Broncos To Take Part in Tennessee Fall Classic

KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The Western Michigan men's tennis team will return to action after a two-week hiatus when they join the field in the 2012 Tennessee Fall Classic from October 12-14, playing at Barksdale Stadium and nearby Tyson Park in Knoxville. The tournament field includes at least 14 total teams, including the Broncos, the hosting Volunteers, and teams from the Big Ten, Southeast, and Atlantic-10 conferences, among others.

According to WMU head coach Dave Morin, this tournament will allow some of the younger Broncos the chance to take on different competition, after the first two tournaments of the season featured many common opponents.

"We've got the opportunity to play a lot of schools, ranging from the elite in major conferences like the Big Ten to a lot of mid-majors that have grown their programs over the years," said Morin.

Morin said there are mental goals he wants the team to accomplish this weekend as well; in particular, he hopes his large contingent of young players takes the next step in their games and, "raise their expectation level."

"This weekend should give our team the chance to put into play a lot of things we've worked on in practice," said Morin. "Hopefully, with this being the third collegiate event of the year for these guys, they're getting more comfortable and are ready to show us more of their true tennis. I want to see them come into this tournament to expect success, and then go out and earn it."

The tournament is scheduled to begin with one round of doubles and two rounds on singles on Friday, with that same schedule repeating for the Saturday session as well. Finals of the various draws will take place on Sunday, with doubles coming first before singles play.