The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net 

FOR the past two weeks, Jacobi Bain has been preparing for his entry at Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana where he will be playing his freshman year for the Gold Rush men’s tennis team this year.

Bain, one of the top junior male players in the country, said they have not been able to practice as yet because of the passing of Hurricane Ida, which has also halted his attendance in classes as well as he gears up for a major degree in business management.

“We haven’t done anything yet, except attend orientation the first week,” the southpaw Bain said. “I haven’t done anything yet with tennis. But I’m looking forward to it.”

After spending the past four years at the Albany Tennis Academy where he was enrolled in Winston School, Bain said he selected Xavier University because it’s recognised as one of the top college schools with a great tennis programme.

“My former coach Alan Greene knew the tennis coach there (Doug Matthews), so everything worked out in my favour,” he said. “We’ve had some bad weather this week with some down trees, some homes had their roofs and windows damaged.”

Bain said he’s looking forward to returning to the school campus to start his freshman year.

“I just want to play my best tennis,” he said.

“I just want to do what I have to do to help my team win and hopefully get in some doubles matches as well. I just want to be a strong competitor for the team.

If all goes well, Bain said he’s hoping that he will advance to the Red River Conference to play in both singles and doubles for the Gold Rush.

Last year, the Gold Rush lost 4-3 to Union (Kentucky) in the first round of the NAIA National Championship Tournament.

“I just need to work on improving my volley,” Bain pointed out. “I think I will be able to play up to my full potential.”

The Gold Rush are not expected to start playing until early next year but, in the meantime, Bain said they will be concentrating on getting conditioned for the upcoming season.

Bain took the time out to thank God, his parents Marion and Bradley Bain, Richele LaSaldo, Alan Greene and the coaching staff at Albany, Bahamian legend Mark Knowles, principal Linda McCartney and the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association for their support.

“It’s good to be here and getting ready to start playing college tennis,” Bain said.

The Gold Rush are coming off a 13-11 win-loss season and 3-2 in the Red River Conference, but Bain said he hopes to help Xavier’s University as they improve on their performances.