In the absence of sports for the remainder of the 2019-20 academic year, Gustavus sports information will provide a series of stories to take a look back at great moments in Golden Gustie athletics history, celebrating its proud tradition of excellence.
May 1971
`71 netmen remain undefeated, capture MIAC title
From the 1971 Gustavian Yearbook
For the second consecutive year, the Gustavus tennis team went undefeated in their conference dual matches. Under the head coaching of Steve Wilkinson and assisted by Steve Anderson, the netmen won the conference tournament and went on to capture the conference title.
In the conference tournament, the Gusties led the league with 23 total points. Their nearest opponents were Hamline and Macalester who were tied with 11 points apiece. St. John’s was fourth place with nine points, with Concordia, UMD, St. Thomas and Augsburg following. The team also earned a berth in the NAIA District 13 finals.
Captaining the team to two league championships, Jim Lobdell was also awarded the Hollingsworth Key for his outstanding 3.85 scholastics average. Dave Kubes, the No. 1 player, led the Gusties with excellent performances throughout the season. Going undefeated in his MIAC dual matches, Kubes went on to win the coveted No. 1 championship by overcoming his St. John’s opponent in the finals, 4-5, 6-4 and 7-5. Teaming with Craig Senn in the No. 1 doubles playoffs, they captured the No. 1 doubles championship with scores of 7-9, 6-4 and 6-1.
Pat Carey, the No. 3 singles man, and Steve Edlund, No. 5 singles, also had perfect record in both singles and doubles competition. Carey won the conference title in his bracket by defeating his Macalester opponent 6-0, 6-2. Showing improvement over last year, Edlund defeated his previously unbeaten opponent, 7-5, 6-3, to capture the top prize in his division. Carey and Edlund then teamed to capture the No. 2 doubles championship by defeating Hamline in the playoffs.
Doug Beck also won the conference title in the No. 4 singles berth. Doubling with Rick Schowalter, they finished second in the No. 3 doubles finals after going undefeated during the regular season play. Dave Kubes will be the captain for the Gusties in ’72, hopefully leading the team to their third conference title. According to Coach Wilkinson, “This could be the beginning of a tennis dynasty at Gustavus.”
• • • • •
Previous “Tradition of Excellence” stories:
1987 Men’s Basketball Wins MIAC Playoffs
1985 Gymnastics Wins Division III National Championship