Phil Metz Selected as 2003 Co-captain – Ohio State Buckeyes
1/10/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
Jan. 10, 2003
COLUMBUS, Ohio- – Phil Metz, a senior on the Ohio State men’s tennis team, was appointed co-captain for the 2002-03 season. Ty Tucker, Ohio State men’s tennis head coach, announced Friday he will rely upon Metz and senior co-captain Vince Ng to lead the Buckeye team to a successful 2002-03 season.
“He (Metz) and Vince Ng should provide a great deal of leadership for our team with leadership by example,” Tucker said. “Phil spent the fall quarter playing in professional tournaments which should help us over the next several months.”
Metz took the fall quarter off and competed in national professional tennis tournaments as an amateur. Metz contended as an amateur at the futures level, matched against and defeating world-ranked tennis players. The professional tennis league is comprised of four levels beginning with satellites and futures, continuing up to challengers and ATP tennis (televised professional matches).
“I am really trying to work on my game,” Metz said. “This is my last year at Ohio State and I am expecting to go out with a bang. After graduation I plan to start at the pro tour level and go from there.”
Metz, a native of Mentor, Ohio, is a three-year letter winner at Ohio State and currently holds a career record of 85-34 in singles. His exposure with the futures level last fall is expected to add dimension to the Buckeye program when the 2003 season gets underway Jan.22 in Columbus against Butler and Toledo.
“Phil Metz has been a very important member of the men’s tennis team the last three years,” Tucker said. “He has helped us win a lot of matches.”
Metz said he hopes the team looks toward him as an example. Someone who can help set the standards for the team as far as how to practice, work and play. During his sophomore year the Buckeyes claimed the Big Ten championship and before his collegiate career terminates, Metz is hoping to add one more championship title to Ohio State’s program.
“Hopefully I can provide leadership and continue the momentum of the team throughout the season.”
Metz led the team last season (2001-02) with a 21-11 singles record and a 16-9 doubles record. He finished the year ranked No. 45 in the nation and was the first Buckeye to play back-to-back NCAA singles tournaments since Tucker did in 1990-91. Metz was selected to the 2002 All-Big Ten team and 2002 Academic All-Big Ten.
