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Endrikat will zero in on singles MT file photo Jon Endrikat will attened UC-Irvine. By RANDY HAMMERICKSEN North Medford High tennis player Jon Endrikat has made a name for himself locally in doubles. But that's about to change. Endrikat will turn to singles in his final year at North and as a junior player in the Pacific Northwest Section of the United States Tennis Association. He will work to develop his singles game in preparation for his college career, which begins next September. Endrikat, 17, has signed a letter of intent with Big West Conference power UC-Irvine. "I hope to be in their singles lineup at about the fourth or fifth man next year," says Endrikat, who is expected to be ranked No. 1 in boys 18 singles in the Northwest section next month, says Cary Collins, his coach at Rogue Valley Swim and Tennis Club. "It's my time to show what I can do in singles," says Endrikat, who teamed with his older brother, Chris, to win three straight Southern Oregon Conference doubles titles. Endrikat will try to give North its third straight boys SOC singles champion next spring. Scott Schnugg won the last two titles, but he's training at Tough Tennis Academy in Naples, Fla., and isn't expected to return this spring for his senior season. "Scott isn't planning to be back so it puts Jon (Endrikat) in a position where he should be the favorite to win the SOC," says Collins. "He also looks like at least a semifinalist at state, and he could win the whole thing, if things go right." Like Endrikat, Schnugg will be playing in the Big West Conference next year. He's signed to play at UC-Santa Barbara. "It's a little ironic that both of them signed with schools in the same league," says Collins. "UC-Santa Barbara and Irvine have been rivals and loaded teams in the Big West for a long time. It's conceivable that they might meet during four years of college tennis." Endrikat will likely play doubles and singles at Irvine. "There's no reason I can't do both in college," he says. "It will make it easier for me to contribute for a traditionally rich and strong team." Collins says the teenager's best tennis is ahead. "He's a late-bloomer," says Collins. "He's added some weapons with a much-improved serve and strong forehand. That gives him two big weapons in the power game." Endrikat says he needs to improve his strength and athletic ability before playing college tennis. "I need to get in the weight room to get stronger and start doing cross-training to get in better shape," he says. "I'm working out five days a week for a couple of hours right now, but that's nothing compared to what I'll be doing next year when I get down to California. I'll be busting it hard there." His playing ability isn't the only impressive thing about Endrikat, says Collins, noting that Endrikat won the Scott Eden Sportsmanship Award in the Northwest section. "It says a lot about Jon," says Collins. "It says he's not only a good tennis player, but a great kid. He has a bright future in tennis if he keeps working at it." Today's Sports Index Mail Tribune Copyright� The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, OR U.S.A.