Bucknell University Athletics
Men's Tennis Adds Three Incoming Freshmen to Roster
6/1/2020 10:25:00 AM | Men's Tennis
LEWISBURG, Pa. - The Bucknell men's tennis team has announced the addition of three newcomers that make up the incoming freshman class. Nicolas Grünig, Luke Hudson, and Tim Zelikovsky will add to a young roster that lost no seniors to graduation in 2020. With four sophomores, two juniors, and a pair of seniors returning, head coach Bruce Myers is excited about the future consistency in the lineup.
"With the added benefit of having a young returning group, the seven underclassmen together for the next three seasons is the perfect way to quickly improve a program," said Myers.
Bucknell started off hot this spring and jumped out to a 4-1 record in duals. The team finished the shortened spring season at 6-7 and was starting to see strong play from the younger players on the roster. The Bison were also led by junior Marwan Abaza, who posted an 11-4 singles record. In doubles, Cooper Bradshaw and Michael Owen helped the Bison go 8-3 in the number one spot.
"By adding the international high-level experience of Tim and Nico along with a top-150 recruit like Luke, we took a legitimate Patriot League contender and not only made us stronger, but added a great deal of depth that we have been really missing the last few seasons," said Myers. "Half of the 2019 starting six from the team with the most regular season Patriot League wins is back for another shot at the title."
TIM ZELIKOVSKY
Ontario, Canada | Langstaff Secondary School
Before Bucknell: Posted a 40-21 record in 2019 … placed fifth in the 2018 Canadian National Indoor Championships … currently ranked the #12 player in Canada.
Personal: Attended Langstaff Secondary School in Ontario, Canada … four-time honor roll member … interested in the field of computer science … son of Michael Zelikovskyy and Svitlana Khruslova … has one sibling, Martin.
Why he chose Bucknell: "I really liked how small the class sizes are compared to bigger universities. Once I visited, I was immediately met with a warm welcome. After meeting with coach Myers and the guys on the team, I knew I would be welcome. Lastly, I chose Bucknell because of its excellent academic reputation."
Coach Myers: "Tim comes to Bucknell currently ranked #12 in the entire country of Canada. His UTR rating sits at an 11.65 and has an ITF worldwide ranking high of 1,225. He's experienced at playing in big tournaments and should be able to step into the top of the singles lineup quickly. There was a real mutual love between Tim and Bucknell."
LUKE HUDSON
College Station, Texas | University of Texas Online High School
Before Bucknell: Attended Texas Online High School after one year of public school … played tournaments primarily through USTA … ranked top-15 in Texas 18 & under … currently ranked #157 in the country … won two rounds at USTA Hard Court National Championships … coached by Dane Webb at Lakes Tennis Academy.
Personal: Interested in math and business … son of Glenn and Kendra Hudson … has one sibling, Cassidy.
Why he chose Bucknell: "I chose Bucknell because it offered a good blend of high-level academics and sports. Everyone was very friendly on campus and in Lewisburg. As a whole, the university seemed like a great fit for me. My goal is to play in the lineup and win a Patriot League Title."
Coach Myers: "Luke is a four-star recruit, and he has wins over five-star and blue-chip recruits as recent as last year. He came to me as a recommendation from Matt Knoll, the former head coach at NCAA Champion Baylor, so that certainly carried a great deal of weight in the process. Luke won two rounds at Kalamazoo, so I'm confident he can play at the highest levels he will see in the Patriot League."
NICOLAS GRÜNIG
Winterthur, Switzerland | AKAD
Before Bucknell: Played for the second-highest league in Switzerland for club LTC Winterthur … made multiple appearances in quarterfinal round of the Junior Swiss Championship Trophy … ranked as high as 1,324 in the world by the ITF and has a UTR-high of 11.49.
Personal: Interested in economics … also participates in skiing, mountain biking and soccer … son of Kathrin and Christophe.
Why he chose Bucknell: "Bucknell University perfectly combines my high academic and sporting goals. I fell in love with the campus when I visited it last fall."
Coach Myers: " I was supposed to see Nico play in a tournament in Germany last summer, but I took ill and was unable to attend. One of the coaches who did make the trip commented on how strong his game was and how he thought he would be a perfect fit for our higher academic program. I'm really excited to have him on campus in the fall as I think he will easily compete for a spot in the lineup."
