At 6 feet 2 inches tall and sporting a long reach, RCGC No. 1 singles Mark Gladkyy held his own against the toughest competition in Region XIX during the recent junior college men's tennis season.

 

Now the former Vineland High School standout athlete is hoping his work during the regular season will pay off during RCGC's trip this weekend to the NJCAA National Championship Tournament in PeachTree City, Georgia.

 

Gladkyy, a freshman, stepped in and helped the Runners win a regular season Garden State Athletic Conference Co-Championship as well as a second straight Region XIX title at Mercer County Park last weekend.

 

He is ready physically and mentally for what will surely be many challenges in the national tournament.

 

"I Feel pretty good -- the entire season warmed me up for Nationals," said Gladkyy. "Playing against all the No. 1 singles taught me a lot and got me ready mentally for what I'm about to face."

In high school, Gladkyy captured two consecutive Cumberland County Championships at No. 3 singles and finished his senior year with an impressive 21-4 record. He helped the Fighting Clan to a 16-6 record in Spring 2017 and a South Jersey Group IV playoff appearance.

 

Gladkyy had a later start to his tennis career at Vineland High, taking up the sport in his junior and senior years. He has enjoyed playing at the college level under veteran coach Brian Rowan and seeing his game improve with every match.

 

"The college game is definitely tougher and faster," said Gladkyy, a business major. "Playing here at RCGC has really helped me improve my game."