|
Baumann proves to be the ultimate team player
 Media Credit: Christine Johnson/Editor SCSU sophomore Bryan Baumann holds a record of 14-5 as the number-two singles player for the Husky men�s tennis team.
|
|
Inside of the Gold's Gym Tennis Center in Sartell, another day of practice has come to an end for the SCSU men's tennis squad. As players are getting ready to head home, they notice a photographer arranging a photo involving second-year SCSU star Bryan Baumann. Almost immediately the friendly taunts begin.
"What's this for?" one player asks as Baumann is being put into position by the photographer.
"Probably a new spread for GQ," answers a teammate.
As the laughter begins to die down, it picks right back up again as another player adds: "Must be the most eligible bachelor issue."
Baumann manages to hold a straight face until the photographer finally settles on an acceptable shot. Much like he was able to take the friendly ribbing from his teammates, Baumann is also able to take his tremendous success on the tennis court in perfect stride.
Playing at number-two singles for the Huskies, Baumann has amassed an impressive record of 14-5 and appears on pace to match the success he enjoyed in his freshman season when he finished 19-6 in singles competition. Baumann then capped off his already stellar inaugural season by winning the NCC at number-three singles.
While in high school at Minneapolis South, Baumann was a six-time letter winner in tennis and was a state tournament participant. He also broke the school record for most career wins. Having already accomplished all of this, one would have understood if he came to SCSU a little cocky and expecting to tear apart the league as he, eventually, managed to do in his first season. So, did the high school star turned college phenom expect his first year triumphs?
"Not really," Baumann said. "I thought I was going to come in and play lower. It really ended up being a good experience and a good season."
Baumann owes his first-year success to many things, not the least of which was his own hard work. His fellow teammates played a big role as well.
"The guys on the team, especially Chris Caniff (a former SCSU tennis standout), really helped me out," Baumann said. "We all are always pushing each other to excel."
Excelling is something Baumann also does in doubles competition. Baumann and Caniff teamed up last season to come in second in the NCC at number-one doubles while this season Baumann has teamed with several SCSU netters, most successfully with senior Todd Bishop. Currently, Baumann is paired with SCSU's only other senior, Doug Lecy. The tandem is presently 2-2.
"I liked playing with Todd, but playing with Doug has gone pretty well," Baumann said of the current doubles line-up. "It hasn't really shown because we've lost some close ones but it really strengthens our doubles area. We just need to continue to practice together and we will improve."
"He can stay out on the court forever," Lecy said of his new doubles partner. "He just never wears down. He also hardly ever misses a shot. It's been fun so far."
Endurance and strong physical conditioning combine with a wicked backhand to make Baumann the force on the court that he is. A strong passion for the sport of tennis also plays a major role.
"I love the game," he said. "I like to go out there and play the way I believe I can play. If I can do that, I am happy."
With all of the success Baumann has already enjoyed, is there any flaw, any weakness that he needs to improve on? Of course there is. Any good athlete is always looking to improve, and Baumann is no exception.
"I can be streaky at times," he said. "I'd also like to improve my doubles play � that's really important to me."
Bauman continued by pointing out some of the numerous people who have guided him along on his tennis journey.
"I had a great coach back in high school," he said. "Chris (Caniff) also helped me out a lot last year along with the other guys on the team. It's really been a collective effort. Jerry (SCSU head coach Jerry Anderson) has pushed me a long way, too."
Baumann does not intend to grace the pages of GQ or any other magazine any time soon. What he will be doing is helping SCSU capture their ninth NCC crown in the history of the program. Four individual NCC titles also remains a possibility for Baumann.
Although he is not one to look too far down the road, the subject of winning four NCC championships has to be on Baumann's mind. When probed about the issue, he answers with quiet confidence.
"Yeah, I think I can do it. There's a good chance."
Adam Czech can be reached at: [email protected]
|
|
|
|
Privacy Policy Network Advertising Article Syndication
|
|
