Something new for Vaqueros

GLENDALE — The Glendale Community College men's tennis team might have one of its most imposing lineups in some time.

Writing one out prior to each match will be a pleasure for Coach Bob MacKay, who will look to get the Vaqueros back to the Southern California Regionals after missing them last season. There's balance, depth and experience across the board for the Vaqueros to be a serious playoff contender.

"I like the lineup that we have and I've had some good teams in the past," said MacKay, whose team will begin its season at 2 p.m. Thursday with a nonconference home match against Mount San Antonio College. "They are going to have to be able to compete, commit and have a chemistry in playing for their spots.

"Whether you are the No. 1 player or No. 6 player, it counts for one point. We have a pretty good nucleus, but my job will be to make sure they get that and that there are no egos involved."

Last season, Glendale finished 6-11 overall and 3-5 in the competitive Western State Conference. MacKay and the Vaqueros will look to avoid a second losing season in a row by trying to win a conference championship and draw a spot in the regionals.

MacKay, who took over the program in 2003 from Bob Donaghy, will field a 10-member team. Seven of the athletes are freshmen. Six players have local ties.

The No. 1 player will be freshman Alex Sarkissian, who competed in Futures Tournaments and who MacKay said will be counted on for two points per match in singles and doubles.

"He's experienced and he's the kind of player who brings out people to watch him and the program," said MacKay, who spent 41 years working for the city of Glendale in several capacities. "He's an amazing talent."

The No. 2 singles player will be freshman Trevor Campbell, a Burroughs High graduate and former All-Area honoree.

MacKay said Sarkissian and Campbell will look to provide a formidable 1-2 punch for the Vaqueros.

"Like Alex, Trevor is an incredible athlete," MacKay said. "He brings another dimension to our team.

"We are fortunate to have two players like Alex and Trevor who we can add to the top of our lineup."

Also expected to be on board for the Vaqueros are freshmen Andre Ratavousian, Dro Mahmoudi, Eric Khanlarian, Grayson Frazier and Chris Simpson. The sophomores are Mike Astorian, Hideo Enomoto and Stephan Mamann.