Moritz Baumann of the No. 40 UW mens tennis team was named to the 2007 All-Big Ten team, announced by the conference tonight at 6 p.m.
Baumann (Inzlingen, Germany) joins Ken Thomas as the only other UW student-athlete ever to make the All-Big Ten team as a freshman. Thomas was named a member in his rookie year in 1977.
The German native was also the only freshman to make this years All-Conference squad, though he was beat out by Ohio States Justin Kronauge for the Freshman of the Year award.
A rookie who didnt join the Badgers until January, Baumann played a large role in Wisconsins fantastic season, going 15-5 overall and 8-2 in conference.
After playing his first 16 matches at the Nos. 2-4 positions, Baumann was moved to UWs No. 1 slot for its match against No. 3 Ohio State and he wasted no time flashing his talent. In his best win of the year, Baumann defeated Devin Mullings, currently ranked No. 28 in the nation, to notch Wisconsins only win of the day in its 6-1 loss.
The freshman has remained at the No. 1 slot in UWs three matches since, winning two of his three contests. Before he was moved to the No. 1 position, Baumann had won four straight matches at No. 3, meaning the freshman will enter the Big Ten tournament having won seven of his last eight matches.
Baumanns stellar play has earned him a current national ranking of No. 112. He was ranked as high as No. 96 during the season.
Illinois Kevin Anderson and Ryan Rowe and Ohio States Bryan Koniecko, Steven Moneke and Devin Mullings all made the All-Big Ten team as unanimous selections. Michigans Brian Hung and Matko Maravic, Michigan States Nick Rinks, Minnesotas Raoul Schwark, Ohio States Chris Klingemann and Penn States Michael James also join Baumann on the All-Conference squad.
Kevin Anderson received the coveted Athlete of the Year award, while Ohio State head coach Ty Tucker claimed the Coach of the Year honor.
Senior team captain Lachezar Kasarov (Burgas, Bulgaria) was UWs 2007 Sportsmanship Award honoree, making it his third straight year of nabbing the honor.
Baumann, Kasarov and the rest of Wisconsins talented roster helped the program finish fourth in the Big Ten standings, tied for the teams highest finish since 1994.
After receiving a bye today in the first round of the Big Ten tournament, the Badgers face No. 41 Penn State tomorrow at 9 a.m.
Live statistics for every match at the men's Big Ten Championship can be found by clicking here .
