Meet the Bulls

It was obvious when Andre Agassi appeared on "The Simpsons" and introduced himself to Homer. "Hi Homer, I'm Andre Agassi." Homer then replied, "the wrestler?"

Tennis does not get the attention it deserves, and that certainly applies to UB men's tennis player Randy Rocchio.

Rocchio, a 20-year old geography major, is a Buffalo native, growing up in East Amherst where he has cultivated his game since he first picked up a racquet at age six.

By the age of ten, Rocchio knew he wanted to begin seriously training for tennis and has not looked back since. After attending both Canisius and Williamsville East High schools, he decided that another four years as a resident in Buffalo would not be so bad.

"My whole family has been playing tennis, and my brother played for Central Florida, so basically I followed in his footsteps," Rocchio said. "When I saw the team (at UB), I basically grew up with a lot of the guys who play on the team."

Rocchio began the month of March with a 5-1 record and was bestowed with the honor of Mid-American Conference player of the week. This came just after returning from an elbow injury that sidelined him during UB's 5-2 victory over the University of Rochester. Rocchio is no stranger to awards, having been an All-American in High School, and being a State finalist his senior year in high school.

Rocchio holds a 29-17 doubles record, and along with teammate Nick Zieziula, currently leads the Bulls this season at 11-11. The tandem, also known as "Rock and Roll," is planning on continuing their domination on the court in Pro circuit tournaments after graduation.

"We have been playing these tournaments every summer, and we are going to try and go full-blown once we are done with school," said Rocchio.

Between school and the schedule of the men's tennis team, there is not much free time.

"When I'm not traveling with the team, I like to just chill out at home and watch some TV, or a movie, relax away from school," Rocchio said. "And in the summer time I work with my family."

Five Random Questions

1) Who is going win the NCAA tournament?

A: "I think UConn, I'd rather have UConn than Duke. Duke is always in it."

2) Squash or Racquetball?

A: "I'd play racquetball, because the squash ball doesn't bounce much, and I'm tall and goofy."

3) Will the Sabres make the playoffs?

A: "I hope so; I'm a diehard fan."

4) Which is more fun, singles or doubles?

A: "Doubles, because it's more vicious. You get to hit people more, and it's fast-paced."

5) Main Street or Downtown?

A: "Definitely downtown. It's a little older crowd, and there's more to choose from."