NAU Men's Tennis Moving Forward in Practice

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (October 26, 2020) - Following the disappointment of the last season being cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Northern Arizona University men's tennis team is working hard to ensure they are fully prepared for the upcoming campaign.

After dealing with issues regarding some of the international players' visas, the whole team has finally gathered in Flagstaff and are ready to get to work.

"The time we have now is crucial for the results we are trying to achieve in the spring," said NAU head coach Maciej Bogusz. "To actually have the team and all the new guys here being able to work together, it's very important."

A group of outstanding international players arrived this fall to bring their talent to the program. The incoming class is composed of freshmen Dominik Buzonics, Maciej Ziomber and transfer student-athlete Marcus Sulen from the University of Louisville. 

The remarkable list of personal accolades for all three of the newcomers has led fans and Bogusz alike to a feeling of excitement over the upcoming season. 

"They are doing very well so far, they are great guys and are starting to bond with the rest of the team," Bogusz said. "I think they are enjoying being at NAU and in Flagstaff, so everything is going according to plan."

Coming off of an extremely disheartening decision to cancel the majority of last season, the team is eager to get this season underway. In order to ensure the fact that the team is in the best position to succeed, Bogusz has kept them very busy in the lead up to the season. 

At the moment, Bogusz said a lot of the focus is geared toward development off the court as well as tennis-specific drills on the court. With the lengthy and physically demanding season upcoming, it is imperative that the players are in the best shape possible. 

"We spend a lot of time in the weight room, along with doing plenty of conditioning drills," Bogusz said. "This is important for injury prevention and is the foundation for our long season in the spring."

With Bogusz journeying to the United States from his home country of Poland, he understands the challenges presented for international players and how essential it is for the team's success to have a tight-knit culture. 

"They are on the other side of the world and everything is new to them," Bogusz said. "This team is a second family to them, and everyone can really learn a lot from each other."

Considering the amount of talent on the roster from top to bottom combined with the extensive amount of preparation that has been done this off-season, the program is keen to get the season underway.