The class of 2008 had an abundance of irreplaceable personalities and talents that enriched many lives at Amherst, including the men’s tennis team. Considered one of the team’s strongest recruiting classes, the Jeffs lost four players, all of which were instrumental to the team’s success over the past four years, including the momentous win against archrival Williams College in the NESCAC Tournament last spring.

“Tal Avrahami, Geoff Schwartz, Mike Mintz and Jeff Wan were all part of our starting lineup,” said Head Coach Chris Garner. “Whether it was work ethic, comedy or leadership they were a big part of the team’s personality.” Mintz, in particular, finished last season by earning deserved NESCAC Second Team Honors. The loss of the four will definitely be felt, but with graduation comes incoming first-years, nine of which the Jeffs will add to their ranks this season, in addition to the return of Tristan Biesecker ’10. Last season, the Jeffs finished with a 10-9 record overall, almost clinching a bid to the NCAA Tournament with the indescribably epic upset over Williams, a foe that had gone unbeaten by the Jeffs for 14 years. In addition to the win against the Ephs, the Jeffs finished in the top 20 in the nation.

This year’s large and talented first-year class will have big shoes to fill, but there are also many returning players including senior captain Zack Lerner, junior Daniel Kim and sophomores captain Moritz Koenig and Sean Doerfler, to help them along the way. Lerner, who played at the first singles position all of last year, finished last season as one of the top players in the conference. He earned a spot on the All-Conference First Team for the second consecutive season and closed out the year by winning six of his last seven matches, including a straight-set conquest over his Williams’ opponent in the NESCAC Tournament. In addition, Lerner received a bid to the NCAA Singles Championship Tournament where he lost a hard-fought match in the first round. Lerner will most likely return to the number one position this fall, helping the Jeffs rise to their potential as a top competitive team. “I believe with the strong incoming class and Coach Garner’s tutelage, we have the pieces in place to fulfill our goals of winning the NESCAC Tournament and advancing in the NCAA Tournament,” said Lerner. “I am excited about the strength of our fall schedule and believe we will let the competition know that the Lord Jeffs are contenders this year.”

In addition to the inclusion of the first-years, the Jeffs must implement Garner’s philosophy on support and optimism. “In order to have a team experience, the players must support one another during competition, practice and in their daily lives,” said Garner. “A successful program is not just measured by wins and losses but by believing in the guy next to you.” The Jeffs will kick off their fall season on September 26 at Williams for the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Tournament.