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2011 MEN'S TENNIS LETTERS OF INTENT SIGNEES
The following student-athletes have signed NJCAA letters of intent to continue their academic and tennis careers at Prairie State College beginning in the Fall 2011 semester:
PIONEERS AT THE NEXT LEVEL
The following 2010-2011 Prairie State College Ftnnis players are currently attending four-year institutions.
Luke Bihl
June 15, 2011
PIONEERS PLACE 14 ON ACADEMIC ALL-CONFERENCE LIST
Several Prairie State College student-athletes proved once again that success on the scholastic front can directly be correlated to triumphs in the athletic arena.
The PSC Athletic Department was pleased to learn that 14 of its student-athletes were named to the 2010-11 Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference All-Academic Team.
"What these 14 student-athletes have done is a great accomplishment," PSC Director of Physical Education and Athletics, Ed Schaffer said. "Their work ethic and dedication have enabled them to excel in the classroom as well as in their chosen sports. They epitomize what it means to be a student-athlete."
Leading the way for Prairie State's honorees, and making some school history along the way, was sophomore men's cross country runner Steve Tijerina (Covenant Christian H.S.).
Tijerina, a major contributor to the Pioneers' success on the race course this past fall, became Prairie State's first recipient of the prestigious Dick Durrant Sophomore Academic Athlete of the Year Award.
The Durrant Award, named after legendary Elgin Athletic Director, Dick Durrant, is presented to sophomore student-athletes who have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 4.0 in at least 48 hours of course work.
Out of the three Durrant Award winners of 2010-11, Tijerina was the lone male recipient.
In order to be selected to the Skyway Conference All-Academic Team, a student-athlete must produce a minimum GPA of 3.0 in at least 48 semester hours.
Tijerina was joined on the all-academic squad by women's freshman cross country runner Kara Boss (Homeschooled).
Boss graduated magna cum laude (GPA between 3.65-3.84).
The Pioneers' baseball program landed three athletes on the all-academic team as sophomore Tom Lally (De La Salle Institute), sophomore Mark Scott (Marian Catholic H.S.) and sophomore Zach Smerz (Reavis H.S.) were all chosen.
Lally also graduated magna cum laude.
Sophomore women's soccer and basketball standout Tara Spell (Wilmington H.S.) represented two sports on the team.
Sophomore Sophia Miranda (Bloom Trail H.S.) and freshman Zanah Thirus (Homeschooled) both represented women's soccer on the all-academic squad.
Freshman women's basketball player Leah Avery (Brooks Academy) also made the team.
Sophomore Tomer Sirma (Dekel Vilni H.S., Israel), (Men's Soccer), sophomore Luke Bihl (Andrew H.S.), (Tennis), sophomore Cody Staton (Bloom Trail H.S.), (Golf), sophomore Kristen Hensen (Beecher H.S.), (Softball) and sophomore Melissa Smerz (Bremen H.S.), (Volleyball) were also selected.
May 5, 2011
PSC TENNIS SERVES UP POSTSEASON HONORS
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| Luke Bihl was an All-Region IV selection. | Garrett Irvine was an All-Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference pick. | Korie Wooden was tabbed to the All-Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference team. |
After an outstanding season, which saw it claim a third-place finish at the NJCAA Region IV Tournament and a second-place showing in the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference standings, the Prairie State College tennis team was rewarded for those efforts recently.
The Pioneers, who completed the 2011 campaign with a 6-2 regular-season record, saw three players earn postseason recognition.
Sophomore Luke Bihl (Andrew H.S.) claimed the region title at third singles.
For Bihl, who closed out the season with a 10-1 overall record, the region crown marked the second year in a row that he closed out his season with a championship. In 2010 the 6-foot-2, 191-pound Bihl was the Region IV titleist at second singles.
"Luke has worked hard on his game all year," PSC head coach Patrick Reichard said. "He was at every practice and worked out almost every day. His dedication paid off this year, collecting a 7-1 regular-season record, and he avenged that one loss in the finals of the region tournament."
Freshman Garrett Irvine (Homewood-Flossmoor H.S.), who sat out last season due to a knee injury, made a triumphant return to the court in 2011, recording a 7-2 overall record and perfect 5-0 mark in Skyway Conference action.
The 6-foot-1, 183-pound Irvine's unblemished run through league play earned him a spot on the all-conference team.
"Garrett returned to PSC tennis after suffering a terrible knee injury before the season started last year," Reichard said. "He went through a difficult nine-month rehabilitation but came back stronger and more motivated.
"He fought hard in every match and collected a 7-1 regular-season record and was 5-0 in conference play. He was seeded second in the region tournament, but suffered a heart-breaking first-round match against a very strong seven seed. I know his experience in the tournament was just fuel for the fire, and Garrett has already started preparing for next season."
Irvine also teamed up with fellow freshman Korie Wooden (Rich Central H.S.) to lock down another 5-0 record in Skyway play at No. 2 doubles.
The tandem went 11-3 overall and was also selected to the All-Skyway team.
"Korie and Garrett came into this season as the freshman second doubles team and absolutely dominated that spot," Reichard said. "They were undefeated in conference play, runner ups at the Webster's Doubles Classic, and runner ups in the regional tournament. Unfortunately, there was one team that always had their number. They are both returning next year and plan to continue their winning ways at first doubles."
Sophomore Luke Bihl claimed the Region IV championship at third singles Saturday.
April 29-30, 2011
PIONEERS PLACE THIRD AT REGION IV MEET
PALOS HILLS, Ill.—The Prairie State College tennis team accomplished what few teams do in just its second season of existence: A high finish at the region tournament.
Led by sophomore Luke Bihl's (Andrew H.S.) championship at No. 3 singles, the Pioneers hustled their way to a third-place finish at the NJCAA Region IV Tournament Friday and Saturday at Moraine Valley.
The high finish proved to be especially sweet for PSC considering the fact that the 2011 season marked just the second campaign since head coach Patrick Reichard helped resurrect the program, which had been defunct for over a decade.
Needless to say, Reichard was more than pleased with his team's effort.
"This year's competition was a lot tougher than last year's," Reichard said. "All the guys had really tough tournament draws, despite their great success during the regular season.
"All our players played their guts out, and everyone contributed at least a point to the finish."
Bihl moved to an impressive 10-1 on the season thanks to his 3-0 mark at the tournament.
The 6-foot-2, 191-pound Bihl won his quarterfinal match 6-2, 6-1 before triumphing 6-3, 6-1 in the semifinal and 1-6, 6-4 (10-5) in the championship tilt.
Saturday's victory marked Bihl's second Region IV title. The two-time champion was crowned the Region IV titlist at No. 2 singles a year ago.
"Luke was given the number one seed, even though he lost to Moraine Valley's player during the season," Reichard said. "He avenged that loss with an amazing comeback win. Last year, Luke had a miracle win over Moraine's number two player."
While Bihl proved to be PSC’s only champion, there were still plenty of outstanding efforts to go around.
Prairie State’s No.2 doubles pairing of freshman Korie Wooden (Rich Central H.S.) and freshman Garrett Irvine (Homewood-Flossmoor H.S.) won their quarterfinal match 6-1, 6-2 and semifinal bout 6-2, 6-1.
Unfortunatley, the Wooden/Irvine express was halted in the championship match 6-2, 6-1.
“Korie and Garrett made a great comeback as well,” Reichard said. “Both guys are great singles players, but were defeated in the first round. They came back in the doubles draw and made it to the finals, losing to a stacked Moraine Valley squad.”
Sophomore Carlos Alcantar (Marian Catholic H.S.) worked his way into the semifinals with a 6-3, 6-0 quarterfinal victory at second singles.
Sophomore Ray Wilke (Bremen H.S.) also triumphed in quarterfinal action at No. 6 singles, claiming a 6-1, 6-2 win before falling 6-2, 6-3 in the semis.
PSC’s No. 3 doubles tandem of freshman Salvador Alcantar (Marian Catholic H.S.) and Wilke also made the semifinals, winning their quarterfinal draw 6-2, 6-2.
Garrett Irvine moved to 5-0 in Skyway play.
April 21, 2011
PIONEERS PITCH SHUTOUT
The Prairie State College tennis team posted its first shutout since the program was resurrected in 2010 Thursday afternoon.
The Pioneers (6-2, 4-1) upended Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference nemesis Waubonsee 9-0 at Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights.
With the win, PSC also moved to a perfect 4-0 on its home courts.
Freshman Korie Wooden (Rich Central H.S.) improved to 5-3 at first singles with a 6-1, 6-0 win.
Sophomore Carlos Alcantar (Marian Catholic H.S.) bumped his record to 7-1 overall and 4-1 in league play with a 6-2, 6-0 triumph at No. 2 while sophomore Luke Bihl (Andrew H.S.) also moved to 7-1 with a 6-2, 6-0 win at No. 3.
Freshman Garrett Irvine (Homewood-Flossmoor H.S.) stayed unblemished in conference action (5-0) while earning his seventh win courtesy, of a 6-2, 6-3 triumph at No. 4.
Freshman Salvador Alcantar (Marian Catholic H.S.) improved to 4-4 with a 6-1, 6-2 win at No. 5.
Sophomore Ray Wilke (Bremen H.S.) triumphed by default at No. 6 to run his record to 6-2.
On the doubles side, the No. 1 team of Carlos Alcantar and Bihl improved to 7-4 overall, while the No. 2 tandem of Wooden and Irvine moved to 9-2 and 5-0 in league play.
The Pioneers third team of Salvador Alcantar and Wilke won by default and to 6-4 overall and 4-1 in Skyway play.
Garrett Irvine moved to 4-0 in Skyway Conference play on Thursday.
April 14, 2011
PIONEERS EARN FIFTH WIN OF CAMPAIGN
The Prairie State College tennis team continued its outstanding season Thursday, adding another win to its already impressive ledger.
The Pioneers (5-2, 3-1) knocked off Illinois Skyway Intercollegiate Conference counterpart Elgin 8-1 at Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights.
Prairie State won five of its six singles matches and all three battles on the doubles side.
Freshman Korie Wooden (Rich Central H.S.) bumped his first single’s record above the .500 mark (4-3) courtesy of a 6-1, 6-2 triumph.
Sophomore Carlos Alcantar (Marian Catholic H.S.) moved to 6-1 on the year at No. 2 and 3-1 in conference play with a 6-1, 6-4 victory.
Sophomore Luke Bihl (Andrew H.S.) also moved to 6-1 overall and 3-1 in league play with a 6-2, 6-1 win at No. 3 while freshman Garrett Irvine (Homewood-Flossmoor H.S.) claimed 6-2, 6-0 victory at No. 4.
Irvine is currently 6-1 on the year and an unblemished 4-0 in Skyway action.
Sophomore Ray Wilke (Bremen H.S.) saw his record jump to 5-2 overall and 3-1 in conference play thanks to a hard-fought 1-6, 6-4, 10-8 victory at No.6.
The Pioneers’ top doubles pairing of Carlos Alcantar and Bihl (6-4, 2-2) claimed a solid 6-1, 6-3 win while the second team of Wooden and Irvine (8-2, 4-0) earned a 6-2, 7-6 triumph.
The third doubles team of freshman Salvador Alcantar (Marian Catholic H.S.) and Wilke (5-4, 3-1) also was victorious, scoring a 1-6, 6-4, 10-8 win.
April 12, 2011
PIONEERS DROP NON-CONFERENCE MATCH WITH DUPAGE
GLEN ELLYN, Ill.—The Prairie State College tennis team saw its overall record fall to 4-2 Tuesday after dropping a non-conference confrontation against DuPage.
The Pioneers picked up both of their wins in singles competition as sophomore Carlos Alcantar (Marian Catholic H.S.) won his match at No.2, 6-3, 2-6, 10-4 while sophomore Luke Bihl (Andrew H.S.) also triumphed at No. 3 3-6, 6-0,10-5.
Alcantar and Bihl both ran their season records to 5-1.
April 9, 2011
PIONEERS PUT FORTH STRONG SHOWING AT WEBSTER CLASSIC
GLEN ELLYN, Ill.—The Prairie State College tennis team turned in another impressive effort Saturday at the Webster Doubles Classic at DuPage.
The Pioneers’ first doubles team of sophomore Carlos Alcantar (Marian Catholic H.S.) and sophomore Luke Bihl (Andrew H.S.), after dropping their first match of the day, ended up winning the consolation bracket at No. 1, courtesy of an 8-3 win.
PSC’s tandem of freshman Korie Wooden (Rich Central H.S.) and freshman Garrett Irvine (Homewood-Flossmoor H.S.) advanced to the championship round at second doubles before falling in the title match.
Prairie State’s No. 3 team of freshmen Salvador Alcantar (Marian Catholic H.S.) and Ray Wilke (Bremen H.S.) won their first match of the day at No. 3.
April 7, 2011
PIONEERS MOVE TO 4-1 ON CAMPAIGN
GLENVIEW, Ill.—Catapulted by five wins in singles action, the Prairie State College tennis team scored a solid 7-2 win over Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference rival Oakton Thursday afternoon.
The Pioneers (4-1, 2-1) also claimed two doubles matches.
Sophomore Carlos Alcantar (Marian Catholic H.S.) ran his season mark to 4-1 with a 6-1, 7-5 triumph at second singles as sophomore Luke Bihl (Andrew H.S.) also prevailed at No.3 with a 6-2, 6-3 triumph.
Freshman Garrett Irvine (Homewood-Flossmoor H.S.) also scored a big win at No. 4, claiming a 6-1, 6-0 win.
Freshman Salvador Alcantar (Marian Catholic H.S.) won 7-6, 6-1 at No.5 while sophomore Ray Wilke (Bremen H.S.) closed out singles play with a 6-0, 6-0 win.
The Pioneers' No. 2 doubles team of freshman Korie Wooden (Rich Central H.S.) and Irvine won at No. 2 doubles 6-3, 6-1 while the third tandem of Salvador Alcantar and Wilke also prevailed 6-0, 6-0.
April 4, 2011
PIONEERS SUFFER FIRST SETBACK OF THE YEAR
EVERGREEN PARK, Ill.—The Prairie State College tennis team found itself in an unfamiliar position Monday: On the wrong side of the score sheet.
The Pioneers (3-1, 1-1) suffered their first loss of the year, falling to Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference rival Moraine Valley 5-4 in a contest that was held indoors at the Evergreen Racquet and Fitness Club, due to Monday’s less than ideal outdoor conditions.
“This was a heartbreaking loss,” said PSC head coach Patrick Reichard. “But, there were a few bright spots. Korie Wooden won at first singles, and Garrett Irvine is still undefeated at fourth singles. And our first and second doubles teams made a statement with their victories.”
The freshman Wooden (Rich Central H.S.) upended his opponent 6-3, 6-3 in the first slot, while sophomore Garrett Irvine (Homewood-Flossmoor H.S.) kept his unblemished season record intact courtesy of a 6-0, 6-0 triumph at No. 4.
On the doubles side, sophomores Carlos Alcantar (Marian Catholic H.S.) and Luke Bihl (Andrew H.S.) ran their record to 3-1 with a 6-0, 6-2 victory at No.1 while the No. 2 tandem of Irvine and Wooden outlasted their counterparts 7-6, 6-1.
“I think it will give us a little more motivation to work harder for the rest of the season,” Reichard said. “I know all the guys are looking forward to another chance to play Moraine Valley at the regional tournament.”
April 2, 2011
PIONEERS MOVE TO 3-0 WITH WIN OVER SAUK VALLEY
The Prairie State College tennis team is on a roll with no intentions of stopping any time soon.
The Pioneers moved to a perfect 3-0 on the season Saturday with a convincing 8-1 triumph over Sauk Valley at Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights.
Prairie State won five of six singles matches and all three doubles contests.
PSC picked up a 4-6. 6-4, 10-8 win from freshman Korie Wooden (Rich Central H.S.) at No. 1 singles.
Sophomore Carlos Alcantar (Marian Catholic H.S.) also won at No. 2, triumphing 6-0, 6-1 as did sophomore Luke Bihl (Andrew H.S.), (6-1, 6-1) at third singles.
Freshman Garrett Irvine (Homewood-Flossmoor H.S.) earned a 6-0, 6-2 win at No. 4 and sophomore Ray Wilke (Bremen H.S.) bested his opponent 6-0, 6-0 at No. 6.
Carlos Alcantar, Bihl, Irvine and Wilke are all 3-0 on the season.
Bihl and Carlos Alcantar also made a big splash at No. 1 doubles, triumphing 6-3, 6-0. Wooden and Irvine also won at No. 2 doubles 6-4, 7-5 and freshman Salvador Alcantar (Marian Catholic H.S.) and Wilke also triumphed at No. 3, 6-0, 6-0.
March 31, 2011
PIONEERS MOVE TO 2-0 ON CAMPAIGN
ALGONQUIN, Ill.—The Prairie State College tennis team moved to 2-0 on the season thanks to a 7-2 victory over Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference foe McHenry on Thursday.
The Pioneers (2-0, 1-0) claimed five of the contest’s six singles matches and two of the three doubles battles.
Sophomore Carlos Alcantar (Marian Catholic H.S.) earned a 6-3, 6-1 triumph at No. 2 singles.
Sophomore Luke Bihl (Andrew H.S.) bested his opponent at No. 3 6-0, 6-3 as did freshman Garrett Irvine (Homewood-Flossmoor H.S.) who won at fourth singles 6-1, 6-0.
Freshman Salvador Alcantar (Marian Catholic H.S.) triumphed at No. 5 6-1, 6-0 and sophomore Ray Wilke (Bremen H.S.) also picked up a win at No. 6 6-0, 6-1.
On the doubles side, the No. 2 tandem of Irvine and freshman Korie Wooden (Rich Central H.S.) claimed a 6-0, 6-2 win.
Wilke and Salvador Alcantar teamed up at No.3 to claim a 6-2, 6-2 win.
March 28, 2011
PIONEERS OPEN SEASON ON HIGH NOTE
What a difference a year can make.
Last season, the Prairie State College men’s tennis team found itself off to an 0-3 start.
Monday afternoon the Pioneers made sure that wouldn’t happen again.
Prairie State (1-0) upended Illinois Valley 8-1 at Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights.
The Pioneers claimed all six of their singles matches and two out of three doubles bouts to take the contest in convincing fashion.
Second-year head coach Patrick Reichard was certainly pleased with Monday’s performance.
“This match was a great way to start the season,” Reichard said. “We won all of our singles matches, without even dropping a set. And three new Pioneers made their team debut: Korie Wooden at first singles, Garrett Irvine at fourth singles, and Salvador Alcantar at fifth singles. But all of the guys contributed something to this win.”
Prairie State picked up a 6-2, 6-3 triumph at first singles from the freshman Wooden (Rich Central H.S.).
Sophomore Carlos Alcantar (Marian Catholic H.S.) also prevailed at No. 2, earning a 6-3, 6-2 win, while fellow sophomore Luke Bihl (Andrew H.S.) also earned a 6-1, 6-1 victory at third singles.
Freshman Irvine (Homewood-Flossmoor H.S.) also scored a big win in his collegiate debut, winning his match at No. 4 6-0, 6-1. The 6-1, 183-pound Irvine missed all of last season due to a knee injury.
Freshman Salvador Alcantar (Marian Catholic) also notched a convincing win, triumphing 6-2, 6-0, as did sophomore Ray Wilke (Bremen H.S.), (6-1, 6-0).
On the doubles side, Carlos Alcantar and Bihl both scored a major triumph at No. 1, earning a 6-4, 6-1 win.
Wooden and Irvine also outlasted their opponents in a hard-fought match at second doubles, 6-7, 6-1, 10-8.