April 25, 2002

Chicago, Ill. - University of Illinois head men's tennis coach Hans Neufeld appears to have made the 2003 Flames a viable candidate to compete for the Horizon League title.

With the talent already returning next year for UIC, Neufeld has also received commitments from a pair of quality recruits that should equal success in the future.

John Cincola of Moline, Illinois and Yeugen Ryeznik of Donetsk, Ukraine have signed National Letters of Intent to play for the Flames.

Ryeznik, one of the top junior players in the Ukraine, is the type of player that can turn a program around. Neufeld couldn't be happier with his choice.

"Yeugen is player that can come in here right away and push Nick Bodmer for the No.1 singles spot, which is saying a lot because Nick is awfully good," Neufeld said.

Cincola, a graduate of Alleman High in Rock Island, Illinois is finishing up his junior college career at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kansas.

In high school, Cincola was one of the top 16 players in Illinois and is currently 22-13 in his singles career at JCCC playing at fourth and fifth singles. An exciting doubles player, Cincola has enjoyed success in the No.2 slot with a career mark of 21-16.

"John will be a nice addition," said Neufeld. "He will play high in doubles for us and in the middle of the singles line-up."

The 2002 Flames travel to Indianapolis, Indiana this weekend for the Horizon League Championships.