Tuesday, April 3, 2001
The University Daily Kansan
Section B · Page 3
Inner drive gives freshman an edge
By Ryan Malashock sports@kansan.com Kansan sportswriter
Freshman Matt Tribble is driven. Whether Tribble was pushing himself to victory in wind sprints back in January, or practicing his baserunning in the middle of batting practice, Tribble's work ethic has made him a standout.
Freshman Matt Tribleb stops an Illinois-Chicago baserunner. Recruited as an outfielder and pitcher, Tribleb has shown his versatility this season by frequently starting at first base. Photo by Nick Krug/KANSAN.
"I've always thought that working hard is the only way to go about playing." Tribble said. "Baseball is a humbling game, and the only way to succeed is to have a good attitude and work hard."
Tribble credited his drive and dedication to the two people he considered most influential in his life. The Wheaton, Ill., native said his dad, Howard, and high school coach, Bob Quinn, taught him important lessons about striving to be his best.
"Coach Quinn is the one that really taught me that baseball is a great game, but there's also other things in life that make you the person you are," Tribble said. "My dad instilled it in me that if you're going to play, then you give it your all."
Tribble came to Kansas so determined to earn a starting spot on the
team that he must have forgotten to talk. That was the most recognizable aspect of Tribble initially, according to senior co-captain Brent Del Chiaro.
"He was too quiet," Del Chiaro said. "He was so passive at first, but recently he's been feeling his way around. He's more outspoken and more comfortable. You can see that he's acting more like his true self now."
Kansas coach Bobby Randall recognized Tribble's hard-working personality throughout the recruiting process, but it wasn't until the beginning of fall practice that Randall began noticing just how driven Tribble was.
"I wish that every recruit we get could be like him, and that's a tribute to Matt," Randall said. "He's a guy that has his priorities straight, and that's great to see. He's so focused and intense in baseball, in academics, in everything."
Tribble's hard work has paid off on the field. A 15th round draft pick by the Chicago Cubs last year, he has shown talent and versatility for the Jayhawks this season. Although he was recruited as an outfielder and pitcher, Tribble
started 28 of Kansas' 32 games at either first base or left field.
Tribble is batting a modest .268 and is tied for third on the team in RBI with 20. Although he has shown the ability to compete at the college level, Tribble knows that he must continue to improve.
"Everything happened real quickly, and I'm fortunate to be playing," Tribble said. "So far I think I've played all right, but I feel I can definitely play better. I'm
excited for the chance to see how much I can improve in the future."
Tribble aspires to play professional baseball, and his commitment and talent give him a strong chance of eventually moving on to the next level. Randall said.
"That's well within reach for Matt," Randall said. "The way that he works, the way that he approaches the game gives him a chance."
— Edited by Megan Phelps
Team loses despite efforts of injured player
By Shawn Linenberger sports@kansan.com
Kansas associate sports editor
Kansas sophomore Pete Stroer battled injury and Texas, but he couldn't quite help the men's tennis team to an upset win against No. 15 Texas. The Longhorns defeated the
Jayhawks 4-3 yesterday at A l v a m a r Racquet Club. Dealing with a twisted ankle and muscle cramps in his
KANSAS
TENNIS
dropped to 11-8 and 2-2.
legs, the sophomore battled Texas' Jose Zarhi in a third-set tie-breaker before losing 4-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7-4). Texas improved to 14-2 overall and 5-0 in the Big 12 Conference. No. 55 Kansas
Kansas coach Ross Nwachukwu admired Stroer's resilience.
"I was surprised to see him get up and compete with cramps in both legs." Nwachukwu said. "It was definitely impressive. I won't ever forget his courage and his guts in that match."
Texas bounced back from early losses and won the final three matches for its eighth-straight victory. Nwachukwu said the team had wanted to beat Texas to improve its chances of going to the NCAA Championships.
"We wanted to win this badly," he said. "I'm very proud of the way the guys fought, but a loss is a loss."
Stroer helped start Kansas on the right foot. He teamed with junior Quentin Blakeen at No. 1 doubles defeating No. 35 Zarhi
and Jorge Haro in convincing fashion. 8-3.
Moments later, Kansas clinched the doubles point. Trailing 6-5 at the No.3 doubles position, Eleazar Magallan and Andrew Metzler earned three points and won 8-5, which gave Kansas a 1-0 lead.
Kansas quickly reeled off two more victories in singles play, including Rodrigo Echagaray's victory against No. 76 Craig Edmondson. 6-2, 5-7, 6-4.
But Texas' depth was too much for Kansas. After No. 30 Jean Simon beat Magallan at No.1 singles, 7-5, 6-4, the Longhorns came back from a 3-1 deficit and took the final three singles positions, sealing the victory.
But the loss did little to fade the impression left by Stroer's performance in his match's pivotal
third set at No. 4 singles. Stroer jumped out to a slight lead against Zarhi. But while scrambling after a ball during a rally, Stroer twisted his ankle, forcing him to play with a slight limp. After Zarhi took a 6-5 advantage, cramps in Stroer's quadriceps forced him to collapse during the next game.
After taking a few minutes on the ground to stretch and drink, Stroer returned and tied the final set at 6. But Zarhi rolled in the tie-breaker, reeling off the final four points, securing the Longhorns' win.
"It was an exciting match to be in that position to win, and I feel horrible about losing," Stroer said. "It would have meant a lot to the program."
Edited by Ashley Rock
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