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There’s a saying in sports about certain programs. They don’t rebuild, they reload. For nearly 20 years, that has been Paul Kostin’s VCU Rams. The years race by, and players come and go, but VCU Tennis continues to thrive. Kostin hopes to continue that distinction again in 2009. Despite losing a number of key contributors to graduation, the 19th-year coach believes the Black and Gold are in good health. “I think we’re about the same as last year,” Kostin said. “If everybody stays healthy we’ll be in good shape. We lost some good players at [positions] four, five and six that are going to be hard to replace, but we’re returning the top of our lineup.” In 2008, VCU captured its 11th Colonial Athletic Association title in 13 years and reached the NCAA Tournament for the 16th consecutive season. The Rams finished the year ranked 32nd by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association. In addition, Kostin became just the fifth Division I coach to reach 800 career victories (combined men’s and women’s). However, VCU will have to offset the losses of Alex Israel, Damien Lacombe and Sebastien Ripoll, who combined to win 51 singles matches last season. Kostin will look to returning starters Thibaut Charron, Emil Lindgren (pictured, right) and Martin Schulhauser to carry the load. “It’s crucial to have solid kids at the top,” Kostin said. A senior, Lindgren posted a 15-6 record in dual matches last season, mostly on the No. 2, 3 and 4 courts. The team’s captain, Kostin and Co. will lean heavily on Lindgren.
Charron (pictured, left) also transferred to VCU in 2008 and manned the No. 2 slot for the majority of the season. He will be called on again this year bolster the top of the Rams lineup. VCU also welcomes back sophomore Bobo Delemark, who showed promise with a 4-2 singles ledger in limited action. To fill the void left by graduation, Kostin will look to newcomers Benjamin Bouhana, Jordan Dyke, Filip Svensson, Nicolas Vinel and C.J. Williams. Vinel has already impressed, posting an 8-2 record during the fall season. He reached the Round of 16 at the ITA East Regional, as well as the semifinals in two other tournaments. The Rams will need everyone to contribute early and often, because Kostin has put together one of the nation’s most challenging schedules. Nationally recognized programs Duke, Wake Forest and Baylor, as well as an outstanding field at the Blue Gray Invitational await VCU. |
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As a junior transfer in 2008, Schulhauser established himself at the No. 1 singles position for VCU, capturing CAA Rookie of the Year honors. Schulhauser battled through injuries all season, but still managed a 6-9 singles mark while playing against some of the stiffest competition in the nation.All rights reserved.
