May 1, 2006
2006 All-Big Ten First Team
Minneapolis, Minn. - Michigan State sophomore Nick Rinks was named as an All-Big Ten first-team selection, following the annual conference tournament. Rinks paced the Spartans, over the course of the 2006 spring schedule, posting a 27-16 overall mark, and a 14-8 record in singles play. The Kalamazoo, Mich., native's selection marks the fourth-straight year MSU has been represented on the all-conference team. Rinks led the Spartans in singles and overall wins in 2006, and in doing so, Rinks saw his individual ranking climb to as high as No. 70 in the nation.
The sophomore also teamed with classmate Adam Monich to form the Spartans No. 1 doubles unit, posting a 13-10 record; at one point in 2006 the duo was rated 41st in the country. His 13-doubles wins was the second highest total on the team this season.
Rinks was a valuable piece of the Michigan State puzzle this past year. So much so, that the Spartans did not manage a win (0-10) when Rinks dropped his match at No. 1 singles. The Green and White was also just 1-8 when Rinks and Monich fell out of the No. 1 doubles position.
Junior Michael Flowers was also recognized, as the 2006 Michigan State Sportsmanship Award honoree.
The Spartans will return their entire team in 2006-07, in an effort to improve on a 7-18 overall mark this season. Michigan State wrapped up regular-season Big Ten play with a record of just 1-9.
