KENNESAW, Ga. – The men’s tennis team hit the courts on Monday afternoon for the first practice of the season and despite the chilled temperatures the third-year program is looking to heat up the Atlantic Sun Conference.

The first practice of the new year was shortened due to extreme cold in the surrounding area, yet the limited, 60-minute session was labor intensive as the Owls focused on baseline and volley work.

“Today, and this week, we want to get back to the basics,” said head coach Brandon Padgett. “We want to do a lot of rallying, work on stroke production and consistency work.”

Padgett also announced on Monday that Ryan Bouttell has been named captain for the upcoming season. The sophomore from Kirkland, Quebec enjoyed a solid fall campaign that impressed Padgett and his coaching staff.

“Ryan provides a stable influence on a very young group of players,” boasted Padgett. “Although, he is young himself, only a sophomore, he proves that you don’t have to be a senior to be a leader.”

The Owls will open up the spring season on Jan. 29 when they visit the University of Memphis.  The home opener has the Black and Gold facing Austin Peay on Jan. 30 at the KSU Tennis Complex.