Men's Tennis Announces Team Awards
6/29/2017 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
EAST LANSING, Mich.-- Michigan State men's tennis head coach Gene Orlando has announced three team awards for the 2016-17 season. Brett Forman was named the Stan Drobac Most Valuable Player, Doug Francken was named the Frank Beeman Most Improved Player, and Ivan Rakic earned the Spartan Spirit Award.
Brett Forman, a redshirt junior from Troy, Michigan came back from a 2016 season full of injuries, and played the entire 2017 season at No. 1 singles. He compiled a 12-10 singles record, competing against nine nationally ranked opponents. He also defeated two nationally ranked opponents, Minnesota's Matic Spec and Indiana's Antonio Cembellin, during Big Ten play. Forman was selected as the Team MVP in 2014 and 2015 as well, making this his third MVP award for the Spartans.
"Brett had an incredible year, especially after sitting out the 2016 season," said head coach Gene Orlando. "He's a great competitor and winner. Brett did a tremendous job for us at No. 1 singles and definitely deserves this MVP award."
Doug Francken, the Most Improved Award winner, was the only freshman on the team. The Elm Grove, Wisconsin native saw lots of action in the doubles lineup for the Spartans. He won three consecutive doubles matches with partner Billy Shisler from Jan. 28 to Feb. 4 and gradually improved throughout the duration of the season.
Ivan Rakic, a sophomore from Ann Arbor earned the Spartan Spirit Award based on his work ethic.
"We could count on his energy and enthusiasm each and every day for practice. On game day he took it to another level," Orlando said.
Rakic won two matches at No. 3 doubles with partners Colin Harvey and Billy Shisler.
Players Mentioned
