Keys To Success: Confidence, Intensity And Team Unity
2/26/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
Feb. 26, 2002
EAST LANSING, Mich. - If someone were to mention how college tennis in the north is below the talent level to that in the south because of the nicer weather, junior co-captain Jimmy McGuire would serve a hard snowball into his/her mouth.
The oldest member of the Michigan State men's tennis team, McGuire is in his third season with the Spartans, but his first two he might like to forget. With a combined 15-38 record, MSU was in search of leadership and experience for 2002 and head coach Gene Orlando knew who possessed those qualities. McGuire, along with fellow junior Adam Hourani, was to lead a team which would return eight letterwinners as well as a freshman class that might be considered one of Orlando's finest of his era.
As freshmen Andrew Formanczyk and Cameron Marshall blossomed in the fall, Jimmy McGuire understood his team needed to step up its game entering the spring season. Once it got underway, teammates were now back playing side-by-side in dual matches. As the season has progressed, each individual victory has boosted the moral of the entire squad, forming a strong nucleus that Michigan State relies on heavily.
"We're jelling together more (than past years)," explains McGuire. "The things we're doing on and off the court as a team are a lot better. What really has added to our big wins this year has been the depth in our lineup. From one to six (singles), we've been going out there with a lot of confidence."
This added confidence has dramatically given meaning to the word intensity in McGuire's dictionary. Whether it's a loud, triumphant burst of energy during a match or excitedly cheering on teammates from the stands, McGuire knows the difference between a win and a loss can sometimes evolve from a team's emotional strength.
"I started off early really intense on the court and I try to use all that energy, whether its negative or not, and turn it into positive energy," says McGuire. "It's been helping me out in some of these matches when it gets real close. I bring it out then and it seems to have pulled out a couple matches for me."
While guiding a team by way of emotions is one task for McGuire and fellow juniors to accept, another duty lies in helping the team excel to its maximum potential through perseverance and hard work.
"To be on time and having responsibilities are very key as well as a lot of discipline. Just doing things the right way, the way the coach wants them done. We all try to follow up on that," says McGuire.
But playing towards success is not an easy road to travel, especially for a team in a conference where eight or nine squads are consistently nationally ranked. This journey into the heart of the season requires plenty of rest and healthy bodies.
"It's going to get tough," says McGuire. "Time off is helpful for all the guys, especially those with injuries. The main thing right now that we've been stressing is we're five weeks into the season and everyone needs to be healthy. We've played some good teams, but now we get into the top 50, even the top ten teams. Rest and time off is crucial that we need to take advantage of."
Although doubles matches may only award one point for a team, it has been a big focus for Michigan State. Quickly falling behind can diminish a team's determination entering singles. McGuire sums up what he and his partner, sophomore Eric Simonton, have been working on day-in and day-out.
"Definitely movement. Any number one doubles team is going to be very, very aggressive," expresses McGuire. "As far as Adam (Hourani) and Goran (Topalo) and (Andrew) Formanczyk and (Chris) Mitchell, they've been doing a great job pulling out wins so I think all three of our doubles teams can play at any position."
With the help of McGuire, this year's men's tennis team has exhibited chemistry unlike any others. As each guy looks out for one another, success will ease its way into East Lansing.
"We just make sure all the guys keep on track, whether it's in school or on the court," says McGuire.
