Whenever a Big Ten team visits Muncie for an athletic event, it's bound to draw attention.
The same holds true Saturday when Michigan State University comes to town to take on Ball State University's men's tennis team at noon. The Cardinals also play later that night against the Crusaders of Valparaiso University at 6 p.m.
"It's a physical challenge," coach Bill Richards said about playing two matches in one day. "We will try to split up some time against Valpo as best we can. You have to be careful not to cut it too thin, but I have confidence in the depth of our team."
Michigan State will be the first Big Ten team to play a dual match in Muncie this season. The Cardinals' (4-3, 0-0 Mid-American Conference) three losses have come to Big Ten teams on the road this season.
However, the Spartans present a unique circumstance.
"It's always difficult to get them to come," Richards said. "The head coach is one of my former players so they are willing to play home and away with us."
Michigan State coach Gene Orlando played for Ball State under Richards from 1984-87. Ball State won four Mid-American Conference championships during his tenure, and Orlando was inducted into the school's athletics hall of fame in 1997. Making things even more intriguing is that Valparaiso's head coach, Jim Daugherty, also played for Richards from 1974-77.
"It's very rewarding for me," Richards said. "I'm very proud for me. I'm very proud of Gene at Michigan State and Jim at Valpo. I don't want to beat people who are like family, but you have to put that aside and do your job."
The Spartans are 8-1 on the year, featuring two victories against MAC schools. Valparaiso has played three matches this season and has one win on the year against IUPUI.
The Cardinals lost to Big Ten foe Northwestern University 6-1 on Sunday.
"We haven't had a match against a Big Ten team where everyone played well together," Richards said. "I feel like we're capable of winning, but we have to play better than we have all year to win."
Gene Orlando*Head coach for Michigan State's men's tennis team.Played at Ball State from 1984-87*90-40 singles record and 98-24 doubles record at Ball State*Was ranked as high as 21st nationally in doubles*Ball State won four MAC championships during his tenure*Inducted into the Ball State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1997
Jim Daugherty*Head coach for Valparaiso University's men's tennis team*Played at Ball State from 1974-77
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