It was both an emotional and special season for the Eastern men’s and women’s tennis teams, culminating in memorable conference play that saw the women finish in seventh and the men finish in third.

“I’m heartbroken because I am losing some fabulous kids,” Eastern tennis coach Brian Holzgrafe said. “The kids don’t know the impact they have on my life.”

Both teams began the season with a level of uncertainty about where they were headed, but when both teams played in the Ohio Valley Conference tournament it all came together.

For the women, it was a season that started on a low note as one of their teammates quit, leaving some of the ladies a little down and confused.

Holzgrafe said he was proud the ladies didn’t let one bad apple ruin the whole bunch, and was utterly impressed with their composure down the stretch of the season.

“It’s very bittersweet,” Holzgrafe said. “I couldn’t possibly fathom this type of success for the women’s team.”

Junior Sarah Freeman said considering the early season problems she was also very proud of the way the women’s team turned things around.

“I was very surprised by how well we played in the OVC tournament,” Freeman said. “It was a great upset over EKU, and we had some other near upsets in the first two matches.”

Freeman also said she is going to miss both seniors Becky Brunner and Amber Lenfert.

“I plan on taking everything I learned from them and applying it to my game,” Freeman said. “A lot of people tell you about your style of play, but Becky and Amber know what they’re talking about.”

Lenfert expressed that she was relieved by the end of the season because it brought closure, but also said she would miss playing tennis for Eastern.

“It was a long season, but a good season,” Lenfert said. “All of us girls pulled together and overall, had a solid finish.”

Lenfert will be going to Western Illinois University to play one more year of tennis, and will be taking some great memories with her.

“The team trips were always fun,” Lenfert said. “I’ve made friends for the rest of my life, and as much as I’ll miss them, I’m ready to move on to something different.”

Freeman said with both Brunner and Lenfert leaving she is looking forward to the challenge of being a leader next season for the Panthers.

“With a bunch of girls riding together squabbles happen,” Freeman said. “Those girls always tried to show everyone’s perspective, and their leadership is what helped us come together in the tournament. I will take that with me next year.”

Holzgrafe thinks that Freeman is ready for the challenge ahead of her.

“I think Sarah will be an absolutely fabulous leader next season,” Weber said.

The men’s team also had a year filled with memories that included team captain C.J. Weber winning the OVC Player of the Year award.

“It was the perfect way for him to end the season,” Holzgrafe said of Weber’s accomplishment.

Weber said that he was ecstatic with C.J.s’ performances all season, but is really looking forward to next season when Weber will become an assistant coach.

“He has a coach’s mentality,” Holzgrafe said. “I look for him to surpass any of the success I have had at Eastern, because he has enough heart to change the world.”

Also, Holzgrafe said that even though Weber was ranked number one this season, he shared that spot with Brandon Blankenbaker.

“What can I say about Brandon,” Holzgrafe said. “He is an unbelievable success, and was a great leader for the freshman to follow.”

Holzgrafe also gave praise to all of the freshman on the men’s team, saying that he expects big things from younger of the Blankenbakers, Ryan, and from stand-out Chuck LeVaque.

“Chuck LeVaque, write that name down,” Holzgrafe exclaimed. “In fact, all of the freshman make this team a class with a bright future.”

LeVaque was a little humbled by Holzgrafe’s praise, especially with Weber and Blankenbaker leaving the team.

“I didn’t know what college tennis was all about until they showed me,” LeVaque said. “They were a bulk of the team, and they were always positive.” LeVaque said.

LeVaque, like most of the players, looks back fondly on the road trips this season.

“It was fun traveling because it gave us team spirit,” LeVaque said. “Coach Holzgrafe was very good with team spirit, and that helped us.”

Even when speaking about the exciting future that lies ahead for Eastern tennis, Holzgrafe still can’t help but reminisce on this past season.

“I am so proud of the accountability of both the men’s and women’s teams this year,” Holzgrafe said. “We handled nationally ranked teams, top teams, unbelievable well. And with players like Madina (Mambetova) and Chuck on both squads it makes you look forward to the future.”