MEN'S TENNIS

NORTHFIELD, Vt. - The Norwich University tennis team ushers in its 2008 season on Wednesday, March 19, when the Cadets host Castleton State at 3:30 p.m., at Shapiro Field House.  

The 2008 Norwich University tennis team is gearing up for its spring season with great optimism and a lot of confidence. The Cadets, who harbor very realistic hopes of making the 2008 GNAC playoffs, return senior Garrett Washburn, and sophomores Chris Pashley, Travis Tyler and Matt Sanford. 

Peter Hooper, a junior-college transfer from Spartanburg Methodist College, should step in immediately and become one of the top players in the GNAC. Two women will be members of the team this season with Katie Brammer and Kristina Quinlan earning spots on the roster. Since NU does not sponsor women's tennis as a varsity sport, females are eligible to compete on the men's team, provided that they are talented enough to make the squad. And, without a doubt, these two newcomers certainly are worthy.

The Norwich tennis team is coached by Kyle Dezotell, and he is assisted by Norwich University professor Ernie True.

"We are excited to start the season in March," said Dezotell. "With Western New England now out of the GNAC, there are only five teams in the conference and four of them will qualify for the playoffs. This gives our team an excellent opportunity to make the playoffs this season. 

"I am looking forward to seeing how our returning players develop, and I'm excited to see how our new players will fit in," added Dezotell. "Finally, in Peter Hooper we believe that we have maybe the best tennis player to play at Norwich in a very long time, and we are really excited to see just how good he really can be."