By Josh Lipka
The University of Louisville Cardinal athletics has once again produced another national championship competitor. The 2010-2011 Cards men’s tennis team bounces back this fall in pursuit for the 2011 national championship trophy.
The Cardinal’s enter this fall season with two singles players and two doubles teams in the 2010 Intercollegiate Tennis Association Preseason National rankings. Senior Austin Childs is UofL’s highest ranked singles player in history sitting at No. 10 while senior Simon Childs starts at No. 63. Simon Childs and his partner senior Alejandro Calligari hold the Cards No. 1 doubles spot and are ranked No.14 amongst the nation. Austin Childs and his teammate Viktor Maksimcuk are the Cards No. 2 doubles team and are also ranked nationally at No. 45.
“I’m just trying to play my best tennis,” said Austin Childs.
Nicknamed the Fab Four, the four seniors have reached new heights for this program’s exceptional legacy. The combination of the Fab Four and a head coach with 20 years of experience, has win written all over it.
Head coach Rex Ecarma enters his 21st season with the Cards. With an already outstanding reputation, coach Ecarma recently added to his list of achievements ending the 2010 season with a record breaking most wins in a season along with fewest losses in a season. The Cards were ranked at a historical all time high at No. 10, and finished at the programs all time best at No. 13.
For coach Ecarma, his career is more than work. After 20 years coach still hasn’t skipped a beat.
“This is my passion,” said Ecarma. “This isn’t a job to me. This is my passion. I love it.”
Coming from a family with six UofL degrees including himself, being a Cardinal is in coach Ecarma’s blood.
“Both my brother’s and my sister graduated from the university,” said Ecarma. “I have so much pride in this university. I love this university and always have.”
Knowing the potential of what the team is capable of achieving, the road for the national championship is now.
“This fall season I’ll be able to get really tuned up,” said junior Robert Hall. “The fall really prepares me for the spring season where it really counts much more.”
Hall was the No. 6 spot in the Cards 2010 campaign.
“I’m excited to see what Robert Hall will do,” said Ecarma. “This fall Robert will get a chance to play the top players from a lot of schools. This is going to be a great experience for him.”
Two years ago Hall remembers the Cards being ranked 48th in the nation.
“No. 10 defiantly means a lot,” said Hall. “We have started the same people for past two years. That same team went from 48th to 10th. There still is so much room for improvement.”
The Cardinals next home match will be the Louisville Winter Invitational October, 29 2010.
“The goal is to be top five consistently throughout the year,” said Hall. “It’s nice to have that ranking and that confidence. There’s still a long road to go.”
Ecarma is certainly hopeful for the team’s chance this year.
“I want to enjoy the season with team this year,” said coach Ecarma. “I’m really proud of those guys. We’re not afraid of anything.”
