The University of Mississippi Athletics
Rebel Netters Begin Season In ITA Top 25
1/3/2012 | Men's Tennis
Jan. 3, 2012
OXFORD, Miss. - The Ole Miss men's tennis team will begin the 2012 season ranked No. 24 in the nation as the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) announced its preseason team rankings as well as the latest individual rankings Tuesday.
The preseason team rankings are based mostly on the 2011 final ranking and results. The Rebels will have an early opportunity to make a statement as they face No. 18 Oklahoma in the first round of the ITA Kick-off Weekend at the end of this month, with a potential second round match-up against No. 13 Tennessee.
"The team has its sights high. We have a great schedule that includes four top 10 opponents and some excellent opportunities early in the season against top 20 opponents," head coach Billy Chadwick said. "There is a lot of excitement about our new additions to the tennis center, and this team is poised for an outstanding season."
Five of the top seven return from last year's team which earned the program's 18th consecutive NCAA appearance.
Leading the way is senior Marcel Thiemann, NCAA quarterfinalist two straight years. The two-time All-American-along with his twin brother, Chris Thiemann-looks to lead Ole Miss back to the top of the SEC and the nation. The Thiemann brothers were preseason ranked No. 2 in the nation, but due to injuries had limited fall results.
Junior Jonas Lutjen, who had an excellent fall, is ranked No. 98 in singles. He teamed with sophomore Johan Backstrom to capture the USTA/ITA Southern Regional title in the fall and participated in the USTA/ITA National Indoor.
Also back this year is junior Adrian Forberg Skogeng and redshirt-freshman Alex Durham. Making his debut this year is Nikala Scholtz, who is considered one of the top newcomers in collegiate tennis. Rounding out the Rebel squad are freshmen Joe Rogers and Oxford native Zach Wilder.
Fans will get the opportunity to see the Rebels on Jan. 26 prior to the men's basketball game against Florida, as the team hosts Southern Miss at the Gillom Sports Center. Admission is free and first serve is at 1:30 p.m.
Follow Ole Miss men's tennis on twitter at @OleMissMTennis and on facebook at www.facebook.com/OleMissMTennis.
