BEREA, Ohio – With a strong core of returning talent and a legacy of success under legendary head coach
Brian Rector '89, the Baldwin Wallace University men's tennis team is focused on reclaiming its spot atop the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) and making a return to the NCAA Division III National Tournament in 2025–26.
Entering his remarkable 37th season,
Rector holds the distinction as the winningest men's tennis coach in both OAC and Ohio NCAA Division III history. His 2024–25 squad posted an impressive 15–5 overall record, advanced to the OAC Tournament semifinals, and featured four Academic All-OAC selections along with three All-OAC honorees.
Veteran Leadership Returns
BW will be anchored by a group of experienced leaders, including seniors
Henry Harders (Ottawa Hills),
Will Horvath (Oregon/Clay),
Jacob Weingart (Tiffin/Columbian), and sophomore
Vinny Cannata (Aurora).
- Harders, a two-time Academic All-OAC honoree, has compiled a 25–12 career singles record, including a personal-best 11 wins last season. In doubles, he owns a 33–18 mark, highlighted by 18 victories in 2023–24.
- Horvath is a three-time All-OAC First Team and Academic All-OAC selection. One of the most decorated players on the roster, he boasts a 40–14 career singles record and a 53–18 mark in doubles, including a career-high 25 wins last season.
- Weingart, also a two-time Academic All-OAC honoree and former All-OAC honorable mention, has tallied 30 singles wins and 41 doubles victories, both with career-best seasons in 2023–24.
- Cannata made an immediate impact in his rookie year, earning All-OAC honorable mention honors. He recorded an 11–5 singles record and led the team with 15 doubles wins (15–4).
Depth and Experience
The Yellow Jackets also return several key contributors:
This combination of seasoned upperclassmen and promising young players gives BW the depth to compete at a high level throughout the season.
Looking Ahead
The Yellow Jackets open their fall season at the Allegheny College Invitational in Meadville, Pennsylvania, on August 30–31. BW will play exclusively on the road during the fall portion of its schedule.
The spring campaign kicks off in February 2026, highlighted by the team's annual Spring Break trip to Hilton Head, South Carolina, in early March—a critical part of their preparation for OAC play and postseason ambitions.
