The road to Oregon has been a long one for Oded Teig. The freshman from Holon, Israel has had to deal with numerous obstacles in his quest to study and play tennis here.
The 22-year-old freshman has waited three years to play tennis at an American university, because Teig, like all Israeli males, had to fulfill mandatory military service for his country.
Before joining the army, Teig was well on his way to stardom. He was a top junior, ranked No. 4 in the Israeli 18-and-under division and had made it to the finals of the Israel Junior Championships.
Following high school, he spent three years in the Israeli Army, rising to the rank of lieutenant commander. He was in charge of an artillery unit of between 10 and 15 men. He had many responsibilities as a unit leader.
The army “makes people more mature,” Teig said. “I’m happy that I did it, but I’m glad it’s over.”
During those three years in the army, Teig had little time for tennis.
“I’m sure it hurt my game,” Teig said. “I missed [tennis] a lot. I got to play a little on the weekends, but nothing much.”
When Teig got out of the Army, he quickly was recruited by Oregon head coach Chris Russell.
“Everything looked good [in Eugene],” Teig said. “I wanted to compete at a high level and I think the Pac-10 is the highest.”
But yet another obstacle got in Teig’s way. The NCAA found that Teig’s acceptance of funds while in the army was an infraction of its regulations. As a result, Teig was unable to play at Oregon until his exoneration, three weeks later.
But the exoneration did come, and Teig was allowed to play.
And despite the three-week layover, Teig got back on track and into the swing of the tennis season.
After a 3-3 start in the fall, he finished strong, winning his final four matches during the pre-season. Teig saw his first upset of a ranked opponent during the fall, coming against then-No. 85 Jeremy Berman of Washington.
“Oded brings a lot of leadership to the team,” Russell said. “He’s very mature for a freshman.”
At 19-6, Teig’s season record is second only to senior Guillermo Carter’s. Despite the early success, Teig is only Oregon’s No. 3 singles player.
“He’s probably one of the best No. 3 guys in the country,” Russell said.
Teig has thrived at the No. 3 spot, solidifying a deep Duck roster. His dual season tear included a five-match win streak and victories in 10 of the last 12 matches. Highlighting the season were consecutive wins over California’s Robert Kowalkczyk and Pepperdine’s Chase Exon. Both Cal and Pepperdine are ranked in the top-40 and have deep rosters.
Teig has been almost as impressive, if not more so, in doubles play. His doubles partner, sophomore Thomas Schneiter, is one of the players Teig plays behind in singles. Together, they have compiled a 14-5 doubles’ record.
“I think Thomas and I are successful because we return the ball well,” Teig said. “We don’t let our opponents have easy shots.”
In Schneiter and Teig’s first matches together, the duo rattled off three wins at the Corvallis Open before being eliminated in semifinals by eventual champions Brian Joelson and Jesse Walters.
Later in the season, the pair picked up Oregon’s lone doubles win in a loss to Boise State. Scheniter and Teig defeated Rio Kuharski and Andy Roumieh, 8-4.
Schneiter and Teig responded to a mid-season slump, in which they lost three straight matches to ranked opponents, with a five-match win streak. The tandem has won seven of its last eight matches.
Teig is an intense, self-demanding player that expects the best out of himself. This intensity has resulted in wins, but it has also been a hindrance.
“When Oded gets frustrated, he is his own worst opponent,” Russell said. “On one hand it’s good that he is so tough on himself, but that can prevent him from succeeding.”
“I’m never satisfied with myself,” Teig said. “When I lose, I take it too hard because I have such high expectations for myself.”
With his demanding attitude, Teig wants the Ducks to qualify for the NCAA tournament and win as many matches as they can.
“Oded has an incredibly bright future. He has the potential to play with anyone in the country,” Russell said. “When he has the right attitude and enthusiasm, he can beat almost anyone out there.”
“I want to be the one of the best college players,” Teig said. “I think I can do it; I’m on my way.”
COMMANDER IN CHIEF
Daily Emerald
April 4, 2000
Azle Malinao-Alvarez Emerald
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