2005 Preview: Back in the Thick of it
  

Rob Burda and the Foresters will look to do more than just contend for the Conference Championship.

“We went from being the ‘best of the rest’ two years ago to being one of the best last season,” he explains. “Obviously our next goal is simply to be the best in 2005.”

To make that significant jump this season Kane is going to need to add a player or two to the top of his lineup. The Foresters struggled at number one singles and doubles throughout 2004. At number two through six singles, however, the team posted a combined record of 66-47 in dual matches. In doubles, Lake Forest held its own at number two (11-12) and was 14-8 at number three.

“If we can add a legitimate number one player, it will bump everyone else down a spot,” comments Kane. “That single change would make us a serious contender for the conference championship.”

The team lost just one of its top six players to graduation and returns the three players with the best singles records in Alex Godin (18-6), Sebastian Bienia (15-7), and Mike Jolly (14-9). Jolly and Godin reached the conference semifinals as freshmen at numbers two and five, respectively. Bienia was the league’s runner-up at number six in each of his first two seasons.

The other returning starters are Nick Sandner, who was knocked off by the eventual MWC champion at number one singles, and Rob Burda, who won the consolation bracket at number three.

“These guys have worked hard and improved their play considerably in the last year or two,” comments Kane. “They have displayed a terrific attitude and work ethic, which will lead to even greater feats down the road.”