Complete All-Conference Release in PDF Format

April 24, 2008

San Bruno, CA - The No. 51 Saint Mary's men's tennis team earned multiple West Coast Conference honors for their performances this year, including head coach Michael Wayman's WCC Co-Coach of the Year Honor. The award marks Wayman's second consecutive coach of the year honor, and third in his career. Other Gaels to be awarded a spot on a All-WCC team include, Joel Kusnierz, Lucas Tirelli, Marek Dvorak, and Achim Christner.

Wayman earned the WCC Co-Coach of the Year award following his team's 16-7 overall record, including the Gaels' first ever appearance in the WCC Championships. In his 12th season with Saint Mary's Wayman led the Gaels' to their best WCC finish, an eight-match win-streak, and their highest Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) ranking in program history. Saint Mary's did not enter the ITA team rankings until late March, when they were ranked No. 75 following seven consecutive wins. Wayman and the Gaels continued to climb the rankings, entering the WCC Championships at No. 59, and finishing the season at No. 51.

Senior Joel Kusnierz was named to the All-WCC First Team for singles and doubles, following his impressive 17-4 (singles) record and 13-8 (doubles) record, all at the No. 1 position. Kusnierz led the Gaels throughout the season, earning his first ITA singles ranking of No. 77 after defeating the WCC Player of the Year and No. 6 ranked Andre Begeman of Pepperdine. The senior posted a nine-match win streak midway through the season, including a win over No. 52 Fresno State. Along with Lucas Tirelli, Kusnierz was named to the All-WCC First Team for doubles, following a 7-3 overall record and 4-2 mark against WCC opponents. The award marks Kusnierz's second straight year of WCC recognitions.

Freshman Lucas Tirelli was named to the All-WCC First Team for doubles, along with Kusnierz, has they posted a 7-3 recorded. In addition to his doubles recognition, Tirelli was named to the All-WCC Second Team for singles, posting a 13-10 overall mark. As a freshman Tirelli played an important role on the Saint Mary's squad, spending the majority of his time at the No. 2 position. Tirelli started off his career at Saint Mary's with a five-match win-streak, including victories over No. 19 Florida State and No. 39 California.

Marek Dvorak was the final Gael to earn singles recognition, as he was named to the All-WCC Honorable Mention Team. Dvorak joined the Gaels from the University of Colorado and made an immediate impact, finishing with a 12-10 singles record and 13-9 doubles mark. The senior put together a five-match win streak midway through the season, helping the Gaels to their first ITA ranking.

Dvorak was also acknowledged for his doubles play, along with Achim Christner, as they were named to the All-WCC Honorable Mention team for doubles. The award marks Christner's second All-WCC recognition, as he earned the same honor in 2006. As a pair the two combined for an 8-4 overall record and 4-2 mark against WCC opponents at the No. 2 doubles position.

The Gaels now await a chance at the NCAA Tournament, as they would need an at-large bid to participate in the post season. The brackets for the tournament will be announced on Tuesday, April 29.