Men begin spring season

The IU men\'s tennis prepares to open its spring season as freezing temperatures remain the norm. After limited action in the fall and two weeks worth of practice in January the men\'s team is ready to enter the spring season this weekend. \nWhat lies ahead for Ken Hydinger\'s crew, a team that went 5-5 in the Big Ten and 14-9 overall last year? That's anyone\'s guess. Still, a cheat sheet couldn\'t hurt.\nSeniors Milan Rakvica and Rahman Smiley and Junior Zach Held are the three returning starters from last year\'s squad. All compiled winning records in the 2001 spring campaign. \nAlthough the Hoosiers graduated four starters in 2001, IU held onto a proven leader in Rakvica. The All-Big Ten Rakvica finished the 2001 campaign ranked 58th in the country, with a career singles record of 73-40. He also blanked opponents in fall doubles competition going 4-0.\nWhen asked about projections for the upcoming season, Rakvica was hesitant about predicting specifics. \n"It\'s going to be a tough season," he said. "There are a lot of good teams in the Big Ten. It\'s hard to tell who's going to be where in the Big Ten."\nRakvica\'s prescription for success? \n"We\'ve just got to play," he said. \nRakvica, who has suffered from back problems in the past, knows firsthand the importance of just getting the ball rolling. \nRakvica likely locked into the No. 1 singles spot for 2002, while Smiley is expected to keep the No. 2 singles spot warm. Smiley, who played at the No. 4 singles spot most of last year, thrived in Big Ten play going 10-2 in the conference, with two wins in the Big Ten Championships. \nHe compiled an overall record of 22-12 his junior season, and he also won eight of his last nine matches. This latter string of victories could launch him into a groundbreaking senior season. In any case, he is not afraid to raise the bar.\n"I would love to make NCAA\'s in singles and doubles, to be All-Big Ten and All-American," Smiley said. \nSmiley believes that IU should win their season openers against Bowling Green and Toledo, but they will have to work hard for the wins.\nAnother key ingredient in the IU mix is Held. He has been strong at IU, especially in doubles play. Last spring, Held finished 13-6 as a doubles player. This fall, he picked up more steam, finishing a formidable 7-1. If the numbers are the crystal ball, Held, who will be paired with Rakvica, should make some noise in 2002 doubles play.\n The big question at the outset of the spring tennis season is who will step in the other big shoes? Having lost four of seven starters from last year\'s team, the Hoosiers are looking to freshmen to make an immediate impact. \nRyan Recht, who will be paired with Smiley, Jakub Praibis and Jon Magnes, who will likely be paired together, are all freshman who are candidates to fill open doubles spots. \nLikewise, Praibis, Juliun Vulliez, Recht and Magnes are strong cases for the three singles spots still up for grabs this season. The official announcement for No. 1-3 doubles and No. 1-6 singles will be made following today\'s practice.\nFor better or for worse, the door is open. \n"We're always looking to get into the NCAA tournament," said Rakvica, who has seen IU qualify each of the last two years. "As the season goes on we can only get better. Guys get more focused, freshman will understand what it\'s like to play (in the Big Ten)."\nIU\'s first tests are Toledo and Bowling Green. Indiana will play host, taking on the Rockets at 9 a.m. and the Falcons at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Indiana Tennis Center.