On the eve its Big Sky tournament semifinal match, Montana tennis announced the signing of Missoula tennis standout Eric Braun Thursday. The Hellgate senior is the 2008 and ’09 Class AA Montana State champion.

In addition to the top state result as a sophomore and junior, Braun took the runner-up position in his 2007 freshman season.

The Knights were led by Braun, with back-to-back second-place team finishes in 2008 and ’09.

Both of the prep athlete’s titles were won over Bozeman High’s Tyler frost, the two going to three sets in the process. For his 2009 win, Braun staged a come-from-behind win, rallying from down one set for the victory.

Of the local athlete’s commitment, 28-year UM coach Kris Nord said, “Eric is a great tennis talent, and will likely become a force in the Big Sky.

“We will be putting Eric in an environment where he will be playing with great athletes and that should push him to levels we haven’t seen yet from him. He definitely has his best tennis ahead of him and Montana will be a good fit to foster that talent.

“I have known Eric for a few years now and most importantly, I feel that he will fit in well with our guys. Chemistry within the group is a concern here. Seeing him with the team, I am confident that he will do well as a Grizzly.”

Braun said, “Interestingly enough, I had not originally planned on coming to school here in Missoula, I had lived abroad in Peru for some time and thought that I’d go somewhere different again. What I discovered upon leaving and taking a look at some other places, was that it is hard to find a school that is prettier, or one that has that Missoula atmosphere.

“I’ve been to the Montana home matches and have hit occasionally with Ben DeMarois. The guys on the team have been very welcoming. Hopefully I will be able to raise my game to the level that would let me help the team in its lineup.

“It will also be exciting to play for Coach Nord. I know his kids and respect him as a major presence in the Montana tennis community.”

Braun chose Montana after being recruited by a wide variety of Division I northwest teams, including Portland State, Eastern Washington, University of Portland and Seattle. Braun also considered playing for a Division III program, checking out Whitman and Linford during his search.

Braun will begin his drive for another singles state championship May 10 through 15 in the Class AA divisional tournament.  The Montana prep AA tournament will begin May 21 in Bozeman.