Six seniors help men’s tennis program turn the corner
Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Joseph Baer

Mankato, Minn.—An improved Bethany men’s tennis team finished the 2009 season with a 4-9 record (4-5 UMAC). The guys finished third in both the conference regular season and postseason tournament.

Senior Michael Lukasek (Sparta, Wis./Luther) played number one for the Vikings and always faced the top competition. Lukasek finished the year 4-11 and Coach Adolph Harstad noted his victory against rival North Central University’s number one as a season highlight. Paul Webber (Scottsdale, Ariz./Michigan Lutheran Seminary) finished the season with a 5-9 record and played number two for Bethany. Webber and Lukasek also combined for a 4-10 record in doubles matches.

Bethany’s depth played a big role in their improvement from a year ago. Freshman David Blumer (Lakewood, Colo./Green Mountain) and senior Jeff Huber (Clearwater, Minn./West Lutheran) played in the three and four spots respectively for the Vikings. Blumer finished with an 8-6 record and Huber ended the year at 7-8. The two combined for an 8-7 record in doubles matches and were both named to the UMAC All-Conference First Team. The deep team also featured David Buchs (Rochester, Minn./Homeschool), who faced off in 11 singles matches for Bethany and Christopher McClure (Delafield, Wis./Waukesha Christian Academy) who ended the season 6-4 in singles matches.

When asked about next year’s team, Coach Harstad expressed the need to replace his six seniors. He said, “With the loss of our seniors, we will be re-building next year. We have a solid freshman in Blumer returning and are looking to bring in two transfers, freshmen recruits, and a pair of players that will be back from injury.” Harstad also felt the team met expectations, “It looks like Bethany has turned the corner on its tennis program.”