KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The MIAA/GAC Conference released today its Men's Tennis All-Conference awards. Topping the list as the conference's Freshman of the Year was Southern Arkansas' very own Jonas Sommer. Jonas was also named to the Honorable mention singles team, along with Frode Neumann being named First Team singles and Lucas Nitzschke being named Second Team singles.
 
Jonas, a native of Germany, has made an immediate impact for the Muleriders this season. Sommer and his doubles partner, Uwe Diehl, have been consistently inside the top 15 doubles pairings in Division II this season, amassing a 19-11 record in doubles play. The duo climbed to as high as fourth in the nation at one point this year. Sommer has also played a major role in singles play for the men, amassing a 19-8 record in singles play at lines four and five. In his fall season, the German claimed a Great American Conference individual title. He has been named the MIAA/GAC Athlete of the Week twice this season for his consistent performances and has also picked up wins in singles play over numerous top-ranked teams this season. Sommer also added to his resume last night at the Ninth Annual Mulespys awards, winning Male Newcomer of the Year. Jonas was also named to the Honorable Mention Singles team.
 
Frode Neumann also appears on the All-Conference list this season as he was named First Team All-MIAA Singles. The Kassel, Germany native has been a fierce competitor all season long for the men. In singles play, Frode has risen to as high as 66th in the ITA singles rankings. Neumann currently has an 18-12 singles record while also picking up wins in singles play over opponents from top-ranked teams. Frode has played mainly line two singles for the men this season, while also seeing action at line three.
 
Lucas Nitzschke rounded out the list of players to receive awards for the Muleriders, being named All-MIAA Second Team singles. The native of Germany has been an anchor at line one singles for the Muleriders all season long. He currently has a 16-15 overall record in singles. Nitzschke has also picked up wins against several ranked teams this year while also claiming a GAC individual title in the fall.
 
The men will begin their quest for the MIAA/GAC Tennis Championship this Wednesday, April 29th, against the University of Nebraska at Kearney. First serve is set for 2:00 p.m.