MONMOUTH, Ill. – It’s been exactly 70 years since the legendary Bobby Woll guided the Monmouth College men’s tennis team to the Fighting Scots’ last – and only – conference team title.

Head coach Chad Braun will have two returners with conference titles and hopes to use that experience coupled with talented newcomers to duplicate Woll’s feat of 1938. "We’re going to be well-balanced," reported Braun, now entering his fifth year at the helm. "We have six very solid players, so I think we’ll be tough to beat. We should be exceptionally tough at doubles."

Although last years’ No. 1 singles player, Jared Kunkle was lost to graduation, the cupboard is not bare. Junior Kyle Korb (Quincy, Ill./Quincy), who last year saw action at No. 1 singles late in the season, is back and expected to hold the top spot. "Kyle has some experience at No. 1 coming in," said Braun. "He played very well for us in that spot last year. He’s matured some and got a lot of confidence from playing No. 1 last year."

Senior Kevin Kamenjarin (Alsip, Ill./Marist) is expected to hold the No. 2 singles spot and team with Korb at No. 1 doubles. Korb should be excited about the pairing – Kamenjarin has more doubles victories than anyone in the history of the program (55). Kamenjarin experienced his best season as a sophomore, when he posted a 17-9 record and teamed with Kunkle to with the conference title at No. 2 doubles. Braun expects his senior to be extremely focused for his final season. "Kevin has realized this is it," said Braun. "He’s a senior now, so I think he has a sense of urgency this season and wants to go out the right way."

The Scots will have a freshman with a name synonymous to tennis greatness holding down the No. 3 singles spot. Sam Graf (Mascoutah, Ill./Mascoutah) – no relation to Steffi – has impressed Braun in practice. Saying he has improved "a lot" since his high school career, Braun is anxious to see what his recruit can do. "He’s going to gain some experience," reported Braun. "He’s a much more powerful player than he was in high school. He has a lot of tools. It will be a case of him learning to manufacture points. He should have a good year for us."

The battle for the Scots’ No. 4 spot is still raging – and that’s good news for the Scots. Fiery senior Matt Moser (Des Plaines, Ill./Maine West), who could be matched with Graf on the No. 2 doubles team, may have the early inside track on the No. 4 singles spot over junior Eric Brandhorst (Quincy, Ill./Quincy) who will make his collegiate tennis debut this weekend. "Eric was a guy I recruited a couple of years ago," said Braun. "He decided to concentrate on his fine arts studies the first couple of years, but has decided to return to tennis this season. We’re glad to have him."

A conference champion in high school, Brandhorst is expected to have an impact on the Scots program once he regains his old form – something Braun expects to happen fairly soon. "We’re going to ease him back into it, but he’s already striking the ball extremely well," praised Braun. "He’s definitely going to be a huge asset for us this year."

Moser, who was 13-6 a year ago and trails only the graduated Alex Carter in career singles wins (49 and 54, respectively), adds experience, success and flavor to the Scots’ program. "Matt wears his emotions on his sleeve, that’s what makes him go," praised Braun. Moser is also the only singles champion in the history of Scots men’s tennis, winning the title at No. 5 singles in 2006. He may have added another title last year at No. 4 if not for leg cramps in the finals.

A "very athletic" freshman – Ben Morrow (Peoria, Ill./East Peoria) – has laid claim to the No. 6 spot. With good ground strokes, Braun expects Morrow to be a significant contributor to the team’s success. "He just needs to learn to manage his game and gain some consistency with his serves," said Braun. Morrow and Brandhorst are projected to form the No. 3 doubles pairing.

Sophomore Alexander Potts (Willowbrook, Ill./Hinsdale South) and freshman Tony Castro (Mascoutah, Ill./Mascoutah) round out the Scots’ squad. "Potts and Castro are working extremely hard," reported Braun. "They’re coming into the season with a great work ethic and attitude. We’re looking forward to working with them this season."

Braun sees the Midwest Conference race in the south division clear-cut – at least for the top seed. "Grinnell is loaded," reported Braun. "After that, it’s a four-way race for the one remaining spot in the conference team tournament."

If Braun and Co. get their way, the perfect blend of experience and youth could mean a return to the past and a conference title.