By Isaac Little
The Houghton Men’s Tennis team completed their 2021 spring campaign by claiming the Empire 8 Championship title and competing in the Division III National Tournament for the first time in program history. Since then, the program has promoted Coach Zach Shilvock to the Head Coach position, who has added five new faces to the roster. Although the Highlanders understand the obstacles that will arise during the season, Coach Shilvock says that he is “eager to see how this group responds to the challenges that are thrown our way this Spring”.
Houghton Men’s Tennis is centered around brotherhood, work ethic, and grit. When speaking to Coach Zach Shilvock about the upcoming season, he stated that “this is a new team with a whole new identity and ambitions. Our team is extremely dedicated to their craft, and that will serve us well heading into competition.” The Houghton Men’s Tennis team wants to be known as the hardest working and grittiest team you play. Coach Shilvock echoed this, noting that “when you come to play Houghton, you better bring your game because we will never give up.” When speaking to captain Matt Cicero (‘22) about his ambitions for the season, he told the STAR that “I want to cement the crown on our head. To let everyone know that we are the best tennis team in the Empire 8, we belong at the top, and we will stay there for a long time. . . I want to create a dynasty.” Cicero has played an instrumental role on the Highlanders team as he claimed the match deciding victory in the conference finals match last year where he was awarded the tournament MVP trophy. The veteran has earned his right as a leader on the team where he displays consistent dedication and effort and took on the challenge to improve the team’s fitness.
Depth is one word that could be used to describe the Men’s team. Having a roster that is close in talent provides the ability to ensure that there will be competition between every match despite who is on each side of the net. Matt Cicero (‘22) adds that “this year we have a lot of guys whose talent levels are in close proximity, and that makes for a lot of exciting doubles pairings.” Depth could prove to be the difference maker between this team compared to other teams in the past. This can be proven in the fall when the Highlanders traveled to SUNY Oswego, and three of the Highlanders starters were out. Freshman Noah Harley (‘25) claimed a clutch victory at six singles to give Houghton the 5-4 win. Harley’s effort embodied relentlessness, determination, and grit. After adding Micah Schilke (‘23), Levi Webb (‘24), and Jaimie Staerkle (‘25), who missed the SUNY Oswego match back in the mix, the Highlanders pose a serious challenge to their opponents.
Houghton Tennis has been blessed to have some amazing crowd support from the Houghton community and student body. Coach Zach Shilvock adds that “I can state with certainty that we would not have won the E8 Championship match against Nazareth if it wasn’t for the support we had, and in particular from our baseball team that day.” When asking about their hopes for the spring, the team stated that they have high hopes that people will come out to support them and bring some energy again this year. Coach Shilvock concluded his comments by stating that “tennis is always seen as the quiet sport, but we want to hear people cheering and getting loud at our matches.”
The Houghton Men’s Tennis team is approaching the spring season hungry, where they hope to reclaim the Empire 8 title, and put forth a strong showing at the Division III National Tournament. Regardless of the result, the team is entering the year with the mentality of “Hold the Vision, Trust the Process.” ★
