Gastonguay has enjoyed just as much success in the coaching realm. He returned to coach at his alma mater after four years on the professional ranks, including a stint as the practice partner of premier player Ivan Lendl. Gastonguay also served as the Tennis Director at Lendl’s club in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Gastonguay’s return has been inspirational. He was recently tabbed the NESCAC men’s tennis coach of the year. Now in his fifth year leading the Bobcats men’s tennis program, Gastonguay has elevated the program to the heights he envisioned when he assumed the position.

My goal was for our program to be in the Top Ten within four years of my taking the job," he said. "Last year was our second trip to the NCAA’s. We always have lofty goals. It’s my philosophy."

Chris Danforth, a senior captain and math and physics double major, feels that Gastonguay’s coach of the year honor was well earned.

"Coach is very deserving of the coach of the year award he just won," Danforth said. "Not just because we have had such a successful season, but because his positive attitude and outlook on the game is so crucial to our team. Coach only asks that we give 100 percent. He fires us up when we need it, and he knows how to win."

Alex Macdonald '03 Daryn Slover Photo;  courtesy Bates College

This past weekend, the Bobcats learned that they’ll be making their third trip to the NCAA’s. Beginning Friday at MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts, third-seeded Bates (9-3 this season) will join top-seeded MIT, #2 Trinity College of Connecticut and #4-seed Rochester in the Northeast Regional. If the Bobcats survive the single-elimination regional, they would advance to the quarterfinals at DePauw University in Indiana. Bates has already accomplished a goal by being invited to the Tournament. Next up is delivering on Gastonguay’s mantra of "let’s fly somewhere together."

Regardless of what happens in the weeks to come, the 2001 campaign has been memorable for the Bates men’s tennis team. The squad lost its #1, #2, and #6 players from last year’s team, but still managed to score the same amount of points at the NESCAC championships.

Gastonguay credits the whole team for this year’s success. He believes that his players have given their all.

"We’ve had contributions from the whole lineup this year," he said. "When we put it all together, we are very tough. Our players fight to the bitter end. They have done well against a tough schedule this year. This season has been a tremendous accomplishment considering travel and schoolwork."

Danforth adds that this team spends a lot of time together, crediting that closeness for on-court success.

Greg Norton '01 Daryn Slover Photo;  courtesy Bates College

"Our team is very close, more so than any other team I’ve been on," he said. "We work hard together and we hang out together, so each of us knows that everyone on the team is doing the best they can."

Gastonguay credits doubles play for being the secret to the Bobcats success this spring. Bates has won the majority of its doubles points this year, which has resulted in huge momentum swings and played a vital role in victories. While there is always room for improvement, the coach knows that at this point all he can do is reiterate positives and keep stressing the basics.

The Bates Bobcats' men’s tennis team has been a remarkable story this spring. The final chapter has to be written. Whether the end comes this weekend or after the team "flies somewhere together," coach Gastonguay and his players can look back and be proud of the way they represented their school. This team is what amateur athletics at its best is all about.