By Matt Shelton, Sports Information Director
(Mobile, AL, May 13) - After a three-hour rain delay on day two of the 2009 NAIA Men's Tennis National Championships, GU saw their title hopes washed away.
In the closest match of the day, Vanguard (California) exacted revenge on Graceland, after the Yellowjackets knocked them out of last year's tournament to advance to the quarterfinals. The Lions had to come from behind after losing No. 2 and No. 3 doubles. Graceland took No. 2 doubles 8-4 and No. 3 doubles 8-6, but Vanguard got wins at numbers 1, 3, 4 and 5 singles to pick up the victory, 5-3.
"I'm so proud of these guys and how they played all season long," stated Coach Hampton following the Jackets loss. "We knew Vanguard would be ready for us this year after we knocked them out last year, and they came back stronger than ever. We were in pretty good shape following the doubles matches up 2-1 but just couldn't finish them off in singles. What a great year though, I'm going to miss all of the guys who are graduating and they've been great to coach for four years," concluded Hampton.
The tennis team finishes their season at a fantastic 17-4. Coach Hampton will begin his off-season recruiting as he looks to retool for the 2010 campaign. Stay tuned to the Jacket athletics website for continuing coverage of the men's tennis team and all of Jacket athletics.
By Matt Shelton, Sports Information Director
(Mobile, AL, May 12) -The Graceland men's tennis team kicked off their national tournament play Tuesday morning in Mobile, Alabama. Facing Nebraska Wesleyan it was a clean sweep for the Jackets who won, 9-0.
The morning started with the doubles matches as the teams of Matt Waite/Daniel Ramirez and Brett Waite/Carlos Cordova both won going away, 8-0. Team Remy Caffardo/Thomas Brodbeck had a little more of a challenge but still won easily, 8-4. (Brodbeck is pictured at left).
Once the singles competition begin the Jackets really began to click. It was a clean sweep for Graceland with the exception of Thomas Brodbeck dropping the second set of his match but eventually went on to win his match 6-1, 7-6, 7-2. Every other Graceland player was victorious in straight sets.
"It was good to play the first round instead of get a bye," stated Coach Hampton about the win. "Getting used to the heat I felt was very important. It really began to show how in-shape the guys are. It's very hot down here in Mobile and we looked as if we kept getting stronger as the morning went on. Opening like this will really help set the tone for us for the remaining matches. Tomorrow should be a lot of fun as well," continued Hampton. "It's a rematch with last years second round opponent at nationals, Vanguard University (California) in which we won in an epic match, 5-4. From here we'll rest tonight, get a good dinner and prepare for tomorrow's events," finished Hampton.
The Jackets will play Vanguard University (California) tomorrow at 9 a.m. (Central Time) in the second round of the NAIA National Men's Tennis Tournament.
Awards for the 2008-09 Season
The following is a list of awards the Graceland tennis teams were awarded in Spring of 2009:
Men were HAAC Conference Champions for the 13th time in 17 years. They have never finished less than second during that period.
Women won the NAIA Buffalo Funds Five Star Champions of Character team award for 2009.
The men qualified for the NAIA National tournament for the 13th year in a row.
Senior Brett Waite was awarded 2009 Region II ITA senior of the year and The Region II ITA champions of character award.
The following men were All American Scholar Athletes for 2009-2010: Remy Caffardo, Brett Waite, Thomas Brodbeck and Filipe Valle Costa. Our men's team had the highest GPA team average among all NAIA tennis playing universities.
The women's team did not have any juniors and that is a prerequisite for All American Scholars. They did have a 3.4+ team GPA.
Head Tennis Coach, the legendary Jerry Hampton, was awarded the ITA Region II Coach of the year and HAAC Conference Men's coach of the year.
Congratulations to Jerry and the GU teams for another outstanding year.
