Saniuk named head tennis coach

UNO has named Mike Saniuk head coach of the men's tennis team. Saniuk has served the past two seasons as an assistant coach for both the men's and women's teams. Bill Nichols, who will continue his role as head women's coach, had coached both programs. "I'm very excited for this opportunity," said Saniuk. "It is the right step for me in my life right now and I am only looking forward to having a great season."

The men's program is entering only its third season of play. The university added the sport prior to its first season in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association, while the women have sported a team since 2003, which was Nichols first year as coach of the lady Mavs.

Saniuk is thankful for the opportunity he has been given, especially given the state of college tennis.

"Tennis is a sport where, nationwide, programs are being cut," he said. "It is very rarethat a university adds a tennis program these days, so this is avery special occasion and all of us could not be happier."

Saniuk, an Omaha Gross Catholic High School alum, graduated from the University of Nebraska-Kearney in 2006 after lettering four years for the Lopers and earning all-conference honorable mention.

He will look to improve on the Mavericks 2009-2010 mark of 6-9.

"I think we have a chance to turn some heads this year with improving everything from GPA to ranking in conference," Saniuk said.

Open tryouts for the 2010-2011 season will be held on Aug. 24 from 1-3 p.m. at the Koch Family Tennis Center on West Maple Road.