By Matt Gatewood
Brent McCombe and Alex Sivertsen are closing out their U of L careers with class
By Matt Gatewood
Staff Writer
Two student-athletes who have contributed much to the University of Louisville over the last four years are seniors Brent McCombe and Alex Sivertsen of the men’s tennis team.
These athletes have represented the school well. “Brent is the epitome of the student-athlete,” said U of L head coach Rex Ecarma. “He is very conscientious. I never have to worry about him flunking out or having unsportsmanlike conduct on the court.”
“Alex, again, is the model of a student-athlete,” said Ecrama. “He is a solid player.”
Both players have played significant roles in their respective positions. McCombe, who usually plays the No. 2 or No. 3 position in doubles and No. 5 or No. 6 singles, has been the anchor in the lineup. Playing a big part in U of L’s Conference USA championship team two years ago, he defied all opponents by becoming the only player in U of L history to go 6-0 in conference play. For his hard work, the coaches in the tournament voted him second team all conference, an award that usually goes to the No. 1 player in the lineup.
“Winning the conference in 2000 was emotional,” said McCombe. “We knew we deserved getting it. It was gratifying,”
Sivertsen, who plays at all positions in the lineup, was also a great part of the 2000 Conference USA championship. He racked up 25 wins at No. 3 singles, and competed successfully at the same position during the conference championship. “I’ve played a lot of great tennis. Winning Conference USA in 2000 was a great accomplishment,” said Sivertsen.
McCombe and Sivertsen have also put their noses to the books, even with the tremendous pressure of college tennis. McCombe is a marketing major with a 3.55 GPA. He has managed his time well, adjusting to the United States from Australia. “I want to focus on a career in sports marketing,” said McCombe. Alex has attacked the studies also. He has a 3.6 GPA. His major is finance with a minor in international business. “I want to work in investing,” said Sivertsen. “I want to go back home to Norway and work as a stock broker.”
“It has been a pleasure coaching these two players,” said Ecarma, “they have represented the University of Louisville and the Athletic Department well. They are rock solid.”
Their senior year has been a trying time for these two leaders due to team controversy and hard-fought matches that have ended in loss. “I try to lead by example,” said McCombe. “I do the things I have to do.”
“We lost a couple of close matches 4-3,” said Sivertsen. “We have to stay positive.”
The Cardinals are staying positive for the Conference USA tournament this year. “The key is to worry about your court and win a point for the team. We have to win on every court,” said Sivertsen. “The matches [throughout the season] show how close the game of tennis is.
“We have to pick ourselves up,” said McCombe. “We must play at our peak as much as possible.”
The tennis team has a strong chance in the tournament because they will be playing at home. “We are a dangerous team people don’t want to play,” said Ecarma.
The men’s team is preparing diligently for the end of the year tournament with the hopes of a bid to the NCAA tournament.
