2004 Preview: Up-and-Coming
  

Nick Sandner looks to pickup where he left off in 2003.

The first step toward reaching that goal will be to solidify the lineup. While eight players seeing action in a six-position singles lineup is not unusual, that fact that six of them played at three or more different spots is a bit out of the ordinary. "As we add some talent and our current players continue to improve, we'll have a more consistent lineup," begins Kane. "Each man will then feel comfortable with his role and be better able to help the team win."

Kane also knows that the continuity he desires in his lineup starts at the top. "We definitely need to add that top-level singles and doubles player who can hold his own against the best players in the country." For this year's newcomers, the stiffest competition from within the squad will come from sophomore Nick Sandner, who won at least half his matches at each of the top three spots in 2003. At the end of the season, he also won the MWC consolation finals at number two singles.

Fellow freshmen Robbie Burda and Sebastian Bienia also made great strides in 2003. They, along with senior Luke Figora, give the team three players capable of succeeding in the middle of the lineup. Burda posted a 10-4 record on the year at numbers three and four singles while Figora and Bienia were 11-8 and 13-8 on the season, respectively. Bienia pulled off a pair of upsets to advance to the MWC finals at number five while Figora won the consolation finals at number four.

In doubles, Burda and Sandner had an 8-7 record at number two while Figora and Bienia were even more impressive (9-4) at number three. Finding consistency in the lineup will also be important in doubles. Kane used a dozen different two-man combinations during the 2003 season.