Conversation with Bryant University's Ron Gendron

These days, one hears more about NCAA men's tennis teams getting eliminated than teams being promoted. But a promotion is what we are seeing this year for the Bryant University men's tennis team. The Bryant Bulldogs are a bright ray of positive light. After a successful run in Division II, Bryant is in the midst of its first year competing at the Division I level.

I recently spoke with Bryant Head Coach Ron Gendron about the excitement surrounding his Bulldogs program.

Questions and Answers

Harry Cicma (HC): Coach, there is a lot to be excited about pertaining to Bryant tennis. How has the jump to Division I been for you and your team?

Ron Gendron (RG): The jump to Division I has been a lot of fun so far. Our team has responded quite well, and many of the universities in the area have been very receptive to the addition of a new team rather than the constant subtraction of Division I tennis programs.

HC: What has been the biggest challenge in moving to the top division of NCAA tennis?

RG: The amount of tournament play is much greater, along with the fact that most - if not all - of our competition is equal or greater. There are no more bunnies, Harry! This is a welcome challenge which hopefully, we are prepared to handle.

HC: Have you noticed any distinct differences between Division I and II with respect to time traveling on the road and time spent on the court?

RG: One of the largest differences for Bryant in transitioning from D2 to D1 has been that the nearby Boston- and Connecticut-areas have more high-caliber teams for us to compete against. While travel has improved, time on court has tripled. The Fall for D1 tennis is loaded with tournaments where we are spending three and four days on the court as opposed to a handful of dual matches.

HC: When looking for a recruit, what are the main traits you look for, and how important are attitude/personality versus sheer skill level?

RG: We are looking for the best student athletes we can possible find. Bryant University is a very challenging business school that takes pride in preparing its student-athletes for the rigors of the workplace and life. So we need to find young men that can handle the workload off the court - and still be able to compete on the court.

HC: You played college tennis at the Division I level for Providence College in the Big East. How has that on-court experience helped you with your players? Do you get more respect from them per se?

RG: I would like to think that we recruit young men who come in with respect for their coaches. Of course, playing for a Big East school gives me some experience to help with this challenge. Hopefully I am a better coach than I was a player.

HC: The University of Rhode Island men's tennis team recently got eliminated, leaving Bryant and Brown University as the only remaining Division I men's programs in the state. Do you feel an extra responsibility now to represent the Ocean State?

RG: No I don't feel any extra responsibility to represent the Ocean State, although I hope we do so in a positive manner. It's a wonderful opportunity for me to be at Bryant where there is a commitment to the men's tennis program. It's also a great feeling to be a part of a University that is adding - rather than detracting - from Division I Tennis.

HC: Speaking of Brown, Jay Harris and his Bears have built a strong legacy throughout Rhode Island, and the whole northeast region. Do you feel that Brown's presence forces your team to maintain a top level of play in order to compete for local recruits?

RG: What Jay and Brown University have done is nothing short of amazing. The fact that RI has a premier tennis program is something I wish all Rhode Islanders knew so that more of them would come out to see the matches.

If anything, I feel that Brown's presence can only help Bryant University. Since our transition, Jay and his team have gone out of their way to be great neighbors. Based on the fact that Bryant has a high caliber business program, we should be attracting different student athletes than those who would look at a university such as Brown.

HC: Your Bulldogs have notched a few impressive wins over Ivy League players at fall invitational tournaments, so it's clear that you can compete at a solid level. With that being said, what are your team's goals for the spring season?

RG: This spring we hope to maintain a high level of play, graduate our seniors, and have as much fun we possible can.

When I was a freshman at Providence there was a buzz around campus - we had a young basketball coach in Rick Pitino, we were going to Final Four, and we were competing in baseball, tennis, track, and everything else. It was a great time to be a Big East athlete.

We have a very similar feeling here at Bryant. The transition to D1 has invigorated our campus and community, our kids are fired up, and we also have a very energetic and high-quality coaching staff led by the best lacrosse coach in the country, Mike Pressler. It's awesome to feel that buzz again!