The NIU men’s tennis team received a tremendous boost this year with the addition of freshman Marty Engel.

Engel is playing in the No. 1 flight against the best the other schools have to offer.

And he is beating them.

Engel is 5-0 with two tournament victories already this year.

“I’m not surprised at how he’s doing, but I’m very pleased,” said head men’s tennis coach Chuck Merzbacher. “It’s not uncommon for freshmen to do well at the No. 4, 5 or 6 flights, but it is unusual for a freshman to come in at the No. 1 flight and win.”

Engel was a highly recruited tennis player out of Glenbard West High School in Glen Ellyn.

“I got a lot of letters from a lot of schools, but the ones I visited were Ohio State, the University of Pacific, Drake and NIU,” said Engel.

The reason I chose NIU over the other schools was because of the coach (Merzbacher). He was a great player—a pro. He’s also a great guy,” Engel said.

Engel said he recalls the day when he chose to devote his time to tennis.

“I remember I had four games on one day—baseball, soccer, football and tennis,” Engel said. “I played in all four and was dead tired. My dad told me to choose one, it didn’t matter which one, and give it 110 percent. I chose tennis.”

Engel said his main goal is to play as hard as he can in every single match, much like one of his idols, Jimmy Connors.

“I love the way he gives 110 percent all the time. He won’t give his opponent a single point if he can help it. I love to watch him play,” Engel said.

Engel’s main goal is to play professional tennis after he graduates.

“Hopefully, at the end of my four years, I will have improved so much I will be good enough to make a living,” he said. “I think I have the work ethic to make it.”