Men's tennis tries to pull the slots in Vegas

By Eric Powell

For the Daily

The Michigan men's tennis team hopes to cash in this weekend - literally.

A trip to The Las Vegas Shootout this weekend opens many opportunities for the team beyond slot machines. Although the team usually finishes up in Madison during its fall season, Michigan coach Mark Mees believes that taking a trip to Las Vegas will give the team more experience against solid programs before the start of the winter season.

"Three great tennis programs are competing in Las Vagas, allowing our squad great chances to improve before the start of the New Year," Mees said. "Playing in Vegas will also give the guys a chance to relax and enjoy themselves".

Weber State, UNLV and Minnesota will all be participating in the Shootout, giving Michigan junior Henry Beam a chance for revenge. Beam lost to Minnesota's Thomas Haug 6-4, 6-2 in the ITA Regional Championship semifinals this past Sunday. Mees expects great things from Beam this season. Beam has emerged as the key player on the team this year, due to his hard practice in the offseason and playing in tournaments over the summer.

"Although Henry has aspects of his game to work on, he is showing that he is one of the best players in this part of the country," Mees said. "I wouldn't be surprised to see him take his game beyond the collegiate level. Henry works hard in the offseason, and it shows."

Beyond Beam's improvement, Mees expects solid playing from his young team. This year's squad consists of four juniors, three sophomores and one freshman. Although Mees is concerned about the lack of senior influence, he hopes that his team will mature early in the season and be able to compete mentally with older opponents.

"Having a young squad lacking senior leadership hurts any squad, but I am sure that the team will overcome growing pains and be confident that they will win this season," Mees said.

With the entire team returning for next season, Mees expects the players to mold and improve together.

"The underclassmen players have shown intensity and great play, and we expect them to improve throughout the course of the season," Mees said.

As for Mees, there is no place he would rather be than coaching tennis at his alma mater. Mees was a 1983 All-American at Michigan and a four-year letterman, posting a 78-37 career singles record during his tenure in Ann Arbor. Mees also privately coached fellow Michigan alum MaliVai Washington. Although Mees loves being back in Maize and Blue, he admits that there are hardships to coaching.

"Extra hours practicing and constant recruiting can be tough," said Mees. "But I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world."