The goal of the men's tennis season is to once again capture the NCC championship after taking second last year. This year's team looks to be a top regional competitor and once again qualify for the national tournament.

Fourth-year head coach, Jonathan Casper, will have a senior-led group with some young guns that will be vying for playing time. Last year was highlighted by a berth in the North Central Regional Championship after upsetting Northwest Missouri State in the regional semi-finals. The team made it to the NCAA round of 32 with the upset and was later beaten by Metro State 5-2 in the championship. This year, the Bears look to build on last year's success while also capturing the NCC championship. The Bears have started the 2002-2003 season of well with wins over CU-Colorado Springs, Colorado Christian, and Mesa State. Their only loss of the fall was to Metro State.

A year ago, the Bears posted a 15-10 overall record and finished second at the North Central Conference Championships. The Bears return 5 out 6 starters from last year's squad led by seniors Jim Flanigan (Thornton, Colo.) and Brian Bishop (Colorado Springs, Colo.). Flanigan compiled a 12-13 record at No. 2 singles and a 12-3 record at No. 2 doubles. Flanigan placed second at the NCC Championships and first in doubles. Last season, Bishop finished with a 13-14 mark at No. 3 singles and a 13-2 mark at No. 3 doubles. Bishop won the NCC title at No. 3 doubles with Adam Benshoof and placed second in singles. Coach Casper expects both players to continue their strong doubles play while also getting some consistent wins at their singles positions.

The Bears have three other seniors that will be returning. Matt Bong (Greeley, Colo.) who posted a 14-5 record at No. 5 singles in 2001-2 and won some pressure matches for the Bears. Bong teamed with Flanigan at No. 2 doubles last year at they will play No. 1 doubles in 2002-2003. Chris Humphrey (Topeka, Kan.) was 6-11 at No. 4 singles at played No. 1 doubles with Reed last season. Adam Benshoof (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) posted a 13-7 singles record and a 13-2 doubles record with teammate Bishop at No. 3 doubles. It is obvious by this year's squad that experience is not an issue and that the Bears will use this experience to win close matches.

Among the returnees to the Bears is sophomore Jeff Hall (Wheat Ridge, Colo.). Hall has an impressive all-round game and will be a valuable player that has the potential to play high in the lineup. Sophomore Chris Manichanh (Greeley, Colo.) posted a 3-0 singles record in limited play last season. New to the Bears are Pete Weyhrich (Englewood, Colo.) and Chris M (N.M.). Pete posted a 2-0 record at No. 6 singles and No. 3 doubles in the fall. Chris posted a 2-3 record at No. 2 singles and a 3-1 record at No. 3 doubles in the fall.

The Bears' schedule will be give them a chance to play the elite in Division II tennis this year. Along with matches against Colorado teams, the Bears will participate in the Broncho Invitational where 9 of the 12 invited teams are currently ranked in the top 30 in the nation. The Bears will also play top regional teams in Washburn and Northwest Missouri State in Topeka, Kan.