Sophomore Anton Stryhas of Belarus likes to lead by example. He is serving as team captain in his sophomore year due to his strong leadership skills.

Director of Tennis Bill Campbell chose Stryhas as a captain because of his focus and competitive demeanor.

“I’ve seen Anton stay up all night studying and then practice the next morning,” Campbell said.

Styhas was born in Minsk, where he grew up and lived with his family. He has a younger sister who plays handball, a sport unfamiliar to many in the U.S.

Stryhas arrived from Belarus in the fall of 2006 and began classes at Sacramento State.

He’s majoring in international business and knows he definitely wants to be involved in the business world.

“It may be a good idea to work at a business in Belarus that’s involved with the U.S. after graduation,” Stryhas said.

He’s also considered playing professional tennis.

It is difficult to break into the professional ranks but Stryhas has great credentials from his college career and youth competition.

“Maybe if I’m in good shape still after college I can play in a tournament, but it’s very difficult,” Stryhas said.

When Stryhas came from Belarus he had a pre-existing relationship with men’s coach Slava Konikov and women’s coach Dima Hrynashka.

He credits the coaches and Campbell with convincing him to come because of their glowing opinions of the program and the area.

“I called them and talked to them and they said it would be a nice place to go. They mentioned there were good facilities and it was a good university,” Stryhas said.

Stryhas has a 19-1 singles record so far this season while mainly splitting time between the No. 1 and No. 2 positions.

As a freshman, he posted a 20-4 record in singles playing mostly the No. 2. He was named first team all-Big Sky Conference and won two Player of the Week awards.

This season, he has three Player of the Week awards and is currently on a streak of 17 straight wins.

“I am a finesse player,” Stryhas said.

Aside from tennis he also enjoys playing basketball, soccer and swimming. Stryhas plays soccer for fun with some of his teammates who also enjoy the sport.

Before and after matches the Hornets can be seen juggling a soccer ball. They’ve also been seen playing with a remote control all-terrain car.

After competition there are lots of ways to calm the intensity.

“Our players are really competitive,” Campbell said.

Nicknamed “Toxic” by his teammates, Stryhas displays a fiery demeanor on the tennis court.

He was ahead 5-1 in the first set against Marc Pijoan of Idaho State in the No. 1 match on March 29 when an argument erupted.

After Stryhas easily defeated Pijoan 6-1, 6-1 he shook his hand with class and proceeded to encourage his teammate, freshman Artur Klimenka, who was still competing.

“Most of us get tired sometimes when we have to play but want to go home, (so) I talk to them because that’s my job,” Stryhas said. “And I do it every time.”

Stryhas admires retired professional tennis player Andre Agassi for his style of tennis and his personality.

Agassi was a multiple World Champion and is a tennis legend.

“When he was young he was a public favorite even though he was different,” Stryhas said. “When he matured he became a great person and I really admire what he does.”

Stryhas has team duties, unlike Agassi, but feels that conduct off the court is very important.

He thinks Agassi was very professional and wants to conduct himself in a similar manner.

“He showed great behavior off the court,” Stryhas said.

Stryhas has formed a potent doubles duo with fellow Belarusian, freshman Kiryl Harbatsiuk.

Harbatsiuk has followed the same path as Stryhas to Sac State and has looked to him for advice and guidance on occasion.

“I’m really glad he’s here,” Harbatsiuk said. “We’re great friends and spend lots of time together and practice a lot.”

This is another example of his leadership showing off the tennis court, presumably in the same fashion as his idol.

“The coaches decided for me to be a captain of the team so I talk to the guys every game and talk about attitude and energy,” Stryhas said. “Sometimes we have meetings to talk about the problems of the team and last time we came out with different rules like how to behave and respect each other and other players.”

Cameron Ross can be reached at [email protected]