As the weather on campus gets colder, Tim Dunford, head coach of the Ashland Men’s and Women’s Tennis teams is using the fall season to gauge his team’s performance for the upcoming spring season.

“It’s like a pre-season for football,” Dunford said. “Basically, I’m just trying to get a general idea of what the lineup will most likely be come springtime.”

Among those who stood out to Dunford this season were freshmen Claudia Adcock and Fabian Bussard.

“I can’t wait to see how good [Adcock] is going to be these next three or four years,” Dunford said. “It’s impressive how coachable she is. If I told her to jump, she would literally say ‘How high coach?’”

Bussard, an international student from Switzerland, has impressed Dunford with his raw talent.

“I knew [Bussard] was going to be talented,” Dunford said. “I just didn’t realize that he has as much talent and potential as he has. Everyday I’m seeing improvement.”

Looking forward, the Eagles have one final meet against Fransican on Oct. 9th, before they transition to a lighter winter practice schedule.

“It’s going to be an opportunity where I can start doing a lot of one-on-one stuff,” Dunford said. “Around Thanksgiving and Christmas, they’re gone and I am hoping and praying that they don’t come back 10 pounds heavier.”

Dunford believes that both the men’s and women’s teams can make an impact in their first spring season in the GMAC.

“I’m very excited about the spring for both teams,” Dunford said. “I’m very excited to get started in the GMAC. I think it’s a great move for us, not only for this season, but moving forward. It’s going to be a wake up call for the rest of the GMAC.”