The St. Bonaventure men’s tennis team concluded its fall season Nov. 3. Although the three events didn’t count towards the team record, there were many opportunities in the fall season for growth.
Senior captain John Rutkowski said the fall season is a great time to get practice in for the spring.
“Being a captain this year, I wanted to make sure the guys were using the season to get matches in,” Rutkowski said. “Making sure they practice for the spring. There is nothing like match play.”
Rutkowski mentioned how he wants the younger players to learn how to play matches and get matches under their belt before they start counting towards the team record.
As Rutkowski has been thrust into a leadership role, he feels grateful for the opportunity his coaches and teammates have given him. As for his leadership style, Rutkowski relies on his experience and relationships with his teammates.
“I think as the people before me led, I try and learn from that and take things they did,” Rutkowski said. “If I didn’t like it, I change it and vice versa. Each player on our team responds differently to different kinds of things. Some people you can be more upfront with things while other people you have to work at it a little more.”
According to Rutkowski, a tough transition for the freshmen on the team is getting used to the team aspect of college tennis.
“At least in the United States’ high school tennis, unless you are in South Carolina or California, it’s more individually focused,” Rutkowski said. “For some guys, it’s different. They aren’t used to cheering against them. College is a lot louder.”
Duquesne and Colgate are two colleges that have been loud in the past, according to Rutkowski.
While Rutkowski has been focused on leading the team, he has had plenty of success in the fall session on the court as well. Rutkowski and doubles partner, Martin Estevarena, were victorious in fall matches versus Niagara and Roberts Wesleyan at the SBU Fall Classic. The two also won their doubles match against Army at the Army West Point Invitational.
Rutkowski credited his success with Estevarena to becoming experienced in doubles-match play.
“Martin and I played some last year,” Rutkowski said. “Towards the end of the spring season, we played with other partners. Playing with other people and then coming back to a previous partner, you kind of learn things about your game but how doubles as a whole works. Being more comfortable and trusting on the court led to that success.”
The Bonnies team had many victories in the fall session. The team won 17 out of 21 matches in the SBU Fall Classic. Sophomore Marco Rivolo had two singles wins as well as two doubles wins with Rutkowski at the Navy Invitational. Senior Lukas Linden Malmberg won his match, 6-0, versus Holy Cross at the Army West Point Invitational.
Rutkowski is putting in repetitions in training and staying focused for the spring season. As for the team’s success, Rutkowski is optimistic.
“I think we have pretty good team cohesion going into the season,” Rutkowski said. “I’m excited.”
By Bryce Kelly, Contributing Writer
kellybw19@bonaventure.edu
