The preparation is over. it's time for some action.

NCAA action.

The Harvard men's tennis team heads down to Athens, Georgia next week to compete in the 1992 NCAA Division I Men's Tennis Championships.

The Crimson (16-6 overall, 9-0 EITA) will face Drake University (19-9 overall) in the first round.

This is Drake's first trip to the NCAA's. (Just in case you're wondering, Drake is in Des Moines, Iowa.)

Harvard is currently ranked 18th in the nation by the Intercollegiate Coaches Association (ITCA) poll. the Bulldogs are unranked.

"This is a great opportunity for us to win and move up," Harvard senior Derek Brown. "After the last few years, we're very happy to get a relatively easy first round match."

The Crimson has history of stumbling early in the tournament. the team has reached the NCAA's seven times in the last eleven years, but has yet to advance past the first round.

"It's going to take a lot of concentration for us to win," Harvard Coach Dave Fish said. "Because of our exam schedule, other schools get there long before us, and they have a real chance to get used to the heat."

But Fish went on to add that past disappointments would make his players more determined to do well in the tournament.

Freshman Andrew Rueb expressed the sense of urgency which is gripping the team in anticipation of the tournament.

"Playing well against Drake is not a choice," Rueb said. "We can't say we'll get better and try again later. This is it--we have to beat them now."

Drake's challenge will be spearheaded by senior Donny Isaak and junior Martin Dionne, both ranked in the top 100 nationally.

Isaak reached the semifinals in the NCAA individual tournament last year. En route , he defeated Harvard's Albert Chang in straight sets.

A shoulder injury has prevented Isaak from playing at his best this year, but he should be at full strenght four the tournament.