Hall of Fame
The 1976 men's tennis team is entering into exclusive territory with their induction into the Hall of Fame.
The group will become just the fourth team to enter the hall, and the first from that era. The team boasted a 19-1 overall record and an undefeated mark in conference duals. The only loss of the season came to Vanderbilt. The team won the NIIC Tournament at all nine positions, totaling 27 points. The group went on to win the NAIA District 20 meet with a record of 8-1, the lone loss coming at #1 doubles.
"This is a tremendous honor," said Ben Marchlewicz, who played #3 singles and doubles. "It is awesome to know that future athletes and visitors to the facilities will see the recognition of our accomplishments for years to come. At the time, it was exciting and a real feeling of accomplishment to win so many matches and trophies, but to be recognized many years later by multiple generations of athletics at Benedictine is truly amazing."
Reaching the NAIA Finals in Kansas City, the team became the first program to qualify for a national collegiate tournament in school history. The group took home 13th place in the NAIA among 566 teams. For the season, the singles players lost a combined total of 17 matches.
"The comradery of all the members is one of my favorite memories," Marchlewicz said. "We spent a lot of time together between practices, spring trip and matches. Yet, we all really worked to help each other as players and individuals. Sometimes on teams like this there can be ego issues about what position you play in the lineup, but this entire group was focused on how best to win the team match."
#1 Singles: Mike O'Laughlin (17-8)
#2 Singles: Todd Keating (20-5)
#3 Singles: Ben Marchlewicz (24-1)
#4 Singles: John Korabik (25-0)
#5 Singles: Mike Wegrzynowski (24-1)
#6 Singles: Mike Fink (16-2)
#1 Doubles: O'Laughlin/Keating (18-7)
#2 Doubles: Korabik/Wegryznowski (20-4)
#3 Doubles: Marchlewicz/Duane Hemmerle (23-1)
Head Coach: Gary Moore
Assistant Coach: Dr. David Rausch
Graduate Assistant Coach: Mike Novak
