By Randall Champion
After a long and grueling season, the only thing remaining for the BYU racquetball team was a trip to Tempe, Ariz. to defend its national title.
Battling inexperience, tough matchups, and some of the best players in the world, the Cougars came up short in their quest for another championship, finishing fourth overall.
But despite his team''s inexperience, coach Dennis Fisher was pleased with its effort.
'The nationals were a lack of experience, not a lack of effort,' Fisher said. 'We are a young, inexperienced team, but we competed well.'
Due to some tough first-round draws, and with four of his top six players having never played in nationals before, Fisher knew this tournament would not be an easy task.
The character of the young team was tested early, as BYU lost the majority of its matches on the first day of nationals, a day Fisher refers to as 'black Wednesday.'
But following a team meeting, the Cougars were determined to finish strong and prove they were one of the best teams in the nation.
Holly Crockett took first in the gold division, helping the women to a third place finish, while Travis Passey played the best for the men and led them to ninth place.
Though not as dominant as in past years, the Cougars'' performance is still one that Fisher believes they can be proud of.
'The only teams we lost to had recruits and scholarship players and have been playing since they were young,' Fisher said. 'Some kids were ranked in the world, and are on the pro tour. I think it was a real eye-opener.'
Now that the pressure and emotion of nationals are over, the team can turn its eyes towards next season with anticipation.
The women''s team will hurt a little, with four graduating and two leaving on missions. But with the men''s team losing only two, it will be a tough team to beat.
Because of the team''s hard work ethic, along with the experience the young team now has, Fisher is looking forward to a great season -- one in which he feels both teams will be ranked among the top five.
'The experience will definitely help us next year,' Fisher said. 'This team has progressed a long way, and we need to build on that.'