Oklahoma State University Athletics
Meet a Cowboy Tennis Player: Daniel Byrnes
January 24, 2007 | Cowboy Tennis
Daniel Byrnes is a senior for the Oklahoma State's men's tennis team who last season became the first Cowboy in almost ten years to earn All-American honors. The Melbourne, Australia native hauled in the honors last season as won the Central Region Championship and was an All-Big 12 selection in both singles and doubles. After severe back pains hampered his play in the fall, Byrnes will look to regain his spot as one of the top-ranked individuals in the country this spring.
In this edition of Meet a Cowboy, Byrnes talks about his teammates, goals and returning to the UTSA/ITA National Men's Team Indoor Championship.
When did you start playing tennis?
I started playing when I was about eight or nine.
Who has had the greatest impact on your tennis career?
It would have to be my dad. He is a tennis coach.
How has coach Wadley helped your career?
He has been great to me. He has almost been like a dad to me since I have been here. He has been great on and off the court.
Do you have a pre-match ritual?
I really do not. I know some guys have to touch every line but I do not have to do anything special.
Best or Favorite venue to play at?
Stanford
How do you unwind after a match?
Normally I have to ice my back but I just like to relax and do normal things.
What opposing school do you look forward to playing the most?
Oklahoma or Tulsa
Why did you chose OSU?
I knew Mark Van Elden and I liked the tradition.
You started out playing No. 5 and 6 but worked your way up the lineup, what has been the key?
It has been all about progressing. I had some problems adjusting but I have finally been able to get my game together.
Are you excited about returning to Chicago and the National Indoors?
It will be real fun. I am excited. They have a good facility and we will get to play against some great teams. It is a great opportunity for us.
What are your goals for this team?
I think we have a chance to have one of the best teams that coach has had here. I definitely think we have a chance to be a top five or ten team this season.
Out of all the honors you have received, what are you most proud of?
Really, I was most proud of seeing the team improve. I enjoyed watching Ivan (Puchkarov) play well. The All-American honor was great but I liked the team's success also.
How has it been to play with your brother?
It has been really good. It helps to have him here because it can get tough being away.
One word to describe Cowboy tennis.
Successful
Favorite movie?
Wedding Crashers
Favorite food?
Italian food
Who is the most competitive on the team?
Jason Wright
Who is the biggest eater?
Nathan (Byrnes)
Who is the funniest?
(Assistant coach) Yevgen Bondarchuk
Biggest trash talker?
He is not on the team anymore but it would have to be (current women's assistant) Mark Van Elden.
In this edition of Meet a Cowboy, Byrnes talks about his teammates, goals and returning to the UTSA/ITA National Men's Team Indoor Championship.
When did you start playing tennis?
I started playing when I was about eight or nine.
Who has had the greatest impact on your tennis career?
It would have to be my dad. He is a tennis coach.
How has coach Wadley helped your career?
He has been great to me. He has almost been like a dad to me since I have been here. He has been great on and off the court.
Do you have a pre-match ritual?
I really do not. I know some guys have to touch every line but I do not have to do anything special.
Best or Favorite venue to play at?
Stanford
How do you unwind after a match?
Normally I have to ice my back but I just like to relax and do normal things.
What opposing school do you look forward to playing the most?
Oklahoma or Tulsa
Why did you chose OSU?
I knew Mark Van Elden and I liked the tradition.
You started out playing No. 5 and 6 but worked your way up the lineup, what has been the key?
It has been all about progressing. I had some problems adjusting but I have finally been able to get my game together.
Are you excited about returning to Chicago and the National Indoors?
It will be real fun. I am excited. They have a good facility and we will get to play against some great teams. It is a great opportunity for us.
What are your goals for this team?
I think we have a chance to have one of the best teams that coach has had here. I definitely think we have a chance to be a top five or ten team this season.
Out of all the honors you have received, what are you most proud of?
Really, I was most proud of seeing the team improve. I enjoyed watching Ivan (Puchkarov) play well. The All-American honor was great but I liked the team's success also.
How has it been to play with your brother?
It has been really good. It helps to have him here because it can get tough being away.
One word to describe Cowboy tennis.
Successful
Favorite movie?
Wedding Crashers
Favorite food?
Italian food
Who is the most competitive on the team?
Jason Wright
Who is the biggest eater?
Nathan (Byrnes)
Who is the funniest?
(Assistant coach) Yevgen Bondarchuk
Biggest trash talker?
He is not on the team anymore but it would have to be (current women's assistant) Mark Van Elden.
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