In order to avoid a year spent rebuilding the team after graduating three nationally ranked players, Vandal men’s tennis coach Jeff Beaman recruited three transfer players with previous playing experience to keep them competitive in league-play.
Andrew Deskins | Argonaut
Sophomore Andrew Zedde, a transfer from Georgia State, hits a forehand during practice on Wednesday on the Memorial Gym courts.
“I think we are definitely one of the top teams in the league,” Beaman said. “If we can stay healthy I think we’re top three, and we have a good chance to win the league.”
The three recruits Beaman added to the roster are Andrew Zedde, Odon Barta, and Artemiy Nikitin. All three transferred from different schools and come from different countries.
Zedde, a sophomore originally from Australia, transferred from Georgia State University where he had a 1-5 record in singles and a 1-6 record in doubles. Coach Beaman said every Aussie that has played for the Vandals since he got here in 2006 has been a lefty and Zedde continues that trend.
Zedde said he learned about Idaho from a friend who graduated in 2009. He wasn’t happy with the tennis program at Georgia State, but has enjoyed working with Beaman.
“I like Jeff’s coaching style, he’s easier to work with than what I’m used to,” Zedde said. “He works really hard and he sorts out issues so there is nothing to worry about.”
Zedde is studying architecture at UI and he hopes to go pro after he graduates.
“I believe it’s a realistic goal,” Zedde said.
Barta is a sophomore from Hungary. He transferred from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi where he had an 0-3 record in singles and a 4-5 record in doubles. Barta said he transferred due to issues with the coach.
“He didn’t like my style,” Barta said. “He thought I was too aggressive and when I tried to change that I completely lost my game.”
Barta said he feels more comfortable at Idaho, both with the coaching staff and the weather.
“I like the weather here more than in Texas,” Barta said. “It reminds me more of the weather we had in Hungary. I like my teammates, and Jeff doesn’t have a problem with my style.”
Barta is currently an accounting major, although he said he is considering switching to the Virtual Technology and Design Program.
Artemiy Nikitin, a senior who transferred from South Carolina State, is the most experienced of the transfers. Last year he went 19-1 in singles and led his team to the Mid Eastern Athletic Conference title and a spot in the NCAA Tournament. He was named the MEAC Tournament Outstanding Performer.
Coach Beaman said Nikitin is the current favorite to take the top singles position.
“We have nine guys competing for spots,” Beaman said. “Artemiy will probably be number one, which leaves spots two through nine open. We have so much depth though that Artemiy certainly isn’t guaranteed the spot.”
Originally from Russia, Nikitin came to the United States because he wanted to play tennis and study business — and in Russia he had to choose one or the other, but not both.
Nikitin hoped to come to Idaho earlier having heard about the university through friends from Russia. Now that he is here he is enjoying both academic and athletic programs.
Nikitin has set high expectations for himself.
“I want to win the conference,” Nikitin said. “I won three championships with South Carolina (State) and I want to win here too.”
Barta and Nikitin had solid showings at the Baylor Intercollegiate tournament over the weekend. In singles, Nikitin won his opener in three sets before losing in the round of 16. Barta lost a tough match 7-6(5), 6-7(5), 6-2 to eventual Green Draw champion Arturo Pinazo. In doubles, Barta and Nikitin partnered up to reach the round of 16.
The Vandals play next at the Gonzaga/EWU Fall Tournament Friday to Sunday in Spokane.
Andrew Deskins can be reached at [email protected]