Nichols College men's tennis captain David Drucker chronicles his experience as the team participates in the 2013 NCAA Division III Men's Tennis Championship.
Tuesday, May 7 -
I just came off these courts for what will probably be the last time. The Francis W. Robinson Courts have been my home away from home for the past four years. The feeling is surreal but I don't think it has sunk in yet. Maybe it will hit me next week after NCAAs, a place that my team and I will be heading to for the second year in a row. We made history last year picking up the first NCAA tournament win in athletics program history. This year, we're expected to do it again but this win will lead to more history - breaking the single-season wins record (19) at host site Williams College when we play Colby-Sawyer in the first round.
That seems to be the common word throughout my time at Nichols, 'history.' Making history from a team standpoint and making history from an individual standpoint. Both are accomplishments I am extremely proud of. I remember getting the email from Coach Brower asking to come up for a school visit and gauging my interest in joining the team. To be completely honest, I wanted nothing to do tennis after high school for several reasons, yet I stand here today and atop the record book with the all-time singles (63) and doubles (56) wins.
I have Coach Brower, my teammates and my friends and family to thank for that. I don't know of a better way to leave the program than going undefeated in conference play and leading the team to back-to-back conference championships. It's been one heck of a ride but all good things must come to an end. There were times where I thought tennis doesn't define who I am, it is just a sport I play. I was completely wrong. No matter what, the game of tennis - especially Nichols tennis will always be in my blood. Every athlete hopes to leave a legacy after their time has passed. I think it's safe to say I did just that as a leader on and off the court.
But, before I say goodbye for good, it's off to Williams we go!
Wednesday, May 8 -
The journey officially kicked off this morning as we packed the vans and shipped up to Williams. This trip is my third overall to Williamstown - two ITA trips and now one NCAA trip. I have a good feeling about this one. As they say, third time's the charm.
The roads were clear as can be as we coasted west. Making such good time, we were able to stop at the local BJ's Wholesale club to pick up some food for us Bison to graze on. From there it was straight to practice at Williams' Lansing Chapman Rink where we will be playing our first match vs. Colby Sawyer tomorrow morning at 8:00 am.
Practice went well for the guys today. It's as if we never left after making the noise we did back in the Fall. Brandon, Justin and I all remembered the feel of those courts real well. We're all excited to get back out there tomorrow morning. The best part though was when Williams' players came in to get ready for their practice. They caught a glimpse of what we're going to bring to the table in the second round.
The anticipation and excitement is building quickly but first we have to take care of business tomorrow vs. Colby Sawyer. It's time for us Bison to do what we do best... Boost!
Thursday, May 9 -
The alarm goes off at 6:00 a.m. and its up and at it for the team. It was a bit of a struggle with no hot water in the house but we made due. After a quick breakfast it was off to the match. A change of plans and weather had us moving from indoors back outside for our first round match vs Colby-Sawyer.
Everyone got out to a quick start in doubles and that set the tone for the rest of the match. Before I knew it No. 1 doubles was done in the blink of an eye. No. 3 doubles followed right before Justin and I closed the door.
Just like doubles, singles moved nice and quick as Eduardo was up to his magician-like ways once again on court three. Lucky for me, I was able to secure the team win and my first singles tournament win. I didn't get that chance last year so it was definitely a great feeling. It was an awesome all around job by the team today.
A nice team dinner and team campfire thereafter was a great way to top off the day and get ready for the big one tomorrow vs Williams. We're going in with that 'why not' mentality as we hope to pull off the major upset.
Friday, May 10 -
Wow, what a run! I can't even put into words how proud I am of my team. Everyone fought their hardest today and shocked more than a few people with the results. Talk about saving the best for last, Eduardo and Brandon absolutely dominated the number one team in the northeast and that in itself, I think, is a victory for the team.
It's absolutely surreal knowing that it's all over but all I can say is how proud I am to be a part of this team the past four years. I wish nothing but the best for the team and the program in years to come. My time is officially up and I'm walking out of here a winner, a champion, with my head held high. Thank you everyone at Nichols for an unforgettable four years.
