Others play by different rules.

For the SDSU golf, tennis, and cross country teams, the first day of practice coincides with the first day of classes.

“The biggest challenge (to starting late) is that everything is so hectic. They’re worried about class, meetings, practice…the kids get thrown into the fire. There isn’t much of an adjustment period,” new head tennis coach Michael Engdahl said.

With cross country and men’s golf events scheduled within the first week of classes, it’s somewhat surprising that the practices don’t start sooner. Luckily, we have head cross country coach Rod DeHaven to put things into perspective:

“I don’t know of a cross country team that’s running a cover-two zone right now, and because we’re not running a cover-two, that’s probably why we can get away with it”

Starting practices so close to the first match, meet, or game may seem like a stressful time, but the three head coaches who were interviewed didn’t seem too worried about how their athletes would handle getting back into the swing of things.

“It’s nothing to get all worked up about. If our kids do the work in the summer, we don’t need to bring them in…it’s all part of the learning process,” DeHaven said.

Head golf coach Jared Baszler said he actually prefers not starting practices  until classes begin, so his golfers can play in tournaments that run up until the time school starts. For example, Jackrabbits men’s golfer David Smith played in the USGA Amatuer Championship just last week in Erin Hills, Wis., among 312 of the best men’s amateur golfers in the world.

Baszler also pointed out the fact that golf and tennis have two seasons: one in the fall, one in the spring.

“It works fine for us. It just makes it a little hectic, this year especially because typically we have two full weeks of practice, but this year we’re in a new tournament,” Baszler said.

The men’s and women’s tennis teams are the late bloomers, as they don’t have events scheduled until Sept. 23 and 30, respectively. That doesn’t mean they won’t be stressing about the start of their season and school. Engdahl said on the men’s side, they have 12 possible players to fill nine spots, so the team will have a “tryout-type atmosphere” in the month leading up to their first match.

The cross country team begins the year at the North Dakota Double Dual in Grand Forks, N.D. on Sept. 3.

For golf, the first tournament for the men is Sept. 5-6 at the Battle in the Tetons in Victor, Idaho, while the women are set to compete at the Hawkeye Invitational in Iowa City, Iowa, Sept 10-11.

“It’s nothing the kids can’t handle. I know they’ve been working hard all summer and we’re ready to get off to a running start,” Engdahl said.

Women’s tennis rebounds after a disappointing meet to do well in the Omaha Collegiate Championship to gear up for the Kellogg Classic.

The SDSU women’s tennis team hosted North Dakota in a dual at the Hillcrest Tennis Courts Oct. 1. The dual was the first ever Division 1 match held in Brookings. Although the Jacks didn’t fare so well – not winning a match all day – the team liked being home.

“It was fun and you have more confidence playing at your courts because you always play there,” junior Natalia Medina said.

Jacks Coach Don Hanson was appreciative of the support shown by the Brookings community, but Hanson said the team didn’t play to its potential – citing the Jacks possibly being over-excited about playing at home for the first time.

“We’ll never be not mentally ready again,” Hanson said.

After the dual last Friday, the Jacks traveled to Nebraska to compete in the Omaha Collegiate Championship on Saturday and Sunday. SDSU had a strong showing, with Medina winning the Flight E singles. Junior Megan McDougall played solid for the Jacks, winning the consolation match in Flight C singles.

In Flight D, it was junior Katie Elifson taking the consolation match for SDSU. Elifson would team up with Medina for a shutout of their Flight C doubles opponent. Hanson was proud of the team’s turn-around from Friday to Saturday.

“We were excited about it (the tournament), and we feel like we’re beginning to turn some corners. We had some great moments, but we are not where we want to be,” Hanson said.

With just one fall tournament left, the Kellogg Classic in Macomb Ill., Oct. 8-10, the Jacks are looking to take another step toward being a team that can compete in the conference this spring.

“Heading to Macomb, we’re looking to not just play, but we’re looking for domination,” Hanson said.

If the Jacks have a strong showing, it will give them confidence heading into the winter. The current team will work hard on its game, but will also be getting some help. The Jacks have added two athletes to their roster: one from Columbia and one from New Zealand. Hanson said he was excited to be adding two great players, and that it would make for some good competition before the spring conference roster is set.

“I’m excited to practice hard (this winter), and then play to all our strengths in the spring,” said Medina.

Due to only one indoor court, the players either practice early in the morning or at night during the winter months. The practice is a chance for the player to improve as an individual which will help make the best team for conference play.

“We’ll continue to work hard and get better, and hopefully come out and do more than compete this spring. The potential is there,” Hanson said.

#1.1669054:3265008746.jpg:TennisSalo, Morgan.jpg:The SDSU men?s tennis team completed its 2010 fall season with a good showing at the Omaha Collegiate Championship last weekend. Sophomore Morgan Salo of Brainerd, Minn., won in Omaha and found himself in a team-best 3-1 position.:Submitted photo by Eric Landwehr, University relations
#1.1669053:1014330435.jpg:TennisMedina, Natalia.jpg:Natalia Medina took first in the Flight E Singles at the Omaha Collegiate Championship this past weekend. The Jackrabbit women?s tennis team now gears up for its final fall tournament, the Kellogg Classic in McComb, Ill., Oct. 8-10. Coach Don Hanson says the women have work to do before next week.:Submitted photo by Eric Landwehr, University relations