University of California, Los Angeles, Athletics
Chat Wrap: Albert Francis
UCLA tennis player Alberto Francis took time out of his busy schedule in Tulsa, Okla. to chat with Bruin fans Friday. The junior answered questions on his season, the team's success and UCLA's chances of taking home this year's NCAA Title at the University of Tulsa beginning this Saturday. Francis and teammate Kris Kwinta are currently listed at No. 7 nationally in the ITA Doubles Rankings. The duo has posted a 30-11 overall record this season, earning Co-Pac-10 Doubles Team of the Year honors. Francis has also enjoyed an outstanding season in singles play, posting a 32-9 overall record as the Bruins' No. 4 player. He has been especially impressive as of late, winning 11 of his last 12 matches.
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| Moderator: Okay, Alberto is here and is ready to take your questions. | ||
| Vince Cartusciello, Los Angeles: Hey Berto, I was your partner @ the Joel Hein day when we played against Chris Lam and his partner. The team effort against Pepperdine was exciting last Sunday. What do you think the team will have to do to duplicate that intensity to win the next 4 matches? | ||
| Alberto: I think we have to come out strong in doubles and be ready for our oppoenent to come out really excited. Texas A&M is the only team on our mind right now. | ||
| Los Angeles: Does your partner Kris Kwinta have a girlfriend? | ||
| Alberto: Kris is currently Single.... | ||
| Steve, Moorpark: What were your goals coming into this season? | ||
| Alberto: Our goal first of our is to win the National Championships. Personally, my goals are to play high in the lineup, make an impact on the team and stay injury-free. | ||
| LASSO: How is it possible that you serve like Great Matkowski did back in time.Francis Rules!Go Bruins! | ||
| Alberto: Working out in the gym and practice hitting thousands of serves. | ||
| jay (san jose, ca): who's the vikings expert on the team? do you like driving jaysen back to his dorm after practice? | ||
| Alberto: Jay is a expert in Vikings history. Enough said. | ||
| lee (corvalis): hello alberto...just curious is the weather and humidity in tusla will effect your play? How are the courts there in tulsa? | ||
| Alberto: It is more humid than in LA and the 30 mph winds make it quite different from UCLA. Tulsa tennis courts are nice. A beautiful new tennis facility. | ||
| Vince Cartusciello, Los Angeles: Say hi to Tobi for me and tell him to stay focused and give it his best | ||
| Alberto: Vince, thanks for the continuous support all year. I will send him the message. | ||
| Donny (Cincinnati): Hey, I'm a tennis player here at Cincinnati State. I'm planning on transfering to UCLA next fall. I was wondering if you could give me some tips on making the move to such a big school. Do you know where i could live, where to hang out, how is practice and other stuff like that. Anything would be a help. I'm really nervous. Thanks so much I really appreciate it. | ||
| Alberto: Donny: Keep working hard on your tennis. It is a great school and I wish you all the best. | ||
| lee (pullman): do you think you and your partner, kris kwinta, a native of poland, play better at your home court, easton stadium or at away matches? | ||
| Alberto: Kris and I feel very comfortable playing at home (the Los Angeles Tennis Center) in front of our fans. | ||
| Erf (westwood): Where can I learn how to play tennis in the USA? | ||
| Alberto: You can start by playing tennis at nearby courts and if you live in LA, come out to the UCLA courts and watch some tennis. | ||
| Nick (San Diego): Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy seeing your beautiful curly hair blow in the wind as you gracefully run across the court. I really appreciate your efforts and admire your quad muscles. | ||
| Alberto: Thanks Nick from San Diego. You are an inspiration to us all. | ||
| Stephanie (San Diego): What are your plans after college? Will you try and play professionally? | ||
| Alberto: I want to try and play professionally for a couple of years and see how that goes. Eventually, I would like to go to graduate school. | ||
| Michael (Austin, TX): Why did you decide to go to UCLA rather than some of the other top college programs? What other schools did you consider? | ||
| Alberto: UCLA was a top academic school and one of the top tennis programs in the country. The Southern California weather didn't hurt either! I also considered some schools in Texas such as UT. | ||
| brynn and heather (DG): just wanted to give a shout out to you, in TUUULLLSSSAA yeaahhhh go bruins!!! corvalis!!!!! GET IT..good luck | ||
| Alberto: DG: Thanks Corvallis! | ||
| mofo: who would win between you and erfan, a previous member of last year's team? | ||
| Alberto: My former doubles partner, Erfan and I have only met once in competition and I came out with a close win. He's a tough player but I have the mental edge on him. | ||
| Lee (Corvalis): I really admire your stong backhand...tell me what is your teams weight training progam consist of? | ||
| Alberto: Thanks for noticing my backhand. I've been working a lot on strengthening my forearms. Ryan our weight coach has been working with us all season and we notice the difference and I guess so do you. | ||
| Moderator: Alberto is heading to practice right now. He wants to thank everyone for participating today. Thanks. | ||
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