Men's Tennis | September 27, 2019
KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The Western Michigan Division of Intercollegiate Athletics will induct the 2019 Hall of Fame class on Friday, Sept. 27, at the Fetzer Center. The inductees will also be honored the following day on Saturday, Sept. 28 during halftime of Western Michigan football's game against Central Michigan. This week www.wmubroncos.com will take a closer look at each of our inductees: Shawn Faulkner (football), David Gennero (men's tennis), Frederika Girsang (women's tennis), Bill Horn (ice hockey), Shaylen Jackson (volleyball), and Jeff Zylstra (men's track & field and cross country).
David Gennero
David Gennero starred for the WMU men's tennis team from 1993-96. Gennero won back-to-back Mid-American Conference Indoor Singles Championships in 1995 and 1996. The Warren, Mich., native was named the MAC Player of the Year in 1996, becoming the athlete from the prestigious program's history to earn the honors. He was a three-time All-MAC selection and currently sits 13th all-time on the wins list (fourth at time of graduation).
Q&A With David Gennero
Q:What was your reaction when you found out you were being inducted?
I felt overjoyed when I spoke with Kathy. It brought back so many great memories of my time at Western. I am so humbled to be included with so many greats from the past.
Q: Do you have some favorite memories from your time competing at WMU?
Some of my favorite memories at WMU are the great times we experienced as a team on road trips and also the camaraderie on and off the court. From a competition standpoint, some of my most memorable moments include wins versus Northwestern both in singles and doubles and wins over traditional powerhouse programs like Vanderbilt and Washington. My most treasured result is my last match as a Bronco; winning the 1996 MAC doubles championship with my partner Kevin Reed on the Sorensen courts.
Q: Who were some of the people at Western Michigan that made your time memorable?
My teammates and Coach Vredevelt for sure. My teammates were my friends, roommates, and everything in between. We did everything together. The countless experiences we had are memories that will last a lifetime. Coach Jack Vredevelt and I developed a special bond during my tenure. He was so important to me not just as a coach but also as role model.
Q: Have you kept up with the program since you left?
Yes, I have kept up with the program. I follow their schedule and results through the season. Coach Morin has done an unbelievable job for the last 20 plus years. He has racked up conference championships and has put Western tennis into an elite class year in and year out.
Q: What has life been like for you since leaving Western Michigan?
Life has blessed me with many things since graduating from Western. I have been happily married for 16 years to my wife Debbie and have two kids Isabella (14) and Alexander (12). I have taught tennis professionally for the last 23 years. I currently teach at Franklin Athletic Club in Southfield, MI during the fall, winter and spring months and in the summer I am the Director of Tennis at Tam O'shanter Country Club in West Bloomfield, MI.
