Q: Jim, as a positive person in general, you as a coach - how do you use your positive attitude to influence, guide, or help a player on your team? Out of all the sports at MCC, this is one where a player is on an island, they play one-on-one most times. So, what are some of your tips and tricks to keep a player above the fray when they are in tough matches? 

Good question. I try to keep things lighthearted as I can and never yell at them for a bad shot or a mistake. I encourage them and focus on the point at hand – "Just this one. Focus on this next one and get it." I try to remain as positive as I can. I remind them that they should be confident they can be successful. There has been the occasion to "get after" a player, but only to help them because sometimes that gets them going. I usually take a more gentle approach in those situations because I don't see the value in deflating a player… they then don't appear to have the confidence to succeed.

Last year the men's tennis team was losing early in the season but then went on a run near the middle to the end - what do you attribute that to and how can you keep this momentum going with a new team? 

You are correct, we started off a little rough, we were struggling with focus and mental toughness. I tried to encourage them and remind them that it was not how you start, it is how you end. We got a couple of wins, and it built confidence that they were able to ride that to the Regional Tournament. I plan to start a little stronger, being more relaxed and loose, stacking wins as we go.  

I have watched a few of your male players and how talented they seem to be, and how hard they hit the ball - what are the strengths of this team compared to last year's? Also, can you tell us a little bit about the battle for the number one spot with this group – is there a clear number one? 

This is a very young team, all freshman less one, our Captain Cory Freed. Despite the youth, they are already very close. Cory does a great job showing them the ropes and telling them what to expect. They have a lot of fun together and they seem to have a unique bond. I think that is what makes this group exciting to be around. They are also very strong from top to bottom, meaning they are all very talented. Logan Wasilk is likely our number one with Ben Weichman playing number two (and the two will play doubles together). The thing is Jon, Cory, Chris, Cholo, and Kevin are all very close. We also have another young man, Colin, who is rapidly improving,

When this season starts for the men, the women are still engaged and getting ready for regionals right? How do you juggle both responsibilities? Must be exciting to see team success for the women, what do you forecast for the potential of the men's team? 

Yes, the Women are preparing for Nationals in Texas in May. They join us for every practice and work on keeping their skills fresh. We also have a handful of "scrimmage" matches to stay competitive. I have a great assistant coach, a former player (from last year's men's team) Riley Ellegood who does a fantastic job with running drills and working out the teams. He is growing as a coach and improving every day.

I believe that the men are going to play extremely well, and I think we are going to make a run at the conference and regional titles. We have a couple of dragons to slay, but I firmly believe they have the talent to do it.

When your tennis players serve, they tend to serve with such authority and speed. Do you think most people know that a serve is upwards of 100 m.p.h.? That is faster than most pitchers pitch in Major League baseball. Do servers often try to hit to ball in different ways to keep the opponent off balance, so the equivalent of a change-up? 

Great question. I believe Logan can get to that speed and I see Ben and Jon in the 90's. Cory and Chris are big and tall, so their speed comes at a different angle, which is even more difficult to handle. Cholo is a little shorter, but his serve goes deep into the service box and carries out to the left, throwing his opponent off balance. Kevin has the most unique serve of the whole team; he comes across the ball opposite and it makes his serve bounce toward the right. Overall, our biggest key is being consistent with our serves. During practice we hit serves just to build muscle memory, so that it becomes very natural. The second serve should come down in speed, but move a little more, to keep the opponent guessing. 

Jim, what are some team goals you have? What are some earmarks for individual players you want to have them live out this season? Number of wins etc.

First and foremost, I want these players to have fun. The game is supposed to be fun, they should definitely be having fun. I want them to enjoy this season and enjoy themselves.

As for wins, I believe they can play with all the schools in our region and have the mental games to remain positive regardless of where the score is in a match. When we were taking pictures in the gym, we noticed that there hasn't been a conference championship for Men's Tennis since 1994, they suggested they need to change that. I pointed out that we have a string of 6 straight "All-Academic" seasons, so that is our team goal. They also want to keep me in Texas for the month, which I would be happy to do.

Jim, we all know you as a movie buff and teacher of all things movies, on the lighter side is there a tennis movie yet made we all need to see? Maybe even a great sports movie from your critical eye we all need to see? 

Oh… a fun question! I enjoyed the movie Wimbledon (2004) based on a fictitious couple who fall in love during the annual Wimbledon Tennis Tournament in Wimbledon, London. There is a movie coming out soon with Zendaya called Challengers about tennis and a love triangle (though Love means nothing in tennis). Sports movie… well I have several that are great to view, but the one that must be seen, The Sandlot (1993)… one of my "untouchable" movies. (In other words, don't remake it, don't touch it, just enjoy it for what it is, a great film.)

I have seen your players over a few years and siblings have been part of your roster continually. This year you have a brother of a former Women's player, is that right? Having that connection to the program is such a positive thing to see. Just an observation of a nuance to the history of your teams. Tennis seems a small close-knit group and clearly, you are a trusted coach. 

Ah yes, Logan has a sister who was a three-year player for the team (as well as the captain her last year). She was a wonderful young lady who is part of our Nursing program here at MCC. I had twin sisters a couple of years ago and have two potential recruits who are siblings of a current player and one from last season. I would like to think they are excited to play here at MCC, I am not sure how much I have to do with it, but it is always wonderful to have these connections. You are right, tennis is a small group, but usually families enjoy the sport, and you can play it for many years. 

Have a great season Jim, you truly represent Scot Pride.