How did it get to be April 16th?

Just what the heck happened to the last 17 days? Oh, yes. Nine tennis matches in six locations just might make the days disappear! Oh, and more? Three more matches this weekend followed by four more next weekend, with six of the seven on the road.

Yes, it is "crunch time" in college tennis, with the outdoor weather allowing more play, more practice, and conference tournaments, the NCAA tournament, rapidly approaching. Let's not forget that the academic semester is closing fast, with final exams looming increasingly closer on the horizon. AND, all of the remaining uncommitted recruits for the Fall of 2010 are making up their minds daily. Busy Times!

In case you missed it, the European Clay Court circuit is underway. This week in Monte Carlo where Rafael Nadal is the 5-time defending champion. He looks "fit" again and well on his way to another title on the most beautiful center court in tennis! Once again, his racquet head speed is way up, allowing him to generate massive amounts of topspin. If he keeps up this level of play, he will be a difficult "out" for anyone this Spring on the red clay.

Your Kohawks take to the road tomorrow with an IIAC match against Central College in Pella, IA in the morning, followed by a regionally ranked showdown in the afternoon against Grinnell College. Sunday, we return to the Racquet Center for a noon match with highly ranked Carleton College. See you there!