The new year brings with it new opponents and new hopes for the Northwestern men’s tennis team as it takes on Utah and Weber State this weekend for the first dual matches of the 2004 season.

The Wildcats travel to Utah for the first time since they played the Weber State Wildcats in 1981.

Coach Paul Torricelli said he sees the trip as an opportunity to get his team used to the road and to fine-tune his lineup for the Big Ten season that starts next weekend when NU faces Minnesota.

“We’re not going to be overly concerned with our opponent,” he said. “We’re more focused on our guys and getting them ready for the Big Ten opener.”

That preparation for conference play will be more important than ever for the Cats, as half of their roster has yet to play a Big Ten match.

NU is led by freshman Christian Tempke, who introduced himself to the conference by advancing to the quarterfinals of the Big Ten singles championships this fall. The lineup also includes three other freshmen. But Torricelli isn’t afraid of his team’s inexperience.

“The freshmen will play this weekend,” Torricelli said. “I’m excited to see what they can do.”

But the Cats haven’t forgotten about their returning standouts.

Junior Chuck Perrin is looking to continue his success without NU alumnus Jackie Jenkins, the other half of his 2003 doubles team that finished the season ranked No. 10 in the nation. Perrin advanced to the final consolation round of the Big Ten singles championship in the fall.

Perrin is joined by junior Tommy Hanus and captain Ahmed Wahla, the lone senior on the team. Wahla compiled a record of 5-2 and Hanus notched a 6-4 record during the fall season.

This season, however, the Cats aren’t looking for solid records and moral victories.

“We just want to win,” said Torricelli.

— Nina Mandell