Courtney Van Haaften | Sports Co-Editor

Kyle Weeden, a junior tennis player at Buena Vista University, has been a large asset to this year’s tennis team that currently holds a record of 2-4 in the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) and 3-10 overall. The Beavers recently traveled to Hilton Head, S.C for a series of five matches during the university’s spring break.

“We played a lot of tough competition and we got better as the week went on. Playing the tough teams will really prepare us for the remainder of our conference season. South Carolina was a great time, but we’re glad to be back and are focused on the match against Wartburg on Saturday,” Weeden said.

Earlier this season, the Beavers won their IIAC matches against Dubuque and Loras, giving them confidence heading into the rest of the conference season. Weeden is hopeful that they can keep up their successes during IIAC play.

“My personal goal for the remainder of the season is to win the rest of my singles matches and play well in doubles. We have a great chance at finishing third in conference, so I just want to do everything I can to help the team reach that goal,” Weeden said.

According to his teammates, Weeden is a great leader.

“He does what he says he is going to do and leads by example. He also gets us motivated during practice and matches,” senior tennis player Drake Swanson said.

Weeden has enjoyed the season so far and attributes it to the friendships that have been made on the team, their ability to get along, have fun, and work hard.

“We have a really good team this year and it’s hard to always be ready to go and play hard every single day, but I feel like everyone on the team does a great job of it,” Weeden said.

The Beavers will take on Wartburg in IIAC play on Saturday, April 5 in Waverly.

Photo courtesy of Kyle Weeden