Rutgers-Newark Athletics

By Jim Hague

Ken Graham had just been hired as the new men’s tennis coach at Rutgers-Newark and returning letter winner Brian Barbera wanted to make the new coach feel welcomed and wanted. 

“I met him in December when he was interviewing for the position and I was very impressed with his knowledge of the sport,” said Barbera, a junior on the R-N tennis team. “I’m always around the Golden Dome and always involved, so I wanted to make sure that Coach Graham was accepted here.” 

Graham came to R-N after an extensive tennis coaching career, with the latest prior stop being Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck for six years. When he arrived, Graham didn’t know much about the Scarlet Raiders’ roster, but he knew one thing right away. He had a friend and an ally in Brian Barbera. 

“Brian knew the ins and outs of the whole Dome,” Graham said. “I could tell right away that Brian was very responsible and accepted responsibility well. I knew that he had a tennis savvy beyond most of the other guys. I knew he knew how to play the game and was going to be an asset to this team.” 

The two had almost an instant bond, with Barbera selling himself to the idea of having a new and respected head coach. 

“I was going to make sure that everyone was going to play and was going to be eligible to play,” Barbera said. “I talked to all the incoming freshmen tennis players and encouraged them to play. I gave them the opportunity to come out, even if it meant that I was putting my own spot on the line in the process. If there was some freshman who was better than me, I didn’t mind, because it was what was best for the team. I’ve always been team first.” 

But Barbera wasn’t going to relinquish that starting slot without a fight. In fact, to get ready for the tennis season, Barbera also joined the R-N cross country team last fall. 

“It helped me tremendously,” Barbera said. “Not only physically, because I was competing at the highest level, but it helped mentally as well. If I could finish a cross country race, then I could do anything. I think finishing my first cross country race as being one of my highest achievements. I learned a lot from that.” 

What Barbera gained from running in the fall was the relentless desire to never give up or give in. 

“I’m always determined to give my wall and try my best in every sport I do,” Barbera said. “I won’t give up. I’ve never quit in any sport I’ve participated in.” 

Graham noticed right away that Barbera wasn’t like any other tennis player. 

“For one, no one is in as good of shape that he is,” Graham said. “Between his cross country running and swimming, he’s in prime condition. It’s amazing how he’s able to keep going. When others are ready to poop out, Brian’s ready to put into another gear and continue to fight. It’s definitely an advantage to him.” 

Barbera does spent a lot of his free time at the Golden Dome, where he works as both a lifeguard and as a gym assistant. 

“It is like my second home,” Barbera said. 

But he also manages to get his time in on the tennis court as well. Last year, Barbera helped the Scarlet Raiders post a winning record by compiling a record of 5-4 in singles flights and 3-3 ledger in doubles action with three different partners. 

This year, Barbera put up a huge fight in his first match, one that impressed Graham. 

“Brian took his opponents to three sets and really frustrated the guy to no end,” Graham said. “Everything the guy hit, Brian sent it back. Mentally, he’s very strong and he’s not going to give up anything.” 

Graham knows that he can definitely count on Barbera, who was a fine swimmer and tennis player at Clifton High School, to be there in a pinch. 

“He’s willing to do anything for the team,” Graham said. “He’s like a quiet leader. He’s not a captain, but he does whatever it takes. If we were a basketball team, then Brian would be our sixth man. I can only sing his praises. If every kid had the willingness to work and the desire like Brian has, we’d be in good shape. He’s an inspiration and he’s an example of what it means to never give up. He’s a role model for our younger players, showing them how to play the game and showing them the whole team concept.” 

Barbera is a finance major at Rutgers-Newark. He most likely will enter the world of stock brokerage or investment banking when he graduates. Barbera has not decided whether he will graduate in December or remain in school to play tennis for one last season next spring. 

“I have a tough decision ahead, but for now, I feel like I can make a positive impression with this team and we can make a solid run this year,” Barbera said. “I am really looking forward to working with Coach Graham. We’re getting more instruction now and I can sense that we’re getting better.” 

One thing is for sure: Brian Barbera is never going to give up trying. It’s not in his makeup. He’s a fighter to the very end.