University of Richmond Athletics
Dunbar named Wells Fargo Athlete of the Week
10/11/2016 | Men's Tennis
TULSA, Okla. – Accomplishing something that has never been done before is always special.
That's exactly what senior Jacob Dunbar just did this past week at the ITA All-American Tournament in Tulsa, Okla.
Dunbar became the first Spider to ever reach the main draw of the tournament, winning three matches over some of the top players in the country on his way to the main draw.
For his accomplishments, Dunbar was named Wells Fargo Athlete of the Week.
We caught up with him to talk about his achievement.
RichmondSpiders.com: You just came back from a long stay in Oklahoma, competing against some of the best players in the country, what was the experience like for you?
Dunbar: It was a great experience overall. It felt good to feel some nerves and get through them. It should give me some confidence moving into regionals. I also had a good time being out there with Ben and we were able to learn a lot about what is next for me. The guys were also great while I was out there. They gave me tons of support as they always do. There aren't better teammates out there.
RichmondSpiders.com: You've had an incredible career here and you went through a bit of a crazy year last year with your surgery and then a strong finish in the spring, how did it feel to have the success you did out in Oklahoma?
Dunbar: It was a great opportunity to see where I was in the bigger picture. It was also a little bit of a relief to play well and have a little success there considering I missed the tournament completely last year. More than anything though, it showed me some areas for improvement and what the next steps are for me.
RichmondSpiders.com: Tennis has it a little different as you guys have fall tournaments that leads into the spring matches, how do you and your teammates use these tournaments to get ready for the spring?
Dunbar: The fall is definitely more individual, but the goals remain the same. Even though conference is looming in the distant future, it still is on everyone's mind through ever practice and every match. It allows us to relax a little more in the fall, knowing that we have time to improve still for the spring.
RichmondSpiders.com The team returns everyone from last year and adds two very talented newcomers, can you talk about where you guys are at as a team right now?
Dunbar: Bringing in new players to a team can always be a challenge, especially when we practically have the same team as last year. Matthew and Klein made it easy on us this year though. They are great additions to the team and they bring tons of talent. They fit in very well and I don't think anyone thinks of them as newcomers anymore, they are just part of the team.
RichmondSpiders.com What are your team and individual goals for this year?
Dunbar: I think the team goals have been the same since I got here: win the A10's. Every one of us wants that and it trumps any individual goals we have. For me individually, I want to play well and do my part. Besides that, I'm good with whatever happens this year.
RichmondSpiders.com You're on the cusp of program history with your all-time wins, does that ever cross your mind? Do you at least talk some trash to your older brother about it?
Dunbar: No I don't think about it. To be honest, I don't even know what the record is or how many wins I have. If it happens then I'm sure I'll be very happy, but if not its not a big deal. It's just a number that in the big picture doesn't mean all that much.
RichmondSpiders.com: One question, we have to ask. You wear sweatpants when you play, is that something you've always done?
Dunbar: I haven't always worn them and I also don't wear sweatpants every match either. Sometimes it's just too hot. But, I agree its kind of weird. I really am not sure why it happened in the first place, but it could be that I'm from Ohio and we always played outside as long as we could, even below freezing. So I guess I got used to wearing them when I played and as it got warmer throughout the year I just didn't take them off. Eventually I just liked the way it felt. Also, luckily I don't sweat much so I can get away with it.
Favorite movie? Land Before Time
One place you haven't been to that you'd like to visit? Israel
Best tennis player in the family: Mom for sure… No doubt.
Last book you read (not academically)? Goodnight Moon
Besides tennis, what would be the sport you're best at? I wouldn't even know what else I would be good at... But I can tell you that it would not be soccer. I would be more likely to trip over the ball than anything else.
Players Mentioned
