In a fresh start to their competitive calendar, the Illinois State men's tennis team is set to resume play after a three-month hiatus. This weekend marks the beginning of their 2024-25 spring schedule with a series of home matches at Evergreen Racquet Club. The Redbirds will face Saint Joseph’s University on Saturday afternoon, followed by back-to-back matches against Marquette and Eastern Illinois University on Sunday. The team, bolstered by returning players and new additions, aims to make a strong statement as they welcome both familiar faces and fresh talent.

Tennis Action Returns: Redbirds Host Three Matches in Weekend Blitz

In the heart of central Illinois, the Redbirds are gearing up for an exciting weekend of tennis action at Evergreen Racquet Club. On Saturday, January 18th, they will meet Saint Joseph’s University from the Atlantic-10 conference at 4:30 p.m. The following day, Sunday, January 19th, brings a doubleheader with Marquette University (Big East) at noon and Eastern Illinois University (Ohio Valley Conference) at 5:00 p.m.

The roster features six returning members, including sophomore Tom Bevan from New Zealand and juniors Adrian Dibildox from Mexico, Tin Ostro from Croatia, Caden Scarlett from Indiana, and Tomas Valencia from Chile. The team also welcomes several newcomers, notably Jett Leong from Australia, who transferred from East Florida Gulf Coast, along with mid-season transfers Christian Capacci from Italy, Finn Logue from England, and Manuel Pavia from Italy. These additions promise to bring fresh dynamics to the squad.

Head Coach Mark Klysner, entering his 11th season, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming matches. "The players are eager to kick off the spring season, and we have some talented new members joining us. It will be a challenging weekend, but it's a great opportunity to gauge our progress early on," he said. Assistant Coach Melker Isaksson, a former Redbird standout, will also be part of the coaching staff for the second consecutive year.

Opponents this weekend include Saint Joseph’s University, which posted a 7-17 record last season, led by sophomore Ernesto Ruy. Marquette University, with a 4-17 record, will be represented by freshman Cyrus Ahmad. Lastly, Eastern Illinois University, with a 3-19 record, will field senior Zach White. Each match promises to be a test of skill and strategy for the Redbirds.

Following this busy weekend, the Redbirds will host Ball State University on January 25th and travel to South Bend, Indiana, to face Notre Dame on January 26th.

From a spectator’s perspective, this series of matches offers a glimpse into the evolving dynamics of the team. The blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers sets the stage for an intriguing season ahead. Fans can look forward to witnessing how these players adapt and perform under pressure, providing valuable insights into the future of Illinois State men's tennis.