Sophomore Tyler Conrad wasn't expected to be playing at No. 1 singles for the men's tennis team this season.
Thrust into the role a year earlier than expected, though, Conrad has been impressive for the Chargers, playing against the other team's top player every single match.
This afternoon, the Great Midwest Athletic Conference office announced that Conrad had earned G-MAC Men's Tennis Player of the Week honors for the first time this season, and the second time in his career.
Conrad dominated his competition this weekend against Southern Indiana, teaming with freshman Sean Barstow for a 6-1 win at No. 1 doubles, and beating Southern Indiana's Yahor Bahdanovich 6-1, 6-1, at No. 1 singles to help the Chargers to a 6-1 victory.
Conrad got off to an impressive start as a freshman, playing mostly at No. 5 singles with a 7-2 record, and a rise up the ranks in the 2020-21 season was expected.
However, with senior Ivanhoe Lissanevitch returning, it was expected to be another year at least before Conrad stepped into the No. 1 singles spot for the Chargers.
An injury to Lissanevitch, however, opened the door for Conrad, and he's done well despite the significant rise in competition, opening the season 4-3 at No. 1 singles and 4-3 with his partner Barstow at No. 1 doubles. His play has been a major factor in the Chargers' unexpected 6-1 start after losing four of their six singles players from the 2020 squad to graduation or injury.
Conrad, a Midland, Michigan native, also went 5-3 in the fall for the Chargers, playing at No. 3 singles and No. 2 doubles.
Hillsdale's men's tennis team and Conrad look to continue a strong start against Michigan Tech at home this Saturday, with matches beginning at 10:30 a.m.