The Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) posts a weekly feature story each Friday titled “MIAC Friday Feature.” And this week’s feature highlights the collegiate and professional tennis career of former Gustavus standout Eric Butorac `03.
In the four-part feature, Natalie Arians of the MIAC describes Butorac’s upbringing in a tennis-oriented family, his transition from NCAA Division I to III early in college, the tremendous successes he achieved while at Gustavus and how that has spilled over into his professional career. Butorac’s success on the court plays a secondary role, though, to the ways in which he gives back to the community.
Butorac, a three-time All-American, is the most decorated men’s tennis player at Gustavus having won the NCAA Division III singles and doubles titles in 2003. The Rochester, Minn. native compiled a 24-4 singles record and 23-5 mark in doubles during his senior year en route to the pair of national titles.
After turning professional in 2003, Butorac has tallied a 157-140 career doubles record and ranked as high as No. 17 in the world rankings on August 29, 2011. The left-hander has won 13 titles throughout his ten-year professional career. This year, Butorac is an even 11-11 with one title and ranks No. 33.