Oberlin, Ohio – Coming off a historic 2016-17 season, the Oberlin College men's tennis team enters this spring with a lot of promise.
 
However, with the loss of five seniors off of last year's team that went 16-10 overall, the Yeomen will have a different looking lineup this spring. Ian Paik, who is one of the greatest players in Yeomen history, transitions into an assistant coach role, while his all-conference doubles partner Jeremy Lichtmacher also graduated leaving a question on which duo will fill the void in the top flight.
 
That will be determined by two-time NCAC Coach of the Year, Eric Ishida, who enters his sixth season at the helm of the program.
 
"We certainly lost some talented players, but I believe in the guys we have here and know they can keep us moving in the right direction," Ishida said.
 
Ishida does have the luxury in returning All-NCAC selections Michael Drougas and Stephen Gruppuso at the front portion of his singles lineup. An All-NCAC second-team selection last spring, Drougas has compiled 102 wins in his career with 53 of those coming in singles play. Last season he went 13-5, playing in the No. 2 and No. 3 positions. Gruppuso's rookie season was nothing short of sensational as he boasted a team-best 21-5 record, which included a perfect 9-0 against NCAC foes.
 
"It is no secret that Mikey and Stephen are special players," Ishida added. "I look for them to continue to work hard and they could each be in store for a special year."
 
Senior Sandusky, Ohio, native Manickam Manickam has been a mainstay in the Yeomen lineup throughout his career and has all of the tools needed to end his tenure on a high note. Winning 11 or more matches in each of his first three seasons in singles, Manickam also has 19 doubles victories in his career.
 
Coming off a strong fall season, sophomore Zachary Vaughn will have ample opportunity to showcase his skills within the Yeomen's front six. In limited chances last season, he went 6-2 in singles and added five wins in doubles action. Classmate Camron Cohen should also see growth in year two of collegiate tennis. Cohen had a solid rookie season on the doubles court where he went 14-11.
 
Senior Robert Gittings has continued to improve in every season throughout his career and may see a more significant role in the lineup. He has traditionally been a more consistent force in doubles where he owns a 26-22 record. Classmate Levi Kimmel returns from a semester abroad in Sweden and will certainly challenge his teammates for a spot in the main rotation.
 
Matthew Gittings, the lone junior on the team, will also be competing for a spot in Coach Ishida's top-nine. Second-semester addition Elliot Nuss joins the Yeomen and will look to him impress his new coaches and teammates throughout the spring.
 
The Yeomen, who played in three tournaments and had two dual matches in the fall, enter the spring ranked 10^th in the ITA Central Region.
 
Oberlin will open its spring slate on January 28 against Division I Cleveland State. After taking on regional foes, Wabash (Feb. 3), Kalamazoo (Feb. 3) and Case Western (Feb. 9), the Yeomen will host No. 9 Chicago on February 11.