era we have had an all UWEC final. For the first time in this era we also have a singles and doubles champion the same year. Winning the doubles was Bush/Harvey, both freshmen.
The Blugolds will not compete again until January, but this was an exciting start for them as they prepare for the Spring season.
