Turek takes record in stride

URBANA – If Jerry Turek's math's right, his name should sit atop the University of Illinois' all-time tennis wins list for, oh, about two years.

"Last year, we had three freshmen with more than 25 wins and right now, all three of them have 20 wins," Turek said. "My first year, I had 28 and my second year I only had 14. They're already ahead of me."

Turek won his 103rd career match Saturday at Atkins Tennis Center, tying the school standard set by Mark Long (1984-88).

"It's a nice record, another reminder of the contribution he's made to the program ... but it will be broke again," Illinois coach Craig Tiley said.

It was over quick, the senior from British Columbia, Canada, socking Iowa's Ulf Jentler 6-1, 6-1, part of a 5-2 UI win.

Turek can have the record all to himself with a win in today's regular season and home finale against Minnesota.

But save the party hats and streamers for next weekend, Turek says.

That's Big Ten Championships weekend, the one Turek's been waiting four years for.

The celebration will be at the end of the year," said Turek, never a Big Ten champ. "If we win the Big Ten and I break the record, then it will be a great season.

"If we don't win the Big Ten, it'll be a little disappointing."

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