BUFFALO, NY - The University at Buffalo men's tennis squad presented its team awards for the 2003-04 season at the annual Athletic Awards Banquet held at the Four Points Sheraton.

Head coach Russ Crispell made the following presentations: Mike Rockman (Toronto, Ontario/Thornhill) was selected as the Top Newcomer; Mike Zappone (Queensbury, NY/Queensbury) earned the Most Improved Player Award; Nick Zieziula (Hamburg, NY/St. Francis) received the Coaches' Award for the second consecutive season; and Randy Rocchio (East Amherst, NY/Williamsville East) was named the team's Most Valuable Player.

Mike Rockman

The Top Newcomer Award is presented to the individual student-athlete who distinguishes himself as the most talented new player on the team or the individual who accomplishes the greatest achievements as a first-year player. Rockman enjoyed a superb freshman campaign that saw him finish 20-15 in singles play and 4-7 in doubles action. Playing third singles, Rockman went 3-2 in regular-season Mid-American Conference play, including a three-set win over Toledo's Travis Curran to secure the Bulls' 4-3 victory over the Rockets. Rockman went 10-6 in tournament singles play, including the A flight title at the Can-Am Invitational at the UB Tennis Center, an undefeated 3-0 mark at the St. Bonaventure Fall Classic and reaching the second round of the ITA Northeast Regional Tournament.

Mike Zappone

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. Zappone was 1-4 in singles, including a 1-3 tournament record. He was also 3-5 in doubles play. He saw limited dual meet play, dropping his only match, a straight-sets loss to Duquesne at number five.

Nick Zieziula

The Coaches' Award is selected by the head coach and is given to the student-athlete who best exemplifies the team virtues as defined by the head coach. The recipient is one who stands out in dedication, commitment, unselfishness and enthusiasm towards helping the team improve. Zieziula set UB's single-season wins mark with a 24-15 overall singles record, including 14 victories in tournament action. He also combined with three different partners for a 19-14 doubles record. UB's number two singles player most of the season, Zieziula also posted 2-0 marks at number one and number three. He reached the consolation finals of the ITA Northeast Regional Tournament and combined with Rocchio to win the doubles title of the Can-Am Invitational. Zieziula also earned Academic All-Mid-American Conference honors at the end of the season.

Randy Rocchio

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. Rocchio became UB's first All-MAC selection this season as he earned second-team honors while finishing 13-18 in singles and 19-15 in doubles. Rocchio posted three regular season MAC victories at first singles, including a dramatic comeback win over Western Michigan's Tommy Dennis, 0-6, 6-4, 6-4. He received MAC Player of the Week honors for the victory. Rocchio also posted a perfect 3-0 mark at the St. Bonaventure Fall Classic and combined with Zieziula to win the doubles title at the Can-Am Invitational. Playing as the top doubles duo, Rocchio and Zieziula went 14-11 overall and 9-5 in dual meet play.

The Bulls completed their season with a 9-12 overall record and a 2-4 MAC dual meet record. UB advanced to the semifinals of the MAC Championship for the first time in school history after defeating Toledo in the first round. The Bulls fell to eventual league champion Western Michigan in the semifinals.