Thursday, September 11, 1997
The University Daily Kansan
Section B · Page 3
Women's tennis head coach Roland Thornayri (far right) gives Brook Chiller, Warnnambool, Australia, sophomore, a few pointers to improve her skills. Photo by Bc E. Howell / KANSAN
Hunt bounces back after injury
By Jason Franchuk sports@kansan.com Kansan sports writer
After an eight-month layoff from tennis following knee surgery, Kylie Hunt participated in a tournament for the first time since December.
The World University Games, held Aug. 21-27 in Sicily, an island off the southern coast of Italy, allowed Hunt to re-establish her tournament savvy before Kansas began practices on Tuesday.
After all the physical and psychological recuperation that accompanied the injury, the tournament comeback has Hunt ready to say goodbye to the pain.
"I'm ready to get going this season," Hunt said. "I just have to keep working hard to ensure that the knee heals properly."
Hunt lost in the first round of the singles draw at the University Games, which attracts the elite international collegiate players, and withdrew from her final match in the double-elimination tournament after experiencing pain.
However, Hunt is pleased with the progress of the recuperating joint.
Hunt suffered a lateral-release
defect in her right knee that exerted undesired pressure on the kneecap. The surgery involved loosening the patella tendon to relieve that stress.
Hunt: To play in her first tournament since December.
"There's been peaks and valleys with the reha." Hunt
said after a workout of speed and footwork drills. "But the pain isn't nearly as bad as it used to be."
Hunt was granted a medical redshirt to sit out the 1996-97 season, and still is doing intense rehabilitation following the Feb. 28 surgery.
Hunt injured the knee in December, but she decided to delay the surgery.
A daily regimen of exercise, stretches and ice have allowed Hunt to return to the court.
While immobilized, Hunt kept her skills fine-tuned by hitting tennis balls as she was propped up in a chair.
"She's really worked hard to come
back," said Roland Thornqvist, women's tennis coach. "I know this hasn't been easy for her, but she's done everything possible so she could play this year."
If the injury hadn't occurred, Hunt said she would be playing professionally right now.
Instead, she will wait to turn pro until completing both tennis seasons and graduating with a degree in sports management.
"I've been here too long," the fifth-year senior said, jokingly. "But after I graduate I will turn pro."
"It definitely is great to be back practicing with the team though," she said.
Hunt will return to the lineup for the first time since fall 1996 when Kansas travels to the William and Mary Invitational from Sept. 19 to 21 in Williamsburg, Va.
Thorngvist will limit her to singles matches only.
Hunt, however, is more concerned with her knee aching than her knees trembling.
"I am not worried about how my game will be, and I don't think I'll be too nervous playing." Hunt said. "My knee is my worry. I've been hitting the ball fine."
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No MMR = No Enrollment
New KU students must provide medical documentation of 2 MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) immunizations by Thursday September 18. If you have not—your Spring 1998 "Permit to Enroll" will be on hold.
If you have not complied you will *not*
be allowed to enroll for Spring 1998.
Questions? $ \textcircled{1} $ 864-9533
If you have not submitted proof of the required MMR immunization please bring documentation to MMR Immunizations, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There is no charge for the MMR at Watkins Health Center.
No MMR = No Enrollment
New KU students must provide medical documentation of 2 MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) immunizations by Thursday September 18. If you have not-your Spring 1998 "Permit to Enroll" will be on hold.
If you have not submitted proof of the required MMR immunization please bring documentation to MMR Immunizations, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There is no charge for the MMR at Watkins Health Center.
If you have not complied you will not be allowed to enroll for Spring 1998. Questions? $ \textcircled{2} $ 864-9533
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