Ready, set, action. Action is exactly what the men's tennis team is ready for today as it prepares to take on the nationally ranked Harvard Crimson in a showdown that will leave the winner with the Ivy League Championship.
Dartmouth, 6-1 in the EITA, is the definite underdog heading into today's match against the 7-0 Crimson, but this is nothing new for the Big Green, who for the past few years, have finished the season against competitive Harvard teams.
Two years ago, the Big Green pulled off a stunning upset when they defeated the Crimson in a tight home match, giving both teams a piece of the title. The scenario for today could not be any more similar.
"It's a great opportunity," Coach Chuck Kinyon said. "They have to get as ready mentally as possible and go from there."
For number six player Avery Rueb '98 mental preparation has a significant twist. Rueb's brother, a senior at Harvard, will play first singles for the Crimson.
"I actually talked to him last night, and we had a friendly argument," Rueb said. "Their team has done really well, and I think he is confident but at the same time a little worried about us since we upset them two years ago when they came up here."
Avery recognizes that opportunities for Ivy League Championships do not come often, and if beating his older brother for the title is what it takes, he will be ready for the challenge.
"I came to Dartmouth to get out of his shadow," Rueb said. "I know that I picked the best school and I want to prove that to him."
Dartmouth, which has had a bumpy road getting to its 6-1 record, has the strengths to challenge the solid Harvard team. The Crimson have been challenged once this year by Princeton who they defeated 4-3.Dartmouth lost to the same Tiger team 4-3.
"I think we have to get out of the gates fast," Kinyon said. "They have good solid players all the way through. The doubles will be a key point. We will need to play good doubles so we can get the early lead."
In singles, the Big Green will look to number two player Matt Fuller '97 to continue his consistent play. Senior Captain Kurt Bruggeman and senior Chase Arnold will also need to provide strong leadership for the Big Green.
"We have a shot at it," Rueb said. "I think we have a chance to win every match. It will just be a matter of who is ready to play."
