Zeroing in on Zappone

Mike Zappone has seen his share of things come and go, many of them tennis balls, in his four years at UB. What the senior is most proud of, though, is how his team transformed itself from one of the laughingstocks of the Mid-American Conference into one of its more formidable foes.

"I'm proud of where the team has gone," said Zappone, a men's tennis team veteran. "We went from the bottom of the MAC and finished in the semifinals last year. We are beating teams that didn't take us seriously. It fueled us to work harder and we're having fun with it."

Although Zappone does not play the top spots during matches, his improved play has still been recognized. He won the Chrissy Dickerson Unsung Hero Award for the 2004-05 season and was named the Team's Most Improved Player for the 2003-04 campaign.

Zappone feels that his team's improved mentality has contributed to the team's better play.

"Once you get to this level, everyone hits the ball the same but it's the ones that can stay in check mentally that are the most successful," he said. "That's what took the longest to understand."

"He has improved constantly through his four years," said senior teammate Alejandro Galindo. "Especially last summer, he trained very hard in preparation for his last year. Unfortunately, he had some health problems at the beginning of the semester, but he kept doing whatever he could to help the team reach its goals. Mike will be remembered for the dedication and focus that he showed every day."

Tennis wasn't always a passion for Zappone.

"I didn't start playing till later on," Zappone said. "I played any sport you could think of. I started playing tennis in middle school and football and basketball as well. Toward junior year of high school, I concentrated on tennis and football."

The extra attention to the two sports paid off for Zappone. While attending Queensbury High School he earned five letters and captained two seasons for the tennis team. He also earned Section II All-Star honors in 2001 and 2002 and was recognized as a Foothills Council All-Star for three seasons.

Zappone also earned football accolades. While playing running back and defensive back for the Spartans he was selected as a Section II All-Star, served as a team captain, and was named the Mad Dog Award winner in 2000 and 2001.

When it came time to select a college, Zappone looked at many universities to play tennis or football including East Strousburg, Albany and Sacred Heart. Ultimately, he selected Buffalo for its tennis program.

"I knew a couple people who played tennis here," Zappone said. "I knew it was a good school for an education and I wasn't sure if I wanted to play football or tennis in college. I then contacted Coach (Russ) Crispell. I went on a visit and loved it. I loved the team, staff and the direction of the team."

Zappone feels it would have been to difficult to balance playing two sports at Buffalo.

"I wouldn't have played both here," Zappone said. "I never really thought of it. It would kind of been too hard to play two with the time that it would have involved."

Zappone's family has also had an influence on his athletic background both in their support and genetics.

"My parents definitely have influenced me as well as my teammates, coaches and friends," Zappone said. "My parents come to pretty much all the matches."

After Zappone graduates this spring with a marketing degree, he plans on returning to his roots and start working in his family business.

"I'm going and going to work in my dad's car business, a Chrysler Dodge Jeep dealership," Zappone said. "I'm excited to work with my family."

When all is said and done, Zappone holds no regrets on how his college experience went and will remember all the good memories from his time at Buffalo.

"I had a great time and met a lot of great people," said Zappone. "I had a lot of fun. It was tough at some times but if I chose again I would do it all over again."