Stanford. Saint Joseph's. Jimmy Fairbanks.
At first, the comparison of the Penn sophomore from Hilton Head, S.C., to the aforementioned basketball powerhouses does not seem apt.
However, with his 11-0 record this season, Fairbanks shares perfection along with the two top-ranked men's basketball teams.
Fairbanks won four matches this weekend (two singles, two doubles), leading the Penn men's tennis team to 5-2 and 7-0 victories over Maryland and Rutgers, respectively.
"Jimmy has been someone who, when he gets to play, excels," Penn coach Mark Riley said.
Fairbanks won his No. 6 singles match against John O'Rourke of Maryland, 7-5, 6-0, after teaming with junior co-captain Craig Rubin for a victory in doubles.
After teaming with Rubin again for a doubles win against Rutgers (1-3), Fairbanks was promoted to No. 5 singles, where he defeated Harry Cicma, 6-0, 6-2, leading the Quakers (5-1) to a sweep.
"We need to play at a certain level," Riley said. "This week was the first time we did that for two matches in a row."
Riley was pleased with both victories, but believed the match against Maryland (3-2) was the key to the weekend.
"We need to keep going," he said. "We passed this test against a pretty good Maryland team."
Riley juggled the lineup this weekend, integrating seven players into the six singles spots, which he believes will serve a two-fold purpose.
Not only were some tired players given much-needed rest, but several lower-ranked players were able to gain valuable match experience.
"The key is getting as many people involved as possible looking toward the Ivy League season," Riley said.
The team's more immediate goals, however, are the three upcoming matches in Florida against Jacksonville, No. 33 Miami and Central Florida -- which Riley believes could be as dangerous an opponent as Miami.
"We'll get an idea of who we are and where we stand," he said.
"We're a heck of a lot better than we were in the fall, and even in the first spring matches."
If Fairbanks can harness his momentum and continue his undefeated streak over spring break, the Red and Blue may be able to score some upsets in the Sunshine State.
"We need to keep competing and giving ourselves a chance at each spot," Riley said. "As a coach I'm never satisfied."
