The University of Mississippi Athletics
Rebel Netters Ranked No. 6 In Preseason National Rankings
1/9/2007 | Men's Tennis
Ole Miss is one of two teams from the nation’s toughest conference (SEC) to be ranked in the top 10. Georgia, who finished runner-up last year in the NCAA Championships, secured the top spot in the rankings, followed by
In 2006, the Rebels captured their fifth consecutive SEC Western Division Championship and advanced to the NCAA “Sweet Sixteen” for the 11th time in the history of the program. The Rebels return six of the top seven from last year and will be joined by German standout Matthias Wellermann, who becomes eligible at the start of the semester.
“We are thrilled to begin another season ranked in the top 10,” head coach Billy Chadwick said. “The guys worked really hard in the fall. We had a strong showing on the court and in the classroom, with five members of the squad making the University honor roll.
“We have an exciting team from top to bottom, and the guys are looking forward to vying for another SEC Championship.”
The Rebels boast three players in the singles rankings led by junior Erling Tveit. Tveit, who posted a 9-4 record in the fall, was ranked No. 8 in the preseason rankings and is now ranked No. 40.
The preseason rankings were done by a vote and largely based on where a player finished the previous season. This ranking is the first one done by a computer which strictly factors in wins and losses.
“Erling will likely move back into the top 10 in the country in the next ranking, Chadwick said. “One of his wins includes the current No. 1 player in the nation.”
Juniors Jakob Klaeson and Robbye Poole are ranked No. 75 and 79 respectively after solid fall campaigns. Klaeson reached the third round of the main draw at the 2006 All-American Championships.
In the doubles rankings, Chris Rea teamed up with two different players. He is ranked No. 10 with Klaeson. The pair captured the Middle Tennessee Invitational, knocking off one of the top teams in the nation on their home court. Rea is also ranked No. 37 with Bram ten Berge. He combined with both to go 13-2 in the fall.
The Rebels will begin the season Jan. 19-22 at the SEC Indoor Championships in New Orleans, La. Their first dual match will be Jan. 24 when they host Murray State at 2 p.m. at the Gillom Sports Center.
