The ACU tennis teams are not waiting for the warm weather to begin their spring campaigns.

Both teams took to the practice courts early this week to start the spring tennis season, and neither the men’s nor the women’s team will have much time to prepare for their first matches.

“They better have their racquets ready and their bodies in shape,” said Juan Nunez, an assistant coach. “We are going to have the hit the ground running and prepare on the fly.”

The women’s team starts its first tournament Friday in Bloomington, Indiana, at the Indiana Invitational. The men will begin a week later against Midwestern State University.

Both teams are coming off a strong fall season. In their first season in Southland conference play, the men and women closed the season in the top five in the conference.

“We had a good showing last semester, but I am super hyped to get back on the court and do even better this season,” said Jason Proctor, junior from Tulsa, Oklahoma. “This quick turnaround from the holidays is never easy, but if you stay in touch with your game, you can come around quickly.”

After their final tournament in November, the Wildcats hit the weight room. They lifted and ran every day until exam week. During winter break, they were given a workout regime to follow, but staying on top of their tennis game was up to them.

“I was on the courts just about every day over break,” Proctor said. “For me there is no real offseason. Looking forward to this season, I think people will just see a lot of energy and passion from me.”

When the matches begin, the teams will have little down time the rest of the semester. Both teams will have at least 25 days of competition during the next four months.

“This season I am really looking for both teams to just improve in all areas,” Nunez said. “Each team and each individual will need to get better to build on last season.”