The SMU Mustangs mens tennis team will begin its season in the Wyndham Invitational at Rice University this weekend. The Invitational is a three day event beginning at 9 a.m. Friday and ending Sunday. The event will consist of four flights of singles and doubles.

The 2013-14 squad has five returning players: Arturs Kazijevs, Mischa Nowicki, Alex Sanders, Nate Lammons and Eduardo Razzeto.

The squad adds first-years Julio Olaya and Alex Leonard this season. Olaya enters with an impressive record, ranked No. 1 in his home state of Arkansas and holding three state team titles and two individual. Leonard has received the MVP title for five consecutive years and led his high school team as captain.

Tony Russell also joins the team as a redshirt first-year. Russell brings the 2012 Florida state singles championship, player of the year awards and two years of captain experience with him.

With the return of talent and the addition of first-year skill, the Mustangs coaching staff is excited about what the season holds.

“I think it’s going to be a great year for SMU tennis,” Head Coach Carl Neufeld said.

A strong start to the season could mean even more success than that of the 11-10 team a year ago.