Joe Dean, famous LSU broadcaster, coined the term “string music.” Listening to a boom box while stringing racquets, junior LSU men’s tennis manager Stevie Bacala has a different meaning for this phrase. Prior to coming to LSU, Bacala played tennis for four years at McKinley High School in Baton Rouge and was captain of the team that finished No. 2 in the state his senior year. “I still play on a regular basis but not as much as I would like to because this job keeps me so busy,” Bacala said. Along with stringing racquets, Bacala is responsible for ordering grips, balls, strings and racquets and keeping up W.T. “Dub” Robinson Stadium by tightening the windscreens and adjusting the nets. Bacala said he enjoys his work because it allows him to be part of the team. “It’s very rewarding to put in the time and effort and then see the effect that it has,” Bacala said. “It’s great to see our guys able to do what they do, at least in part because they know that their equipment isn’t going to be an issue.” Gracing the LSU tennis courts has been a lifelong dream for the Baton Rouge native. “When I first came to LSU, I didn’t know a lot about college tennis,” sophomore James Cluskey said. “Seeing [Bacala] grow up in Baton Rouge, you can get a grasp of what the team means to him.” Along with cheering on the Tigers at home matches, Bacala works long hours the night before traveling with the team. He has to string racquets and pack everything that the team needs for the trip. He also must buy team supplies while on the trip. “When we go on the road, he’s got everything organized as far as the equipment and stringing machine,” LSU men’s tennis coach Jeff Brown said. “He goes above and beyond what’s asked of him.” A late night was in order for Bacala on Wednesday because the No. 13 men’s tennis team (12-3, 4-2) left Thursday for road meets Friday against No. 10 University of Mississippi (16-2, 5-1) and Sunday against Mississippi State University (5-9, 2-4). The home team won the LSU-Ole Miss rivalry the last two seasons by a 4-3 score, and both Rebel losses this spring were by the same score. “We hope that we can take advantage of the home court,” Ole Miss men’s tennis coach Billy Chadwick said. “We’ve been having outstanding crowds for our home matches, and we’re looking forward to another packed house.” LSU will then travel from Oxford to Starkville. Although the Tigers defeated Mississippi State 7-0 last spring in Baton Rouge, the Bulldogs have won two-straight Southeastern Conference matches and feature the current SEC player of the week Ivan Bjelica.
—–Contact Richard Fishcer at rfischer@lsureveille.com