For a group of returnees that includes just one Atlantic 10 all-star, the Saint Joseph's University men's tennis team has some pretty high expectations. Most teams, however, do not have the talented core of underclassman that the Hawks feature this season. Leading the returnees is sophomore Francisco Velazquez, an all-Atlantic 10 honoree during his rookie campaign. The Aruba native compiled a 21-8 singles record in 2001-02, setting new SJU marks in single-season wins and second singles victories (12). In doubles, he teamed mostly with classmate Van Homer Pangilinan to go 15-7 from the top doubles spot. "[Velazquez] is a world class athlete who is a very rapidly improving Division I tennis player. He will relied upon both by me and the incoming freshman for guidance and direction," assistant coach Gene Miller commented on his top player. One of the best technical players around, according to Miller, Pangilinan will most likely hold down a starting spot after an impressive freshman season where the Jersey shore native put together a 14-16 singles record playing primarily in the number three spot. Those 14 singles wins places him second all-time for most wins in a season on Hawk Hill. "Van Homer was one of the best freshman in the league last year in singles and when teaming up with Velazquez in doubles, they rarely lost a match," Miller said. "He will be a critical component to the team's success this year." Mike Goldschmidt, a junior, appeared in just one match last season as a sophomore, but was voted the team's most improved players and could crack the starting lineup this season. "Goldschmidt has made more progress in a shorter period of time than anyone I have ever coached," Miller said. Other upperclassmen that return to the Finnesey Courts are senior Enrico Capitan and juniors Gary Wnek and Bob Cappelli. Capitan appeared in just one singles match last season, but is a much-improved player from his freshman year. Cappelli appeared in 14 matches at mostly #5 singles last season, while Wnek was primarily a doubles player last season. Six highly touted freshmen arrive on campus as one of the most talented and deep tennis classes in Saint Joseph's history. Two New Englanders join the team in Antonio Aniello and Greg Chang. Aniello, of Hadley, Mass., earned a top ranking in the New England Tennis Association and "should provide us with the depth that we have needed for some time. A winner on and off the court, Aniello provies a special flair for entire team," Miller continued. Chang, from East Lyme, Conn., was a three-time all-state performer and won the Connecticut singles title after an undefeated junior year. "Greg could be the single most important factor long term in this team fulfilling its maximum potential and goals," Miller said. A highly intelligent and savvy player, Chang is surely up to the challenge. A.J. Garabedian, who's father Allen was a Hawk tennis player in the early 70s during the glory years of Saint Joseph's men's tennis, dons the Crimson and Gray as one of the best overall team tennis recruits in a long time. A four-time first team all-league at Hatboro-Horsham, he won three league titles. Jimmy Holland hits the Finnesey Courts as a two-time all-state performer and 2001 and 2002 Philadelphia Inquirer Player of the Year from Coatesville, Pa. The hard-hitting, big serving southpaw cracked the national top 300 during 2001 and according to Miller, "will add a lot of firepower to our lineup and has the potential to become a top ranked collegiate player." Chris Spencer is a native Philadelphian who arrives on Hawk Hill from William Penn Charter after reaching as high as a number two ranking in the competitive Middle States Tennis Association. "A diamond in the rough kind of player," Spencer will be a key cog to the 2002-03 Hawk lineup. "Yet to reach his full potential, with continued emphasis on attacking and playing aggressive, could be one of the bets players in the league," Miller said. Rounding out the talented rookie class is Jeff Olson (Broomall, Pa.). Olson, a two-time MVP and team captain at Marple Newtown, is a big serve and volleyer, according to Miller. Despite their youth, Miller is excited about the 2002-03 edition of the Saint Joseph's men's tennis team. "We will be young this year, but very talented and hungry. This could and should be a huge improvement in every category with this team," he said. Depending on how quickly the freshman class adjusts to collegiate tennis, the Hawks could surprise many teams in the Atlantic 10 Conference.