The Illinois men's tennis team spent the last few days dispelling rumors about their decline by returning to the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Midwest Regional tournament to dominate the competition for the second straight year.

"We just made a statement to the country that we're here to stay," Illinois junior Chris Martin said. "We're not a one-year wonder, we're legitimate."

Martin joined senior Michael Calkins to top Notre Dame's Luis Haddock and Ryan Keckley, 8-2, clinching the doubles title.

Not only did Martin and Calkins capitalize on their first opportunity to compete together this year, Illinois also sent three singles players to the semifinals for the second consecutive year.

"Placing three guys in the semifinals shows the strength of the team," Calkins said. "Our No. 5, 6 and 7 players proved that they are all capable of winning Regionals."

Although Martin likes to compete with his elder teammate, playing against Calkins provides a challenge.

In the semifinals of the singles portion of the tournament Calkins defeated Martin in 7-6(8), 6-3 straight sets.

"Michael's a classy competitor," Martin said. "It's tough to get motivated to play against one of your teammates, though. You don't want to beat your teammate, he's your brother. Michael just had the better stuff (Tuesday)."

This wasn't the first time Calkins faced one of his teammates in the semifinal round of the Regional tournament. Last year, Illini Brian Wilson emerged with a narrow 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (6) win over Calkins.

Ohio State's Jeremy Wurtzman was the only player who could stop Calkins this year. Wurtzman won the title, defeating Calkins 7-6(8), 4-6, 6-3.

"The regional was a great confidence builder for some of our players, after our early season struggles," Illinois associate head coach Bruce Berque said.

Those struggles have been partially attributed to Jeremy Wurtzman, who has continued to hurt the Illini.

The Buckeye ousted Illinois sophomores Pramod Dabir and Ryler DeHeart from the singles competition in the semifinals and quarterfinals, respectively. Junior Evan Zeder dropped his first round match to the tournament's eventual champion as well.

Despite the young Illini's losses, their improved confidence is evident in their strong play.

"They're more vocal on the court," Calkins said. "Before, they were more reserved. It was just a matter of time before they integrated into the team structure. They're talking more and cheering more. They're playing better too."

Calkins is surpassing his goals for the fall season as well. His appearance in the finals of the Regional tournament will allow him to contend for the singles title at the ITA/Omni Hotel National Indoor tournament in Ann Arbor, Mich. Martin and Calkins will also compete at the national tournament.

"Before the beginning of the season, (Illinois head coach) Craig (Tiley) and I talked about All-Americans, Regionals, and Nationals," Calkins said. "It was just a matter of getting there."

Calkins is following in the footsteps of former doubles partner Amer Delic, who competed in the singles and doubles contest last season at the National Indoor tournament.

"Last year, I saw Amer do it," Calkins said. "Last season, I went as a doubles player. Now I'm going there to compete in singles and doubles."