BRIAN ETZKIN
HEAD COACH | 15TH SEASON
One of the most decorated coaches in Cleveland State history, Brian Etzkin will begin his 15th year at the helm of the men’s tennis team, looking to continue the program’s success during the 2016-17 season. Etzkin became the head coach at CSU prior to the 2002-03 season, taking over a men’s program that was in dire need of rebuilding. The change came almost overnight, as the Vikings won nine matches during Etzkin’s first year, six more than the previous two years combined. In his time thus far, Etzkin has built a men’s program that is one of the most consistent in the league, earning a spot in the Horizon League Tournament every year during his tenure. Under Etzkin’s guidance the Vikings have been crowned Horizon League Champions five times, claiming the title during the 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2013 seasons. In 2009 the men’s tennis team became the third Cleveland State program to win back-to-back league titles, and in 2010 became the first program in school history to win three-straight. The 2007-08 season marked the first time in program history that CSU earned a berth in the NCAA Tournament, and the Vikings have returned four times since then (2009, 2010, 2011, 2013). Under Etzkin, CSU owns a post-season record of 21-13, which includes Horizon League and NCAA tournament appearances. The winningest coach in program history, Etzkin reached an impressive milestone last season, recording his 200th career victory with the men’s program in a 5-2 victory over Butler on February 26, 2016. Etzkin, who is one of just two Horizon League coaches to reach the 200-win milestone, enters the upcoming season with an overall record of 207-142 at the helm of the Vikings. Thanks to his accolades, Etzkin has been named Horizon League Coach of the Year three times, earning the honor following the 2007, 2009 and 2010 seasons. In addition, he was named the 2009 ITA Midwest Regional Men’s Coach of the Year. Etzkin has mentored eight all-league first team honorees, including four-time nominee Phil Orno (2007, 08, 09, 10) who was also named the Player of the Year as a sophomore. Two Vikings have earned Newcomer of the Year honors under Etzkin; Matt Kuelker following the 2010-11 season and former assistant coach Jay Tee who won the award in 2003. Cleveland State is just as impressive off the court, as 15 Vikings have been named ITA Scholar-Athletes since the 2002-03 season, and the men’s team has received ITA All-Academic honors twice (2009 & 2007). Three Vikings have also been awarded the Horizon League Herb Foster Sportsmanship honor; Rob Fox (2011), Steven Wipprecht (2009) and Brad Groleski (2006). Etzkin has also encouraged his players to become community leaders. Under Etzkin, four members of the men’s tennis team have been named officers for the Cleveland State Student-Athlete Advisory Council; Steven Wipprecht (2008-09) and Jay Tee (2005-06) each served as the SAAC President during their careers, while Brad Groleski (2006-07) and Nolan Marks (2014-15) served as the Vice Presidents. Etzkin was born in Cleveland and raised in Wooster, but returned to Northeast Ohio after working as an assistant men’s tennis coach at Michigan State. While with the Spartans, he assisted in every aspect of the program, including serving as recruiting coordinator. ETZKIN COACHING HIGHLIGHTS
All-time winningest coach in CSU history with 207 wins // 2007, 2009 & 2010 Horizon League Coach of the Year 2009 ITA Midwest Regional Men’s Coach of the Year // 2007 & 2009 ITA All-Academic Team
BRIAN ETZKIN