Ball State University Athletics
COACH O'S BLOG -- S1 E4: February 11, 2026
February 11, 2026 | Men's Tennis
Coach O's Ball State Men's Tennis Blog
Ball State men's tennis coach Gene Orlando pens a newsletter to Cardinals fans, parents and alumni that is shared in the blog below. If you would like a newsletter direct to your email inbox, you can opt-in with an email to gorlando@bsu.edu.
Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026
Dear Cardinal Tennis Family,
The Cardinals earned a hard-fought split over the weekend, falling to Cleveland State in a 4-3 heartbreaker and then turning around less than 24 hours later to be on the other side by winning a thriller last match in a 4-3 win over Butler!
We lost the doubles point in both matches. We were non-competitive against Cleveland State, and we served for the doubles point against Butler and lost. We showed some true grit, resilience and toughness bouncing back from a tough defeat on Saturday then going down 0-1 in doubles – and playing like a team that was fresh and hungry on the road.
At Butler, senior Jacks Lancaster won in straight sets at #1 to even the match at 1-1 and the other five matches were all extended to third sets. We were able to win at #3 with junior Drew Hayward winning 6-4 in the third. #6 Senior Broc Fletcher won 6-3 in the third, and the clincher was at #4, with Jeremy Milette winning 6-4 in the third.
Doubles is still our key for a special season, and will continue to be an emphasis for us. Regardless though, this team competes and finds a way to make a way, even when there looks to be no way.
We Learn. We Grow. We Get Better. The Cardinal Way.
BILL RICHARDS INDUCTED INTO THE INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS HALL OF FAME
Congrats to Coach Bill Richards on his induction into the Indiana High School Tennis Hall of Fame last Friday, February 6! Coach's 53-year career at Ball State impacted so many Indiana high school tennis players with his emphasis on recruiting in-state talent, as well as coaching the Central Indiana Davis Cup teams and hosting the Western Open, a national junior tournament for 23 years at Ball State.
ONE BALL STATE DAY
Calling all Alumni, Family and Friends -- we need your support!
April 1 is One Ball State Day, and it's a big moment for our athletic department — but even more so for our Ball State Tennis program.
This program was built on tradition that began in 1955, with so many great players and coaches. Coach Richards was able to build on our past tradition and accomplish amazing things. I played for him. You played for him and even if you didn't play for him, he made you feel like you were part of our Cardinal Tennis family.
Together, we are Ball State Tennis — and this is our chance to come together. I have an ambitious goal to raise $53,000 in honor of Coach Richards' 53 years of service. I'm committed to making sure we rally everyone. The size of the gift doesn't matter. Showing up does. That collective support is what will sustains this program, long-term. I hope you'll stand with me and pay tribute to a man that has impacted so many lives.
Cards All In. More details to follow.
CARDINAL HARD HAT PLAYER OF THE WEEK
The Cardinal Hard Hat recognizes exceptional effort, toughness, a blue collar mentality and leadership by example.
Thanks for your support of our Cardinal tennis program. Your support and friendship make a difference and truly impact our student athletes on and off the court.
Cardinal Tennis Pride,
Coach O
Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026
CARDINAL HARD HAT
The Cardinal Hard Hat recognizes exceptional effort, toughness, a blue collar mentality and leadership by example.
UP NEXT
COACH'S CORNER
SAVE THE DATES
Friday, March 27
Alumni/Team and Senior Weekend Celebration Banquet @ BSU Alumni Center
Preparations for our team banquet and senior weekend are under way and we would love to have you join us. It's a great opportunity for friends and fans to meet our outstanding players. It will be a very special night to celebrate our seniors our team and program.
Wednesday, April 1
One Ball State Day
Join us for our eighth annual One Ball State Day on Wednesday, April 1 and support our Cardinal tennis program.
Thanks for your support of our Cardinal tennis program. Your support and friendship make a difference and truly impact our student athletes on and off the court.
Cardinal Tennis Pride,
Coach O
Monday, Jan. 26, 2026
Dear Cardinal Tennis Family,
The Cardinals picked up two wins this past weekend with a 4-3 win over Bellarmine, and 7-0 over IU East.
Our match against Bellarmine got a little tricky as we let the doubles points slip away to go down 0-1. It's always tough to earn four singles matches against a good team, but the Cardinals responded with great starts in singles. Playing with great energy and with great fan support, we were able to win 4 out of 6 first sets and our Cardinal will pushed us through to close out the match.
We got great singles straight set wins by our #1 Jacks Lancaster, #2 freshman Andrei Caragea, #3 junior Drew Hayward and #5 freshman Zack Kimelman.
We Learn. We Grow. We Get Better. The Cardinal Way.
CARDINAL HARD HAT
The Cardinal Hard Hat recognizes exceptional effort, toughness, a blue collar mentality and leadership by example.
This week's hard hat selection is senior Jacks Lancaster for his gritty effort and his big win at #1 singles leading the charge against Bellarmine. Jacks has been plagued by injuries this entire season and it's great to see his patience and resilience pay off. We will need a healthy and confident Jacks Lancaster when we begin the MAC season.
GREEK'S PIZZERIA IN THE VILLAGE
Where does the Ball State men's tennis team go to celebrate two wins on the weekend? Greek's Pizzeria in the village owned by Ball State tennis alum Rafael Domenech. Thanks for fueling our team Raffie, and providing a great team bonding experience at Greek's in the Village. Cardinal Tennis Proud.
UP NEXT
The Cardinals are on the road this Saturday, January 31st with a dual match against the Dayton Flyers. The match will be played at the South Regency Tennis Center at 4pm.
South Regency Tennis Center
3020 West Tech Rd
Miamisburg, Oh 45342
937-885-5000
Live Stream will be available.
COACH'S CORNER
Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts. There's only one growth strategy … Work Hard and good things will happen. GGI!
BILL RICHARDS TO BE INDUCTED INTO INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS HALL OF FAME
Congrats to Coach Bill Richards on his Indiana High School Tennis Hall of Fame induction! His 53-year career at Ball State impacted Indiana high school tennis by recruiting in-state talent and promoting the game. Join the celebration on February 6th at 502 East Event Center in Carmel. Contact Debby Burton at 317-250-6891 or burtond@centergrove.k12.in.us for tickets. Seats are limited.
SAVE THE DATES
Friday, March 27
Alumni/Team and Senior Weekend Celebration Banquet @ BSU Alumni Center
Preparations for our team banquet and senior weekend are under way and we would love to have you join us. It's a great opportunity for friends and fans to meet our outstanding players. It will be a very special night to celebrate our seniors our team and program.
Wednesday, April 1
One Ball State Day
Join us for our eighth annual One Ball State Day on Wednesday, April 1 and support our Cardinal tennis program.
Thanks for your support of our Cardinal tennis program. Your support and friendship make a difference and truly impact our student athletes on and off the court.
Cardinal Tennis Pride,
Coach O
Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026
Dear Cardinal Tennis Family:
We couldn't have scripted our match any better against Xavier University last Saturday with a gritty 5-2 win. Our first win of the season, our first match a 1st Serve Muncie Racquet Club and my first win as your Head Coach (click this link for a fun video).
The Cardinals played with a ton of energy and belief taking the doubles point and we were able to withstand Xavier's singles comeback by our willingness to compete and make balls and refuse to go away. Cardinal Tough. (add a period)
We Learn. We Grow. We Get Better. The Cardinal Way.
CARDINAL HARD HAT
The Cardinal Hard Hat recognizes exceptional effort, toughness, a blue collar mentality and leadership by example. This award is given out weekly. This week's winner is Zack Kimelman. Zack had a great week of practice,and even getting extra reps before practice. Zack picked up a huge come-from-behind win against Xavier at #6 Singles (4-6, 6-3, 6-4).
UP NEXT
The Cardinals return to action this Saturday, January 24 with a doubleheader against the Bellarmine Knights at 12pm, and IU East at 4pm. The match will be played at the 1st Serve Muncie Tennis Center at Ball State. Live Stats and Live Stream will be available. Click here for schedule information.
COACH'S CORNER
You don't always get what you wish for, you get what you work for. The dream is free but there's a price to pay for the journey. GGI! (Go Get It)
SAVE THE DATES
Friday, March 27
Alumni/Team and Senior Weekend Celebration Banquet @ BSU Alumni Center
Preparations for our team banquet and senior weekend are under way and we would love to have you join us. It's a great opportunity for friends and fans to meet our outstanding players. It will be a very special night to celebrate our seniors our team and program.
Wednesday, April 1
One Ball State Day
Join us for our eighth annual One Ball State Day on Wednesday, April 1, and support our Cardinals Tennis Program. Let's dominate!
Thanks for your support of our Cardinal tennis program. Your support and friendship make a difference and truly impact our student athletes on and off the court.
Cardinal Tennis Pride,
Coach O
Ball State men's tennis coach Gene Orlando pens a newsletter to Cardinals fans, parents and alumni that is shared in the blog below. If you would like a newsletter direct to your email inbox, you can opt-in with an email to gorlando@bsu.edu.
Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026
Dear Cardinal Tennis Family,
The Cardinals earned a hard-fought split over the weekend, falling to Cleveland State in a 4-3 heartbreaker and then turning around less than 24 hours later to be on the other side by winning a thriller last match in a 4-3 win over Butler!
We lost the doubles point in both matches. We were non-competitive against Cleveland State, and we served for the doubles point against Butler and lost. We showed some true grit, resilience and toughness bouncing back from a tough defeat on Saturday then going down 0-1 in doubles – and playing like a team that was fresh and hungry on the road.
At Butler, senior Jacks Lancaster won in straight sets at #1 to even the match at 1-1 and the other five matches were all extended to third sets. We were able to win at #3 with junior Drew Hayward winning 6-4 in the third. #6 Senior Broc Fletcher won 6-3 in the third, and the clincher was at #4, with Jeremy Milette winning 6-4 in the third.
Doubles is still our key for a special season, and will continue to be an emphasis for us. Regardless though, this team competes and finds a way to make a way, even when there looks to be no way.
We Learn. We Grow. We Get Better. The Cardinal Way.
BILL RICHARDS INDUCTED INTO THE INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS HALL OF FAME
Congrats to Coach Bill Richards on his induction into the Indiana High School Tennis Hall of Fame last Friday, February 6! Coach's 53-year career at Ball State impacted so many Indiana high school tennis players with his emphasis on recruiting in-state talent, as well as coaching the Central Indiana Davis Cup teams and hosting the Western Open, a national junior tournament for 23 years at Ball State.
ONE BALL STATE DAY
Calling all Alumni, Family and Friends -- we need your support!
April 1 is One Ball State Day, and it's a big moment for our athletic department — but even more so for our Ball State Tennis program.
This program was built on tradition that began in 1955, with so many great players and coaches. Coach Richards was able to build on our past tradition and accomplish amazing things. I played for him. You played for him and even if you didn't play for him, he made you feel like you were part of our Cardinal Tennis family.
Together, we are Ball State Tennis — and this is our chance to come together. I have an ambitious goal to raise $53,000 in honor of Coach Richards' 53 years of service. I'm committed to making sure we rally everyone. The size of the gift doesn't matter. Showing up does. That collective support is what will sustains this program, long-term. I hope you'll stand with me and pay tribute to a man that has impacted so many lives.
Cards All In. More details to follow.
CARDINAL HARD HAT PLAYER OF THE WEEK
The Cardinal Hard Hat recognizes exceptional effort, toughness, a blue collar mentality and leadership by example.
Freshman Jeremy Milette (Quebec, Canada) earned the Cardinal Hard Hat last week with his thrilling, clinching match against Butler: 7-6(6), 1-6, 6-4. It was a great win and came at a perfect time for him to build upon his confidence and continue to grow and develop his game as we get closer to the conference season.
Thanks for your support of our Cardinal tennis program. Your support and friendship make a difference and truly impact our student athletes on and off the court.
Cardinal Tennis Pride,
Coach O
Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026
The Cardinals had a great week of practice and prepared well, but unfortunately we were outplayed on the road to a very good Dayton squad, 6-1. We lost the doubles point and responded well early in singles but were unable to capitalize on some early leads and Dayton closed us out.
Despite the setback the team has made great improvements. Our doubles play will have to improve moving forward if we are going to be a championship contender.
We Learn. We Grow. We Get Better. The Cardinal Way.
CARDINAL HARD HAT
The Cardinal Hard Hat recognizes exceptional effort, toughness, a blue collar mentality and leadership by example.
Junior Drew Hayward earned the Cardinal Hard Hat last week with his win at #3 Singles against Dayton's Dylan Jaen 7-6(2), 3-6, 12-10. Drew's hard work and extra training is really paying off. He currently owns a 4-1 singles record, the best on the team, and most importantly he's developing into a future leader of our program.
UP NEXT
The Cardinals play Cleveland State this Saturday, February 7, at 12 p.m. at the new 1st Serve Muncie Racquet Club of Ball State.
The Cardinals then travel to play Butler on Sunday, February 8th at 2 p.m. The match will be played at the Indianapolis Racquet Club (8249 Dean Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46240).
Ball State vs Cleveland State
Live Stats and Live Stream will be available.
Ball State vs Butler
Live Stats and Live Stream will be available.
COACH'S CORNER
Turn your belief into believing and your believing into knowing.
SAVE THE DATES
Friday, March 27
Alumni/Team and Senior Weekend Celebration Banquet @ BSU Alumni Center
Preparations for our team banquet and senior weekend are under way and we would love to have you join us. It's a great opportunity for friends and fans to meet our outstanding players. It will be a very special night to celebrate our seniors our team and program.
Wednesday, April 1
One Ball State Day
Join us for our eighth annual One Ball State Day on Wednesday, April 1 and support our Cardinal tennis program.
Thanks for your support of our Cardinal tennis program. Your support and friendship make a difference and truly impact our student athletes on and off the court.
Cardinal Tennis Pride,
Coach O
Monday, Jan. 26, 2026
Dear Cardinal Tennis Family,
The Cardinals picked up two wins this past weekend with a 4-3 win over Bellarmine, and 7-0 over IU East.
Our match against Bellarmine got a little tricky as we let the doubles points slip away to go down 0-1. It's always tough to earn four singles matches against a good team, but the Cardinals responded with great starts in singles. Playing with great energy and with great fan support, we were able to win 4 out of 6 first sets and our Cardinal will pushed us through to close out the match.
We got great singles straight set wins by our #1 Jacks Lancaster, #2 freshman Andrei Caragea, #3 junior Drew Hayward and #5 freshman Zack Kimelman.
We Learn. We Grow. We Get Better. The Cardinal Way.
CARDINAL HARD HAT
The Cardinal Hard Hat recognizes exceptional effort, toughness, a blue collar mentality and leadership by example.
This week's hard hat selection is senior Jacks Lancaster for his gritty effort and his big win at #1 singles leading the charge against Bellarmine. Jacks has been plagued by injuries this entire season and it's great to see his patience and resilience pay off. We will need a healthy and confident Jacks Lancaster when we begin the MAC season.
GREEK'S PIZZERIA IN THE VILLAGE
Where does the Ball State men's tennis team go to celebrate two wins on the weekend? Greek's Pizzeria in the village owned by Ball State tennis alum Rafael Domenech. Thanks for fueling our team Raffie, and providing a great team bonding experience at Greek's in the Village. Cardinal Tennis Proud.
UP NEXT
The Cardinals are on the road this Saturday, January 31st with a dual match against the Dayton Flyers. The match will be played at the South Regency Tennis Center at 4pm.
South Regency Tennis Center
3020 West Tech Rd
Miamisburg, Oh 45342
937-885-5000
Live Stream will be available.
COACH'S CORNER
Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts. There's only one growth strategy … Work Hard and good things will happen. GGI!
BILL RICHARDS TO BE INDUCTED INTO INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS HALL OF FAME
Congrats to Coach Bill Richards on his Indiana High School Tennis Hall of Fame induction! His 53-year career at Ball State impacted Indiana high school tennis by recruiting in-state talent and promoting the game. Join the celebration on February 6th at 502 East Event Center in Carmel. Contact Debby Burton at 317-250-6891 or burtond@centergrove.k12.in.us for tickets. Seats are limited.
SAVE THE DATES
Friday, March 27
Alumni/Team and Senior Weekend Celebration Banquet @ BSU Alumni Center
Preparations for our team banquet and senior weekend are under way and we would love to have you join us. It's a great opportunity for friends and fans to meet our outstanding players. It will be a very special night to celebrate our seniors our team and program.
Wednesday, April 1
One Ball State Day
Join us for our eighth annual One Ball State Day on Wednesday, April 1 and support our Cardinal tennis program.
Thanks for your support of our Cardinal tennis program. Your support and friendship make a difference and truly impact our student athletes on and off the court.
Cardinal Tennis Pride,
Coach O
Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026
Dear Cardinal Tennis Family:
We couldn't have scripted our match any better against Xavier University last Saturday with a gritty 5-2 win. Our first win of the season, our first match a 1st Serve Muncie Racquet Club and my first win as your Head Coach (click this link for a fun video).
The Cardinals played with a ton of energy and belief taking the doubles point and we were able to withstand Xavier's singles comeback by our willingness to compete and make balls and refuse to go away. Cardinal Tough. (add a period)
We Learn. We Grow. We Get Better. The Cardinal Way.
CARDINAL HARD HAT
The Cardinal Hard Hat recognizes exceptional effort, toughness, a blue collar mentality and leadership by example. This award is given out weekly. This week's winner is Zack Kimelman. Zack had a great week of practice,
UP NEXT
The Cardinals return to action this Saturday, January 24 with a doubleheader against the Bellarmine Knights at 12pm, and IU East at 4pm. The match will be played at the 1st Serve Muncie Tennis Center at Ball State. Live Stats and Live Stream will be available. Click here for schedule information.
COACH'S CORNER
You don't always get what you wish for, you get what you work for. The dream is free but there's a price to pay for the journey. GGI! (Go Get It)
SAVE THE DATES
Friday, March 27
Alumni/Team and Senior Weekend Celebration Banquet @ BSU Alumni Center
Preparations for our team banquet and senior weekend are under way and we would love to have you join us. It's a great opportunity for friends and fans to meet our outstanding players. It will be a very special night to celebrate our seniors our team and program.
Wednesday, April 1
One Ball State Day
Join us for our eighth annual One Ball State Day on Wednesday, April 1, and support our Cardinals Tennis Program. Let's dominate!
Thanks for your support of our Cardinal tennis program. Your support and friendship make a difference and truly impact our student athletes on and off the court.
Cardinal Tennis Pride,
Coach O
Players Mentioned
/ Men's Tennis
/ Men's Tennis
/ Men's Tennis
/ Men's Tennis
/ Men's Tennis
/ Men's Tennis
Men's Tennis // Match Point Win vs. IU East
Tuesday, January 27
Men's Tennis // Coach Orlando First Win Celebration
Saturday, January 17
Men's Tennis // First home match of the season preview
Friday, January 16
Men's Tennis // Bill Richards Celebration
Tuesday, November 18