Stevenson's Speer picks Iowa

The whole process took longer than he would have liked, but Stevenson graduate Chris Speer's dream to play Division I tennis became reality recently when he decided on the University of Iowa.

Speer had turned down an offer from Western Michigan last fall. His final choice came down to Iowa and Mississippi State.

"It's the biggest relief ever to know I'm a Hawkeye," Speer said. "It's quite an honor to be part of the Big Ten."

Speer said Iowa first showed interest during the high school season.

"Their coach (Steve Houghton) seems like he knows a lot and the team was really cool," Speer said. "I loved their facilities. I expect to be part of the lineup and hopefully make an impact as a freshman."

Stevenson coach Mark Linnenburger said Speer was always focused on getting the most out of his game.

"If you spend any time with him you almost have to like him because he works so hard," Linnenburger said. "It doesn't matter if it's at practice or (in a match), he always gives his best effort."

Speer played varsity tennis for Stevenson as a freshman and sophomore. He took off his junior year to work on his game and ranking. He rejoined an extremely talented team and last spring helped the Patriots put together one of the best regular seasons in school history.

Speer had a good state meet and was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the consolation bracket. As a team, the Patriots placed second.

"It was a little disappointing not winning state as a team, but overall it was a very positive year," Speer said.

Speer, whose July schedule has been curtailed a bit because of a tight lower back, plans on playing the same style of tennis in college.

"My work (ethic) is a huge asset," he said. "I never give up and I can ground people down from the baseline."

Speer has spent a lot of time this summer on his serve.

"That's been my biggest (focus)," he said. "As you play older guys, the serve gets more important in terms of free points and being able to compete longer."