The Roadrunner Men's Tennis team is off to a solid 7-1 start in dual meet competition at the mid-point of the 2025 season, and Coach Brian Rowan can point to several factors for his club's success.
With the spring season half over, this year's team has picked up convincing wins over conference rivals Brookdale, Ocean, and Mercer, with the only loss coming against a powerful Harford CC team.
Returning veterans Rich Feldman, Brayan Cardenas, Jackson Huhn and Mike Olsen have all improved but credit must be given to incoming freshmen Maddox Marker and Chase Rollins (both from Pitman) and newcomer Steven Bonilla (from Lindenwold). Feldman is holding down the #1 singles spot after a battle with his doubles partner, Marker, both teaming at #1 doubles. Rollins, at #3, is right on their heels in singles and teams with Cardenas at #2 doubles. Third doubles is anchored by #5 singles Bonilla, who will team with either Huhn or Olsen, who are competing for the #6 singles position.
Feldman, a sophomore who won at both #1 singles and #1 doubles in Thursday's 9-0 win over visiting Williamson College of the Trades, said that the team is loaded with talented athletes. Feldman played a key role in helping the Runners win the Region 19 title last spring at Mercer County Park.
"The competition among our teammates has been intense, and that's really made all of us a lot better," said Feldman. "We've had great practices, and it's showing in our matches."
Rollins, a freshman, is one of several freshmen making strong contributions, with his efforts at #3 singles and #2 doubles.
"The coaching staff really works well with everyone, and my teammates have been great," said Rollins. "I'm glad to be playing a role in our success, and we know that we have a tough second-half schedule coming up -- but we're ready to battle."
Asked about his thoughts on the rest of the season, Coach Brian Rowan expressed pleasure over the practice habits and team spirit of this year's Roadrunner team so far, but pointed out a tough non-conference schedule in the second half of the season and a potentially difficult rematch with a strong Mercer team.
Said Rowan, "Mercer played us tough in our first match with us and they were missing their #1 player. With him in their lineup, we will have our hands full. But I am confident that our team will continue to improve and we are looking forward to the Region 19 tournament and a return to Chattanooga, TN, for the national championships."