Turpin Time

Nothing Like Collegiate Tennis

Posted by: Jim Turpin

Monday, May 11, 2009 9:04 AM

     I love tennis.  Watching, playing, talking about it.

     Many of the thrills I've had in watching tennis occurred right here on the University of Illinois campus.

     It began years ago when the Western Junior and Boy's tournament made a stop at the clay courts at Wright and Springfield.   Imagine watching up close - in your own town - the young stars of that era:  Butch and Cliff Bucholz, Chuck McKinley, Donald Dell, and, yes, even Rod Laver.   Later my idols became Connors, McEnroe, Borg, Nasty, and others.

     Trips to Indy to watch the National Clay Courts were a must.  My son and I made our one and only trip to the U.S. Open a couple of years ago.  Roger was there, and Rafael,  and Serena and Venus. 

     But, no matter how many matches you see between individuals it it difficult to top watching collegiate tennis - individuals playing, but as a team.   My interest in Illini men's tennis began with Craig Tiley and has continued with Brad Dancer. On the women's side, Michelle Dasso has brought an excitement not present for many years - perhaps ever.

     I have never witnessed any more thrilling tennis than the two teams provided this weeked.   The men easily whipped Western Michigan, then had a very tough fight in a rowdy match against Louisville, winning 4-1, and advancing to the Sweet Sixteen for the 8th season in a row.   Only two other teams - Baylor and UCLA - have done that.

     Dasso's women went down to a 3rd set tie break in the final match both days against ranked teams - beating Vanderbilt and losing to Fresno State.  Tears both days - of joy first, then of disappointment.

     Somewhere out there Kevin Anderson, Amer Delic, Rajeev Ram, G.D. Jones, Ryler DeHeart and others are busting their butts trying to move up the professional ladder.  But, when you talk to them, they always recall with fondness the joy of playing - as a team - at Illinois.

    Dancer's team plays #4 Georgia Thursday in the round of 16.

     The next time either of the Illini tennis teams play at home (that will be next season) check 'em out. 

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