Nov. 30, 2007

Chicago, Ill. - University of Illinois at Chicago Head Men's Tennis Coach Hans Neufeld has signed standout student-athletes Nathan Kirk (Wichita, Kansas/ Wichita-Southeast) and David Robare (Western Springs, Il./Lyons Township) to National Letters of Intent to play for the Flames starting with the 2008-09 school year.

"They should make a big impact right away," said Neufeld. "They compete well in big matches."

Kirk, currently ranked third in Kansas and no. 261 nationally in under-18 singles, took the singles crown in the large school division at the Kansas state tournament in 2007. Kirk has been ranked as high as no. 211 in 2007, and as low as no. 151 in 2006.

Local standout Robare, currently ranked no. 221 in the country and fifth in Illinois, has been atop the Illinois state doubles scene since his first year at Lyons Township. After finishing in the runner-up position as a sophomore and seventh-place as a freshman, Robare claimed the doubles title in 2007. The Western Springs native has lead his team to podium-placings during his career, with a runner-up finish in 2006.