The Wichita State’s men’s tennis team was given good news when they were informed that senior Ilija Cuic would be granted an extra season with the team by the NCAA.

“The NCAA was reviewing some of their rulings to decide if they were passed in the best interest of their student athletes,” head coach Brad Louderback said. “Ilija fell into that category, and we were able to submit a waiver for the NCAA to review his case.”

Cuic was third on the team last season in single victories with 18, behind two other returning players, Tin Ostojic and Tomislav Gregurovic, who had 22 and 19 victories, respectively.

“Ilija is coming back as one of the top players in our conference, the top player in our lineup,” Louderback said. “Nothing replaces the experience he brings, and we’re all excited to have him back.”

Cuic was named to the 2014 MVC Men’s Tennis All Conference All -Select Team last season, but his season ended abruptly when he rolled his ankle in the regular season finale April 18 against Drake. Cuic was in a tie break in the first set against Drake’s No. 1 Alen Salibasic 6 6 (9 9) when he went down to injury.

“I was unaware of some of the NCAA’s rules and lost a year for that, but in the end, we were able to get it back,” Cuic said. “I just want to thank our compliance officer Korey Torgerson who worked so hard this summer to get me another year.”

Cuic and teammate Jocelyn Devilliers posted a strong doubles season with 10 wins and will look to improve on that this coming season.

“Being a part of Shocker Nation is a huge honor, and I’m excited that I get to continue being a part of that,” Cuic said. “We’re already focused on getting the MVC title back and making the tournament.”

Men’s tennis returns later in the month, although the schedule has yet to be released online.