St. John's University Athletics
Tennis Postcard: Greetings from Tampa! Part 2
4/23/2006 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
April 23, 2006
TAMPA, Fla. - Good evening St. John's! This is Tom Green from the men's tennis team checking in from the BIG EAST Tennis Championships in Tampa, Fla.
We arrived in Tampa very early Wednesday morning and had our first pre-tournament practice that afternoon. The setting was ideal in preparing us for the humid conditions down here in Florida. The Embassy Suites Hotel that accommodated us is luxurious and treated us very well indeed, and the location of the hotel is perfect. It is only a five-minute drive from the courts at South Florida. After practice, a few of us were energized enough to run from the courts back to the hotel.
On our match days (yesterday and today), we have had great support from the women's team, who were never short of cheers from the sidelines or from the car. In our first match against USF, the girls, on the way to their afternoon match, passed our courts screaming "Go St. John's!" It was a pleasant surprise and very much appreciated.
Although we fell to South Florida in the first round, we came through in impressive style defeating Georgetown 4-2 in less than two hours this morning, proving to many that St. John's is here to compete at the highest level.
The team cohesion between the men and women's teams has been excellent. We've spent time together poolside as well as in the hotel lobby. Since we have played most of our matches in the morning, we've come out in the afternoon to show our support for the women's team. Last night we all went out to T.G.I. Friday's for dinner. The food was great, and it was good to see everyone chatting and socializing together.
I have greatly enjoyed our trip and I only see our team getting stronger and stronger under the guidance of Coach Rebhuhn in the coming years. On Sunday, we battle Rutgers for fifth place at noon, and before our match, the women's team will play West Virginia for fifth place as well. Then it is back home to New York.
Well, I think it's time for a little R&R before going to bed. Thanks for your all your support!
GO RED STORM!!!!
