MEN'S TENNIS

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BUFFALO, NY - The University at Buffalo men's tennis squad presented its team awards for the 2000-01 season at the annual Athletic Awards Banquet, held on Tuesday, May 1 at Samuel's Grande Manor.

Head coach Russ Crispell presented junior Sean Kelley (Gorham, NY/Marcus Whitman) with the Most Improved Player Award and junior Justin Brtko (East Amherst, NY/Williamsville East) with the team's Most Valuable Player Award. Additionally, Crispell awarded the entire team with the Coach's Award in recognition of the Bulls' overall success during the season. Since every member of the men's tennis team this past season was a returnee, no Top Newcomer Award was given.

The Most Improved Player Award is presented to the student- athlete who has made the greatest stride or improvement in his performance from the previous season or from the beginning of the season to the end of the season. Kelley improved on his win total from last year, posting an 8-10 overall record at No. 5 singles for the Bulls in 2000-01.

The Most Valuable Player Award is given to the student-athlete who makes the most significant contribution to the accomplishments of the team through his skills and leadership. Brtko posted a 17-8 overall record at third singles for the Bulls this past season while also serving as team captain. He notched a three- set Mid-American Conference victory, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, over Northern Illinois' Brent Sitarski on April 21. Brtko earned the team's Most Improved Player Award in 1999-2000.

In addition to the team awards, senior Budi Susanto (Bali, Indonesia/Hilton Head Prep) was awarded the Jack Vredevelt Sportsmanship Award from the Mid-American Conference. The Jack Vredevelt Sportsmanship Award is presented to the player who displays the most outstanding sportsmanship in MAC competition. The award is named in honor of the former Western Michigan player and coach who won MAC singles titles for four consecutive years from 1952-55 and was honored as MAC Coach of the Year on four different occasions. Susanto posted a 15-11 overall record in his senior season playing in UB's top singles position.

Buffalo's men's tennis team began the 2000-01 season with an undefeated fall season and a school-record 10-0 start. The Bulls finished the year with a 14-7 overall record and an 0-5 MAC record.