This weekend will be a homecoming for Saluki tennis player Jack Oxler when the SIUC men’s tennis team travels to Wichita State University for the Rolex Tournament.

Oxler, a senior from Wichita, Kan., said he is looking forward the return to his home state.

I’ve always played in Wichita growing up, he said. I definitely want to have a good showing in front of the home crowd.

Advertisement

Oxler said the team always has a place to stay and practice when it goes to Wichita.

The team always stays at my house when we play there, Oxler said. I have a tennis court in the backyard, so it is always nice to go back and play.

The men’s team is only taking four players to the match:Oxler, senior Mick Smyth, sophomore Kyle Henry and junior Brian Etzkin. But SIUC coach Brad Iftner said the team is bringing experience to the tournament.

Out of the four players we’re bringing, three of them have played in it before, Iftner said. Henry is the only player who hasn’t played in it before, so (the three players) know the tournament pretty well.

Out of the 16 different schools competing in the tournament, Iftner expects the University of Kansas, Oklahoma State University and the University of Colorado to be the toughest competition.

Smyth was the runner-up in the Rolex consolation bracket last year.

This year, I want to do better in the main draw, Smyth said. It depends on what kind of draw I get, but I want to give it a run for my money.

Advertisement*

Smyth said the draw, which is the position a player is selected at in his bracket, plays a major key in his chances in the tournament.

It’s hard to have expectations going in, Smyth said. It all depends on what draw I get. I want to get through the first class and try to get on a roll.

There also will be doubles matches in the tournament. Smyth and Oxler will be teamed up in the tournament, and Henry and Etzkin will be the other doubles team for the Salukis.

I’m anxious to see how we do, Iftner said. It’s the last tournament of the fall season, so I’m looking forward to it.

The men’s team will begin action in the Rolex Tournament today in the qualifying round and move into the main draw Friday. The semi-finals will be Saturday, and the finals match is scheduled for Sunday.

The doubles tournament is set up in the same sequence as the single matches.