GRINNELL, Iowa – Illinois College men's tennis made its team debut this past Saturday and split a pair of matches with Principia College and St. Louis College of Pharmacy.
Jonah Wheeland immediately made his presence felt near the top of the IC lineup and on Tuesday scored his first career Midwest Conference Performer of the Week award.
Though Wheeland technically debuted for the Blueboys at the ITA Central Regional back in September, this past weekend was the official start of the season for the IC men's team. Wheeland responded well on his opening day, going 1-1 in singles and doubles action. In the team's first match of the year, he lost an 8-5 decision along with
Miguel Vaca at No. 1 doubles against Principia, the five-time defending SLIAC champions. Playing No. 2 singles, he then performed well against Wyatt Dale – the 2018 SLIAC Player of the Year – dropping a 6-2, 6-1 decision.
Later on in the day, Wheeland and Vaca paired up for an 8-3 win at No. 1 doubles to help the Blueboys start the match with a 3-0 lead over St. Louis College of Pharmacy. Moving up to No. 1 singles against the Eutectics, he then won his match over Clark Berry, 6-0, 6-4, as IC closed out a 7-1 victory to even its record on the young season.
Wheeland and the Blueboys return to action on Feb. 23, taking on two opponents in Dubuque, Iowa. First up, IC will face the hosts, Loras College, at 9 a.m. Later in the day, the Blueboys will meet North Central College at 2 p.m. in its final match of February.
