Bucknell University Athletics
Men's Tennis Adds Newcomers Max Palmer and Colin Sacco
6/1/2016 2:35:00 PM | Men's Tennis
LEWISBURG, Pa. – Bucknell head coach Craig Schwartz has announced the addition of two players to the Bucknell men's tennis team, beginning with the 2016-17 season. The Bison lost just one senior from a squad that made the semifinal round of the Patriot League Tournament for the second straight season, and will now look to newcomers Max Palmer and Colin Sacco to help keep the momentum moving forward.
"I am really excited about these two fine young men that will be joining our program,” Schwartz said. “They both will have a great shot to make an immediate impact in both singles and doubles. Their all-around games should really prove to be very beneficial while competing in the Patriot League. It's going to be really exciting to see both of these student-athletes grow on and off the court over their four years here at Bucknell."
Here is a closer look at the incoming recruits:
Max Palmer | Houston, Texas (Memorial)
Won the 6A Texas state title in doubles as a junior while teaming with Sam Giammalva, who now plays at Texas A&M … named to the All-Greater Houston Area Team … helped lead Memorial High School to two appearances in the state finals, as well as two seasons that ended in the state semifinals … Memorial reached a ranking of ninth in the nation … ranked as high as 50th in the country and first in Texas by TennisRecruiting.com … son of Kenneth and Lynda Palmer … has one older brother, Jake … grandparents, Lawrence Crane and Beverly Swingle Crane, both graduated from Bucknell.
Palmer says…
What attracted you to Bucknell and the tennis program?
When visiting schools, what stood out to me about Bucknell is how close-knit the team is. Also, the facilities were very impressive to me and give the players the best opportunities to get better. The team seemed to have a great balance of tennis and academics because of the environment created by Coach Schwartz.
What does it mean to you to be able to play your sport at the Division I level?
Playing Division I tennis is what I've always wanted to do, so finally being able to compete at that level means a lot to me. I also enjoy playing on a team, so playing tennis in high school was a good experience for me. I feel like I have accomplished a lot of my goals but have a lot more for the college game.
What do you most like about your sport?
I like the individuality of tennis. Your results all depend on the work you put in; you can't rely on anyone else to win for you. I feel like tennis is a difficult sport but is also very rewarding when I do well.
Colin Sacco | Brightwaters, N.Y. (Chaminade)
Won the 2014 Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) title and was the runner-up in 2015 … named the CHSAA MVP in 2014 … earned team MVP honors at Chaminade in 2015 … led Chaminade to CHSAA titles in 2014 and 2015 … son of Don and Katie Sacco … has three younger siblings, Grace, Nora and Jamie … father played tennis at Providence.
Sacco says…
What attracted you to Bucknell and the tennis program?
What attracted me to Bucknell and the tennis program is the great academics that Bucknell has, as well as a tennis program that I believe will elevate my game dramatically. I believe the team has the capability to compete for a Patriot League title.
What does it mean to you to be able to play your sport at the Division I level?
I feel very proud to call myself a future Division I athlete. It makes me feel that all the work I have put in these past years has paid off. It also drives me to become the best tennis player I can become, because not too many people get the opportunity to compete in Division I athletics. I want to make the most out of this opportunity.
What do you most like about your sport?
What I love about tennis is the thrill of competition. I love having nobody to blame except yourself when you lose, and nobody to thank except yourself and the people that helped you along the way when you win.
