COLONELS
General Information
Table of Contents Quick Facts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Head Coach Rob Oertel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Assistant Coach Carles Pons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 2015 Rosters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Season Outlook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Men’s Player Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10 2014 Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Women’s Player Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-14 Ohio Valley Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Eastern Kentucky University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Richmond & Surrounding Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Colonel Tennis Honors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Quick Facts General Information
School Eastern Kentucky University Location Richmond, Ky. Founded/Enrollment 1906/16,454 Nickname Colonels Colors Maroon (209) and white Tennis Facilities Greg Adams Tennis Center (indoor) Coach Tom Higgins Tennis Courts (outdoor) Conference Ohio Valley Affiliation NCAA Division I President Dr. Michael T. Benson Athletics Director TBA Athletics Phone 859-622-2120
Coaching Staff
Head Coach Alma Mater Overall Division I Record Office Phone E-mail Fax Assistant Coach Office Phone E-mail Alma Mater
Athletic Public Relations Tennis Contact Office Phone E-mail Fax Internet Twitter Facebook Credits Writing, Editing and Design: Michael Clark, Assistant AD for Communications and Branding using Adobe InDesign CS6 and Photoshop CS6 Editorial Assistance: Dan McBride, Rob Oertel Photos: Steve Fohl, Chris Radcliffe, Eastern
Rob Oertel Wisconsin-Stout, ’86 318-265 (24 seasons – men) 217-166 (16 seasons – women) 859-622-2133 rob.oertel@eku.edu 859-622-8334 Carles Pons 859-622-8332 carles.ponsescanilla@eku.edu Eastern Kentucky, ’12 Michael Clark 859-622-6170 michael.clark@eku.edu 859-622-5108 www.EKUSports.com @EKUSports, @EKU_W_Tennis EKU Colonels, EKU Tennis
Mailing Address
Progress, Tim Webb, Eastern Kentucky University Archives, Ohio Valley Conference Special Thanks: Kevin Britton, Steve Fohl, Morgan Romans, Dan McBride, Rob Oertel
Athletic Public Relations 521 Lancaster Ave. Alumni Coliseum 115 Richmond, KY 40475
Overnight Address Same as above
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Coaching Staff The Oertel File Name: Rob Oertel Hometown: West Allis, Wis.
Head Coach • 14th Season at EKU
Rob Oertel
Education: Wisconsin-Stout (B.S., Business Administration, 1986) Indiana State (M.S., Physical Education, 1991) Collegiate Coaching Experience: Wisconsin-Stout (Head Coach, 1989) Indiana State (Head Coach, 1990-96) Denver (Head Coach, 1997-2000) Eastern Kentucky (Head Coach, 2002-present)
Alma Mater: Wisconsin-Stout, 1986 u 2013, 2012 OVC Women’s Tennis Coach of the Year u 2011, 2010, 2009, 2007 OVC Men’s Tennis Coach of the Year u 1995 MVC Men’s Tennis Coach of the Year Rob Oertel is entering his 14th season as the head coach for both the men’s and women’s tennis teams at Eastern Kentucky. The last few seasons have been memorable ones for the Colonels as the EKU women qualified for the NCAA championships in 2009, 2012 and 2013 while the men advanced to three straight NCAAs from 2010-12. In his 13 years at EKU, Oertel has taken the Colonels from the cellar of the OVC to a consistent contender in the season-ending OVC tournament. He has coached 45 All-OVC players, six OVC Players of the Year and three OVC Freshmen of the Year while in charge of the Eastern program. Eastern Kentucky has been successful in the classroom as well as on the court under Oertel. Three Colonels have earned Academic All-America honors while the men’s tennis team was honored with a coveted NCAA Division I Academic Progress Rate (APR) Public Recognition Award in the spring of 2012. Oertel has more than 20 years of experience as a Division I head coach after previously serving four years at Denver and seven at Indiana State. He handled both the men’s and women’s programs at Indiana State during the 1989-90 season as well as at Denver in the 1996-97 campaign and spring of 1999. “One of my primary goals when I took this position was to raise this program to national respectability,” Oertel said. “I can say with great pride that we are now at that level. I hope we can keep building on our achievements.” The University of Denver was a Division II program when Oertel took the helm in 1996. By his fourth season, he lifted the Pioneers to a very competitive status at the Division I level with an overall record of 16-8. Before joining the Pioneer staff at Denver, Oertel recorded an overall record of 95-73 with the Indiana State men’s tennis team. During the 1994-95 season, Oertel guided the Sycamores to a regular season Missouri Valley Conference co-championship and second-place finish in the conference tournament. Oertel earned the 1995 MVC Coach of the Year award as ISU finished 18-9 overall with key victories over Tulsa, Purdue,
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Born: Feb. 5, 1964
Kansas and Marquette. In addition, Indiana State won its final 12 regular season dual matches to earn a berth in the NCAA team championships. The Sycamores advanced to the final 24 in the 1995 NCAA tournament before falling to Arizona State. A native of West Allis, Wisconsin, Oertel graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in 1986 with a degree in business administration. In 1988, he began his coaching career at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Monroe, Michigan, as the assistant coach. Next, he assumed the head coaching reins at his alma mater, WisconsinStout, before moving to Indiana State. In 1991, he earned his master’s of science degree from Indiana State in physical education with an emphasis in sports administration. Oertel has further enhanced his extensive coaching experience by working with players of all ages as a tennis pro in the Fiji Islands, Michigan and Wisconsin. As a collegiate tennis player, Oertel was one of the most decorated athletes to ever play for the Wisconsin-Stout Blue Devils. He became the first tennis player in Blue Devil history to earn AllAmerican honors while also playing on four consecutive conference championship teams. Oertel’s NCAA Division III national ranking peaked at No. 13 in singles and No. 4 in doubles during his senior campaign. In 1996, Oertel was inducted into the Wisconsin-Stout Athletics Hall of Fame. He was named to the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) All-Time Men’s Tennis team in 2011.
Oertel’s Division I Career Coaching Record Men
Year School Record 1990 Indiana State 13- 10 1991 Indiana State 14- 10 1992 Indiana State 10- 11 1993 Indiana State 15- 9 1994 Indiana State 12- 13 1995 Indiana State 18- 9 1996 Indiana State 13- 11 1997 Denver 7- 7 1998 Denver 4- 16 1999 Denver 5- 14 2000 Denver 16- 8 2002 Eastern Kentucky 10- 13 2003 Eastern Kentucky 14- 10 2004 Eastern Kentucky 12- 13 2005 Eastern Kentucky 11- 16 2006 Eastern Kentucky 11- 15 2007 Eastern Kentucky 18- 11 2008 Eastern Kentucky 16- 12 2009 Eastern Kentucky 18- 9 2010 Eastern Kentucky 18- 9 2011 Eastern Kentucky 21- 5 2012 Eastern Kentucky 19- 10 2013 Eastern Kentucky 13- 13 2014 Eastern Kentucky 10- 11 Totals (24 seasons) 318- 265
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Women
Year School Record 1990 Indiana State 5- 13 1997 Denver 13- 7 1999 Denver 7- 8 2002 Eastern Kentucky 7- 15 2003 Eastern Kentucky 13- 11 2004 Eastern Kentucky 13- 13 2005 Eastern Kentucky 15- 12 2006 Eastern Kentucky 14- 10 2007 Eastern Kentucky 12- 13 2008 Eastern Kentucky 19- 7 2009 Eastern Kentucky 22- 6 2010 Eastern Kentucky 14- 16 2011 Eastern Kentucky 13- 11 2012 Eastern Kentucky 18- 7 2013 Eastern Kentucky 19- 7 2014 Eastern Kentucky 13- 10 Totals (16 seasons) 217- 166
COLONELS
Coaching Staff
The Pons File Name: Carles Pons Escanilla Hometown: Barcelona, Spain Born: April 16, 1989
Assistant Coach • 2nd Season at EKU
Carles Pons
Education: Eastern Kentucky (B.S., Sports management, 2012)
Alma Mater: Eastern Kentucky, 2012 Former EKU tennis player Carles Pons is in his second year with the Colonel coaching staff. Pons was a part of the three NCAA tournament squads as a Colonel – 2010, 2011 and 2012. Now a member of the coaching staff, Pons is responsible for on-court coaching, handling administrative tasks and executing miscellaneous duties off the court. Pons is also working towards completing his master’s degree in sports administration at EKU. Pons earned second team All-OVC honors in 2010 after going 7-0 in OVC singles action. As a senior in 2012, he teamed with Hugo Klientovsky to go 12-1 at No. 1 doubles and undefeated against league foes. Off the court, Pons enjoys all types of sports, listening to music and traveling.
Collegiate Coaching Experience: Eastern Kentucky (Grad. Asst. Coach, 2014) (Assistant Coach, 2015)
Men’s Team Roster Name Alex Álvaro Diego Asis Juanjo de la Llera Florian Graskamp Colin Hart Sebastian Mueller Daridge Saidi Diogo Soares Jonas Stropus Alberto Tintoré Ramon van Flymen
Ht. 6-0 5-10 6-1 5-10 6-1 6-5 6-3 5-11 6-0 5-8 6-3
Pronunciations
Wt. 170 150 190 150 170 184 194 163 160 145 165
Cl. Jr. So. Sr. Jr. Fr. So. Sr. So. Fr. So. Fr.
Hometown (Previous School) Madrid, Spain (Colegio Sagrado Corazon) Madrid, Spain (Liceo Europeo School) Barcelona, Spain (Univ. of the Cumberlands) Geseke, Germany (Gymnasium Antonianum Geseke) Stanford, Ky. (Lincoln County HS) Leverkusen, Germany (Landrat-Lucas-Gymnasium) Aubervilliers, France (Universite Paris XIII) Lisbon, Portugal (Cumberland (Tenn.) Univ.) Vilnius, Lithuania (Saulé Private Gymnasium) Barcelona, Spain (Escuela Suiza Barcelona) Oosthuizen, Netherlands (Tabor College)
Amandine Faouzi – AH-mahndeen FOW-zee Marcela Jimenez - HIM-en-ez Kristina Labeja – lah-BAY-ah Head Coach Rob Oertel – or-TELL
Women’s Team Roster Name Amandine Faouzi Melissa Gerritsen Javiera Gonzalez Soto Dominika Hadnadova Marcela Jimenez Kristina Labeja Marina Marti Raquel Montalvo Perez
Ht. 5-6 5-7 5-2 5-8 5-5 5-8 5-5 5-5
Cl. Sr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Sr. Sr. So. Fr.
Hometown (Previous School) Mareil Sur Mauldre, France (Centre National d’ Education a distance) Ilpendam, Netherlands (OSG Willem Blaeu) Santiago, Chile (Colegio San Juan De Las Condes) Sala, Slovakia (Gymnázium Nové Zámky) Ensenada, Mexico (Universidad Auto’noma de Baja California) Riga, Latvia (Riga Secondary School #94) Madrid, Spain (Maryville Univ.) Cochabamba, Bolivia (Colegio Loyola)
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Season Outlook victories in 2013-14 while splitting time between No. 4 and No. 5 singles. Mueller has the size (6-5, 184 lbs.) and firepower to be a dangerous player wherever he lands in the line-up. Sophomore Diego Asis, freshman Colin Hart, freshman Jonas Stropus and sophomore Alberto Tintoré round out the roster. “I think the table is set to have a positive season,” Oertel said. “We just need to keep our sight set on getting that banner.”
The Colonel Men The Eastern Kentucky University men’s tennis team has its sights set on a return to the top of the Ohio Valley Conference in 2015. After winning three straight league titles from 2010-12, the Colonels finished third in 2013 and tied for fifth one year ago. Head coach Rob Oertel firmly believes this year’s team is ready to once again compete for the OVC title. “This is the deepest team I’ve had from No. 1 to 11 in my time at EKU,” Oertel said. “We’ve added a couple of quality players who bring that winning edge with them.” Besides the talented crop of newcomers, there is plenty of experience on the squad headlined by the two seniors – Juanjo de la Llera and Daridge Saidi – as well as junior Alex Álvaro. Álvaro, Saidi and de la Llera shuffled between the top three spots in the line-up one year ago. Álvaro earned second team AllOVC accolades after going 6-3 against conference foes in singles. The native of Madrid, Spain split time between No. 1 and No. 2 singles as a sophomore, but is expected to hold down the top spot in 2015. Saidi and de la Llera have been solid contributors for the Colonels over the last two years as the duo has combined for 40 singles victories. Saidi tied for the team lead with 11 singles dual victories in 2014. Meanwhile, de la Llera has teamed with Álvaro to give EKU an excellent No. 1 doubles team. That doubles tandem advanced to the quarterfinals of the ITA regional championships this past fall with wins over Ball State, Purdue and Xavier. Lots of other players will be in the mix for the other three spots in the starting line-up. Sophomore Diogo Soares and freshman Ramon van Flymen are two of the newcomers who have coach Oertel excited about this spring. Soares played the 2013-14 season at Cumberland University (Tenn.) where he went 15-3 in singles and earned second team allleague honors. The lefty will also be a key contributor in doubles. Van Flymen was a mid-year addition who has made an immediate positive impression on coach Oertel. The Dutchman has all the tools to push for a spot in both singles and doubles. Junior Florian Graskamp and sophomore Sebastian Mueller saw significant action in 2014. Graskamp is one of the most consistent Colonels on the roster. He led the team with 16 overall singles
The Colonel Women Eastern Kentucky’s senior class has been one of, if not the most successful class in program history. The four seniors have led the Colonels to two NCAA tournament appearances (2012, 2013) and a shared OVC regular season title in 2014. Seniors Amandine Faouzi and Kristina Labeja have been the cornerstones for EKU. Both players have earned all-conference first team honors three times while Faouzi was named OVC Player of the Year in 2013. Faouzi and Labeja will once again hold the top two spots in this year’s line-up. Faouzi was the No. 1 player in 2012 and 2013, while Labeja played the majority of the 2014 season at the top spot. Both players are tremendous competitors and give EKU one of the top 1-2 punches in the OVC. However, a chance to compete for another league championship will more than likely come down to the play of the other two seniors – Melissa Gerritsen and Marcela Jimenez. Gerritsen earned All-OVC accolades as a freshman and is one of the top doubles players on the roster. Unfortunately, the native of Ilpendam, Netherlands has been battling injuries for more than a year now. “Our success this year really hinges on Melissa being able to regain her old form and so far, so good,” Oertel said. Jimenez will also need to step up her game. Each of the last two seasons Jimenez has split time between No. 5 and No. 6 singles, but she will more than likely have to fill the No. 4 position in her senior campaign. Jimenez led the team with 19 singles dual victories in 2013. The other four players on the roster are all new to the program while three of those players are freshmen. “We have a strange mix of old and new players,” Oertel said. “Hopefully, our young players will learn quickly from the veterans and be ready to go by OVC play.” Sophomore Marina Marti spent last spring playing at Division II Maryville University in St. Louis. She went 5-2 in dual singles matches before suffering an injury. The three incoming freshmen are Javiera Gonzalez, Dominika Hadnadova and Raquel Montalvo. All three have high-level juniors experience. Gonzalez was a top-10 junior in Chile while Hadnadova reached as high as No. 25 in the Slovakian national rankings.
The women’s tennis team won a share of the Ohio Valley Conference title last year.
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COLONELS
Player Profiles
6-1 • 190 • Senior
6-3 • 194 • Senior
Juanjo de la Llera
Daridge Saidi
Hometown: Barcelona, Spain
Hometown: Aubervilliers, France Player Profile – Saidi should among the top players again for the Colonels as a senior … has lots of competitive experience from playing in France … should compete for All-OVC honors this year. 2013-14 (Junior) – Finished the season playing at the No. 1 singles position … also played some matches at No. 2 and No. 3 singles … tied for the team lead with 11 singles dual victories … posted a 5-4 record against OVC foes in singles … concluded the indoor season with six straight wins … eight of his 18 losses came in three sets … tallied a five-match winning streak in doubles in the middle of the spring. 2012-13 (Sophomore) – Stepped into the No. 1 singles position in his first year on the squad … went 5-4 against OVC foes in singles … picked up a three-set win versus Wright State on Feb. 8 to seal the team victory … also recorded three-set wins against Belmont and Tennessee State. Off the Court – Earned his bachelor’s degree in health sciences this past December … his hobbies include listening to music and playing any sport … he has his sights on OVC Player of the Year honors in his final season … after he finishes his playing career, he would like to be a conditioning coach for professional athletes.
u 2013 All-OVC second team selection u 2012 Mid-South Player of the Year Player Profile – de la Llera has a strong serve and plays very aggressive tennis … one of the top doubles players on the team … should be a consistent contributor in singles as well … should compete for All-OVC honors this year. 2013-14 (Junior) – Spent the majority of the spring playing No. 3 singles and No. 1 doubles with Alex Álvaro … tied for the team lead with six OVC singles wins … posted a 5-1 record in OVC doubles matches … tallied a six-match winning streak in doubles late in the season … picked up the deciding point in the 4-3 win over SIUE on March 15. 2012-13 (Sophomore) – Finished his first season on the squad at No. 2 singles and No. 1 doubles … led the team with 11 dual doubles victories … went 6-3 in OVC singles competition … all six victories were in straight sets … was victorious in both singles and doubles versus Morehead State in the OVC tournament. 2011-12 (Freshman) – Played at the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky … named the Mid-South Conference Player of the Year. Off the Court – Enjoys playing soccer and padel in his spare time … plans to go to graduate school after earning his bachelor’s degree … on the court, he wants to earn a championship ring in his final year with the Colonels. The de la Llera File Name: Juanjo de la Llera Morella Parents: Juanjo de la Llera and Marta Morella Major: International business
The Saidi File Born: July 12, 1992 Siblings: Marta (20)
Name: Daridge Saidi Parents: Khoudir Saidi and Anna Lopez Major: Health sciences
Singles Overall Spring Doubles Overall Spring 2012-13 14-17 11-12 13-14 11-11 2013-14 11-14 8-10 11-12 10-7 Totals 25-31 19-22 24-26 21-18
Born: Dec. 2, 1991 Siblings: Ceidgie (21)
Singles Overall Spring Doubles Overall Spring 2012-13 10-15 10-15 3-14 3-14 2013-14 13-18 11-10 7-13 6-11 Totals 23-33 21-25 10-27 9-25
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Player Profiles
6-0 • 170 • Junior
5-10 • 150 • Junior
Alex Álvaro
Florian Graskamp
Hometown: Madrid, Spain
Hometown: Geseke, Germany Player Profile – Graskamp is a rock solid baseline competitor who doesn’t make many unforced errors … another strength is his return of serve … adds quality depth to the line-up. 2013-14 (Sophomore) – Split time between No. 4 and No. 5 singles, but finished the year at the No. 4 spot … led the squad with 16 overall singles victories … posted a team-best .750 winning percentage in OVC singles matches (6-2) … won the deciding match in the 4-3 win over Xavier on Jan. 25 … went 5-1 in matches that went to a deciding third set … also saw plenty of action at No. 3 doubles. 2012-13 (Freshman) – Spent most of the season at No. 6 singles … won all six of his OVC singles matches in straight sets … ended the year winning eight of his last nine singles contests … saw limited time at No. 3 doubles as well … picked up a couple of wins to advance to the quarters of the Louisville Fall Invite Flight ‘B’ bracket. Off the Court – Enjoys playing soccer, hanging out with friends, listening to music and working out at the gym … reached No. 135 in the German junior rankings … his tennis goals include earning All-OVC honors this season.
u 2013 OVC Freshman of the Year u 2014, 2013 All-OVC second team selection Player Profile – Álvaro has a wealth of talent and potential … his hand-eye coordination, ball striking ability and court coverage are all above average … has court smarts. 2013-14 (Sophomore) – Split time between No. 1 and No. 2 singles … ended the season at the No. 2 spot … tied for the team lead with six OVC singles victories … won five matches that went to a deciding third set … notched a three-set win against Xavier on Jan. 25 which was a pivotal point in the 4-3 team victory … spent most of the season playing at No. 1 doubles where he went 7-5 … notched a team-best 11 doubles victories. 2012-13 (Freshman) – Became just the second EKU player ever to win the OVC Freshman of the Year award … ended the season on a five-match winning streak at No. 3 singles … finished second on the team with 13 dual singles victories … posted a 9-2 record at the No. 3 spot … won both of his OVC tournament singles matches. Off the Court – Has climbed up to No. 438 in the Spanish national rankings … won a few junior tournaments … also played soccer and basketball … in his spare time, he enjoys going to the gym and going to the movies.
The Álvaro File Name: Alejandro Álvaro Parents: Tomás and Pilar Álvaro Major: International business
The Graskamp File Born: June 17, 1994 Siblings: Maria (22)
Name: Florian Graskamp Parents: Ulrich and Ulrike Graskamp Major: International business
Singles Overall Spring Doubles Overall Spring 2012-13 13-9 13-9 5-13 5-13 2013-14 12-13 11-10 11-12 10-7 Totals 25-22 24-19 16-25 15-20
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Born: April 19, 1993 Siblings: Carina (19)
Singles Overall Spring Doubles Overall Spring 2012-13 17-10 13-5 3-10 2-6 2013-14 16-11 11-8 6-11 5-9 Totals 33-21 24-13 9-21 7-15
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COLONELS
Player Profiles
5-10 • 150 • Sophomore
6-5 • 184 • Sophomore
Diego Asis
Sebastian Mueller
Hometown: Madrid, Spain
Hometown: Leverkusen, Germany
Player Profile – Asis is an all-court player who is comfortable at the net … expected to be a major contributor in doubles … has natural net instincts. 2013-14 (Freshman) – Joined the team at the start of the spring semester … utilized mainly at No. 2 doubles and No. 6 singles … picked up three OVC wins in doubles and one in singles … tallied a comeback win at No. 6 singles in the Jacksonville State match on March 9. Off the Court – Also plays soccer and golf … enjoys hanging out with friends in his spare time … reached the under-18 regional tennis team championship match … one of his educational goals is to graduate with at least a 3.5 GPA.
Player Profile – Mueller has as much firepower as anyone on the roster … his arsenal includes a big serve and ground strokes … if his confidence is high, he could make a charge towards the top end of the line-up. 2013-14 (Freshman) – Joined the team at the start of the spring semester … became a key contributor in the middle of the singles line-up … went 4-5 in OVC singles competition … finished the year playing No. 2 doubles with Alex Álvaro … won his final doubles match at Tennessee Tech by a count of 8-3. Off the Court – Won several German national junior tournaments … reached the top 200 in Germany’s national junior rankings … also enjoys playing soccer, basketball and football … he hopes to help EKU win its sixth OVC title.
The Asis File Name: Diego Asis Parents: Daniel Asis and Laura Ruiz Major: Computer science
The Mueller File Born: Jan. 18, 1995 Siblings: Gonzalo (22)
Name: Sebastian Constantin Mueller Born: April 20, 1994 Parents: Heiner and Doris Mueller Siblings: Christina (22), Major: Business management Laura (22)
Singles Overall Spring Doubles Overall Spring 2013-14 5-8 5-8 6-10 6-10 Totals 5-8 5-8 6-10 6-10
Singles Overall Spring Doubles Overall Spring 2013-14 5-9 5-9 2-8 2-8 Totals 5-9 5-9 2-8 2-8
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Player Profiles
5-11 • 163 • Sophomore
5-8 • 145 • Sophomore
Diogo Soares
Alberto Tintoré
Hometown: Lisbon, Portgual
Hometown: Barcelona, Spain Player Profile – Tintoré is a classic clay-court player … his greatest strength is his speed and court coverage … can grind all day from his forehand side. 2013-14 (Freshman) – Joined the team at the start of the spring semester … saw limited time at No. 6 singles and No. 3 doubles … won the deciding match in the 4-3 win over Cumberland (Tenn.) on Feb. 15 … capped the year with a win at No. 3 doubles in the OVC finale at Tennessee Tech. Off the Court – Earned a spot in the Spanish national rankings … hobbies include soccer and going to the beach … he hopes to work for the FBI some day … his tennis goals this year include winning the OVC.
u 2014 All-Mid-South second team selection Player Profile – Soares has a very high level of inner confidence … a true competitor who has already experienced lots of success … is a key addition for doubles … will also be in the mix for singles. 2013-14 (Freshman) – Played at Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee … earned second team All-Mid-South Conference accolades … went 15-3 in dual singles matches, mainly at the No. 4 position … defeated former Colonel Joao Maio in the EKU match on Feb. 15. Off the Court – Doubles national champion and ranked No. 1 in singles in Portugal’s under-18 junior rankings … enjoys reading, listening to music, playing soccer and watching TV … wants to go into neuroscience.
The Soares File
The Tintoré File
Name: Diogo Sampaio Soares Born: April 7, 1991 Parents: Pedro Soares and Maria Lourenico Major: Biology Siblings: Pedro (33), Miguel (32), Sofia (30), Francisco (22), Maria (20)
Name: Alberto Tintoré Gonzalez Born: Jan. 15, 1995 Parents: Alberto Tintoré Belil and Maria Dellluch Gonzalez Vergara Siblings: Marta (18), Cristina (16), Ignacio (15) Major: Intl. business Singles Overall Spring Doubles Overall Spring 2013-14 2-3 2-3 2-2 2-2 Totals 2-3 2-3 2-2 2-2
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COLONELS
Player Profiles
6-1 • 170 • Freshman
6-1 • 160 • Freshman
Colin Hart
Jonas Stropus
Hometown: Stanford, Kentucky
Hometown: Vilnius, Lithuania
Player Profile – Hart has lots of potential … plays a big game which translates well to collegiate tennis … truly loves the game of tennis. Off the Court – Earned all-state honors at Lincoln County High … reached No. 1 in Kentucky’s junior rankings … also enjoys playing basketball and baseball … his tennis goals for the season include earning a spot in the starting line-up.
Player Profile – Stropus has plenty of shot-making ability to compete at the collegiate level … has shown flashes of potential … needs to continue to work hard in order to make a push into the starting line-up. Off the Court – Reached as high as No. 4 in his local junior rankings … in his spare time, he enjoys basketball, listening to music and playing other sports … his tennis goals for the season are to win as many matches as possible.
The Hart File
The Stropus File
Name: Colin Stewart Hart Born: July 21, 1995 Parents: Ewing and Mary Beth Hart Major: Sports management Siblings: Shonnah (37), Clayton (32), Haley (22)
Name: Jonas Stropus Parents: Audrius Stropus and Dalia Stropiene Major: Business
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Born: Sept. 4, 1995 Siblings: Audrius
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Player Profiles / 2014 Results
2014 Men’s Tennis Results
6-3 • 165 • Freshman
10-11 Overall, 4-5 OVC (t-5th) Date Opponent Jan. 17 at #9 Kentucky Jan. 18 at #6 Tennessee Jan. 25 Xavier Jan. 31 at #57 Indiana Feb. 8 Wright State Feb. 15 Univ. of the Cumberlands Feb. 15 Cumberland (Tenn.) Feb. 21 Lindsey Wilson College Feb. 28 Kennesaw State Mar. 1 Pikeville Mar. 9 at Jacksonville State* Mar. 13 at Samford Mar. 15 SIUE* Mar. 16 Eastern Illinois* Mar. 29 at Tennessee State* Mar. 30 at Belmont* Apr. 2 Morehead State* Apr. 5 Murray State* Apr. 6 Austin Peay* Apr. 9 at Louisville Apr. 12 at Tennessee Tech*
Ramon van Flymen Hometown: Oosthuizen, Netherlands Player Profile – Van Flymen likes to be aggressive on the court … comfortable coming to the net and uses his size to finish points … has good court instincts … mixes his serve well … has the drive to be one of the top players on the squad. Off the Court – Was the doubles national champion in his age group and also quarterfinalist in singles … also played soccer, but enjoys just about every single sport … enjoys hanging out with friends in his spare time.
Result 0- 7 L 0- 7 L 4- 3 W 0- 7 L 5- 2 W 7- 0 W 4- 3 W 4- 3 W 3- 4 L 5- 2 W 2- 5 L 1- 6 L 4- 3 W 3- 4 L 5- 0 W 3- 4 L 2- 5 L 7- 0 W 3- 4 L 0- 7 L 5- 2 W
Boldface denotes a home match ~ Asterisk (*) denotes OVC match
2014 Women’s Tennis Results 13-10 Overall, 9-1 OVC (t-1st) Date Opponent Jan. 24 Univ. of the Cumberlands Jan. 24 IUPUI Jan. 26 at #40 Indiana Feb. 1 Lindsey Wilson College Feb. 7 at Xavier Feb. 11 East Tennessee State Feb. 12 at #38 Kentucky Feb. 21 #60 Kansas Feb. 22 Miami (Ohio) Feb. 28 at Louisville Mar. 9 at Jacksonville State* Mar. 15 SIUE* Mar. 16 #74 Eastern Illinois* Mar. 22 at UT Martin* Mar. 23 at Southeast Missouri* Mar. 29 at Tennessee State* Mar. 30 at Belmont* Apr. 2 Morehead State* Apr. 5 Murray State* Apr. 6 Austin Peay* Apr. 10 #72 Marshall Apr. 18 vs. Morehead State1 Apr. 19 vs. Murray State1
The van Flymen File Name: Ramon van Flymen Born: Jan. 29, 1997 Parents: Baeton van Flymen and Ria Cuppen Siblings: Lucas (16) Major: Economics/Mathematics
OVC tournament at Paducah, Ky. Boldface denotes a home match ~ Asterisk (*) denotes OVC match 1
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Result 7- 0 W 7- 0 W 0- 7 L 5- 2 W 2- 5 L 1- 6 L 0- 4 L 1- 6 L 2- 5 L 1- 6 L 6- 1 W 4- 3 W 4- 1 W 6- 1 W 7- 0 W 4- 0 W 7- 0 W 5- 2 W 2- 4 L 7- 0 W 2- 5 L 4- 1 W 1- 4 L
COLONELS
Player Profiles
5-6 • Senior
5-7 • Senior
Amandine Faouzi
Melissa Gerritsen
Hometown: Mareil Sur Mauldre, France
Hometown: Ilpendam, Netherlands u 2012 All-OVC second team selection
u 2013 OVC Player of the Year u 2012 OVC Freshman of the Year u 2014, 2013, 2012 All-OVC first team selection
Player Profile – Gerritsen is one of the better doubles players ion the Colonel roster … her serve and forehand are major weapons in her game. 2013-14 (Junior) – Injuries limited Gerritson’s playing time, especially in fall competition … went 6-1 against OVC competition, splitting time between No. 3 and No. 5 singles … won a key singles match in the 4-3 win over SIUE on March 15 … teamed up with Kristina Labeja to go 5-9 at No. 1 doubles in the spring. 2012-13 (Sophomore) – Piled up 21 doubles victories in the fall and spring, most on the team … settled with Kristina Labeja at No. 1 doubles in the spring and went 6-0 against OVC competition … split time between No. 4 and No. 5 singles … nearly pulled an upset at No. 58 Ohio State, but fell in a third set super tiebreaker in the No. 3 match … teamed up with Saioa Oscoz to win the Flight A doubles bracket at the Austin Peay Fall Invitational … also won the Flight B singles draw at the APSU Invite … earned a spot in the main draw of the ITA Fall Regionals thanks to winning two qualifying matches. 2011-12 (Freshman) – Advanced to the finals of two fall tournaments while winning the No. 5 bracket at the Ball State Invitational … split time between No. 3 and No. 4 singles … only dropped one OVC singles match … rolled off eight straight singles victories in the middle of the year … teamed up with Kristina Labeja to go 7-2 at No. 1 doubles versus OVC competition. Off the Court – Earned her bachelor’s degree in communication studies this winter … reached as high as No. 65 in the Dutch national rankings … she enjoys reading and drawing in her spare time … used to take taekwondo lessons.
Player Profile – Faouzi should be one of the top players in the OVC again as a senior … plays a tough counter-punching game, but can also take the ball on the rise … a true competitor. 2013-14 (Junior) – After a tough stretch during the indoor season, Faouzi rebounded to post 10 straight singles victories at the No. 2 spot … won all 10 of those matches in straight sets … only went 1-4 in three-set matches … picked up quality non-conference wins against Xavier and Marshall … split time at No. 3 doubles with Milena Poffo and Marcela Jimenez. 2012-13 (Sophomore) – Led the team with 19 dual victories, all at the No. 1 spot … did not drop a set in 10 OVC singles matches … tallied key non-conference win against Louisville, North Texas and Miami (Ohio) … in doubles, she teamed with Danielle Kinnen to go 6-2 at the No. 3 spot, including 4-0 versus league foes … captured the No. 1 singles title at the Austin Peay Fall Invitational. 2011-12 (Freshman) – First ever EKU player to win OVC Freshman of the Year honors … captured the No. 2 bracket at the Ball State Fall Invitational … did not drop a game in the championship match … advanced to the round of 32 at the 2011 ITA Fall Regionals … lost to the 13th seed from Vanderbilt, Marie Casares, in three sets … went 8-1 in OVC singles action at the No. 1 position … ended Austin Peay’s Vanja Tomic’s 17-match winning streak with a 6-4, 6-2 win … split time at No. 3 doubles with Marcela Jimenez and Carmen Rodriguez. Off the Court – Her hobbies include watching movies and going to restaurants with friends … she qualified for the French Championships (17/18 year olds) at Roland Garros.
The Faouzi File Name: Amandine Faouzi Born: Nov. 21, 1993 Parents: Alain and Patricia Faouzi Siblings: Manon (18), Léo (15), Major: Finance Mathis (8)
The Gerritsen File Name: Melissa Gerritsen Born: Aug. 22, 1992 Parents: Ton and Tineke Gerritsen Siblings: None Major: Communications
Singles Overall Spring Doubles Overall Spring 2011-12 23-10 16-7 20-16 14-10 2012-13 25-9 19-6 12-8 10-5 2013-14 17-14 13-9 10-11 8-7 Totals 65-33 48-22 42-35 32-22
Singles Overall Spring Doubles Overall Spring 2011-12 22-9 15-7 27-13 20-11 2012-13 19-10 12-6 21-8 16-5 2013-14 8-7 7-6 8-13 7-9 Totals 49-26 34-19 56-34 43-25
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Player Profiles
5-5 • Senior
5-8 • Senior
Marcela Jimenez
Kristina Labeja
Hometown: Ensenada, Mexico
Hometown: Riga, Latvia
Player Profile – Jimenez’s strengths include her court speed and forehand … she should be a factor in the top-six this season. 2013-14 (Junior) – Split time between No. 5 and No. 6 singles for a second straight year … earned EKU’s lone point in the OVC championship match versus Murray State with a 6-1, 6-4 win at the No. 6 spot … also picked up a straight-set win against Louisville … won six of her final eight singles matches to finish the season … saw limited action at No. 3 doubles, going 3-3 in the spring. 2012-13 (Sophomore) – Rotated the year between No. 5 and No. 6 singles … was in the line-up at No. 6 singles for the OVC and NCAA championships … took all seven of her conference singles matches in straight sets … picked up a three-set win at Miami (Ohio) on Feb. 2 … won the Flight D singles bracket at the Austin Peay Fall Invitational. 2011-12 (Freshman) – She joined the team in the spring … went 5-0 in OVC singles play mainly at the No. 6 position … clinched the OVC championship over UT Martin with a three-set win at No. 5 singles … teamed up with Amandine Faouzi to go 5-0 in OVC doubles at the No. 3 spot. Off the Court – Reached as high as No. 22 in Mexico’s 18-andunder division … her best ranking in Southern California’s 18-and-under division was No. 14 … also swam and played basketball when she was younger … in her spare time, she enjoys reading and taking pictures … her educational goals are to earn her two degrees and earn a 4.0 GPA this semester.
u 2014, 2013, 2012 All-OVC first team selection Player Profile – Labeja plays a very unique style of tennis that often frustrates the opposition … possesses uncanny anticipation … one of the better doubles players on the team … will compete for the top spot in the singles line-up. 2013-14 (Junior) – Led the squad in overall singles victories for a second straight season (21) … moved to the top of the singles line-up and went 9-4 at the No. 1 spot … tallied a seven-match winning streak in the middle of the spring … clinched the 4-3 win over SIUE with a three-set victory at No. 1 singles … defeated the OVC Player of the Year, Morehead State’s Briar Preston, in the OVC tournament … teamed up with Melissa Gerritsen to go 4-3 against OVC foes at No. 1 doubles. 2012-13 (Sophomore) – Piled up a team-high 26 singles victories spanning the fall and the spring … finished 19-4 in singles dual matches, mainly at the No. 2 spot … recorded key non-conference wins against Miami (Ohio), Louisville and Georgia State … teamed up with Melissa Gerritsen to go 10-3 at No. 1 doubles … won four straight matches to take the consolation bracket at the Muirfield Fall Invite … advanced to the round of 32 at the ITA Fall Regionals with a win over Memphis’ Kelly Gray. 2011-12 (Freshman) – Teamed up with Milena Poffo to win three matches and advance to the round of 16 at the 2011 ITA Fall Regionals … spent the spring playing No. 2 singles … was one of four Colonels to go undefeated in OVC singles play (8-0) … won the deciding match to give EKU a 4-3 win over Jacksonville on March 7 … led Eastern with an 18-4 dual singles record. Off the Court – Her hobbies include shopping, hanging out with friends and doing anything related to sports … she hopes to graduate this May with at least a 3.5 GPA.
The Labeja File
The Jimenez File
Name: Kristina Labeja Parents: Igors Labejs and Alla Labeja Major: Communications
Name: Marcela Jimenez-Ramos Born: Oct. 3, 1991 Parents: Marco Jimenez and Leticia Ramos Siblings: Marco (26), Major: Mathematics and Statistics Alejandra (18) Minor: Actuarial Sciences
Singles Overall Spring Doubles Overall Spring 2011-12 23-7 18-4 20-12 10-10 2012-13 26-7 19-4 16-12 12-8 2013-14 21-11 16-6 12-19 10-11 Totals 70-25 37-8 48-43 32-29
Singles Overall Spring Doubles Overall Spring 2011-12 12-4 12-4 9-4 9-4 2012-13 15-8 12-4 4-5 2-2 2013-14 12-12 8-6 5-8 3-3 Totals 39-24 32-14 18-17 14-9
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Born: Aug. 29, 1992 Siblings: Irina (26), Alise (17)
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COLONELS
Player Profiles
5-5 • Sophomore
5-2 • Freshman
Marina Marti
Javiera Gonzalez Soto
Hometown: Madrid, Spain
Hometown: Santiago, Chile
Player Profile – Marti has a very competitive spirit … she is excited to prove herself at the Division I level … very consistent from the backcourt. 2013-14 (Freshman) – Competed at Division II Maryville University in St. Louis … went 5-2 in dual singles matches at the No. 2 spot for the Saints … posted a perfect 7-0 dual record in doubles, mainly at the No. 3 position. Off the Court – In her free time, she enjoys shopping and hanging out with friends … she reached the top 20 in Spain’s under-16 rankings … her tennis goals include helping the team win another OVC title … her brother, Javier, qualified for Roland Garros in 2011 and reached as high as No. 170 in the world in 2012.
Player Profile – Gonzalez has the perfect personality to fit in with the team … always has a positive attitude … excited to begin her collegiate career. Off the Court – Was a top-10 junior player in Chile … excelled in doubles … enjoys photography, singing and the arts … also participated in volleyball … hopes to get involved with sports nutrition after graduation.
The Marti File
The Gonzalez File
Name: Marina Marti Hernanz Born: Jan. 14, 1995 Parents: Javier Marti and Marina Hernanz Siblings: Javier (22), Major: Business Laura (16)
Name: Javiera Gonzalez Soto Parents: Sergio Gonzalez and Monica Soto Major: Dietetics
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Born: March 22, 1996 Siblings: Favida (23)
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Player Profiles
5-8 • Freshman
5-5 • Freshman
Dominika Hadnadova
Raquel Montalvo Perez
Hometown: Sala, Slovakia
Hometown: Cochabamba, Bolivia
Player Profile – Hadnadova’s ball-striking ability is as good as anyone on the squad … has a well-rounded game … volleys and serves well … has lots of high-level juniors experience. Off the Court – Her hobbies include reading books, horse riding and skiing … her tennis goals include improving her fitness and overall tennis game.
Player Profile – Montalvo brings a very positive spirit to the team every day … not afraid to come to the net and capitalize on those opportunities … needs to adjust to hard courts, especially indoor tennis. Off the Court – Played on Bolivia’s 2011 Fed Cup Junior team … No. 1 ranked juniors doubles team in Bolivia with her sister, Laura … also enjoys beach tennis, volleyball and running … her hobbies include dancing, photography and reading … she hopes to own her own business in the future.
The Hadnadova File
The Montalvo File
Name: Dominika Hadnadova Born: March 5, 1995 Parents: Marcel Hadnad and Monika Hadnadova Siblings: Laura (14), Major: Business Alysa (4)
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Name: Raquel Adriana Montalvo Perez Born: March 21, 1996 Parents: Ramiro Montalvo and Ana Maria Perez Siblings: Laura (16) Major: Business administration
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COLONELS
Ohio Valley Conference Now in its 67th year, the Ohio Valley Conference continues to build on the success that has made it the nation’s eighth-oldest NCAA Division I conference. In May 2011 the Conference expanded for the second time in four years, adding Belmont University which began competition in the 2012-13 academic year. The addition of Belmont gave the OVC 12 members, the most the league has had at one time in its illustrious history. The move added a second team in the city of Nashville and was the first addition to the league since Southern Illinois University Edwardsville joined in 2008. Subsequently, the league has shown its stability over the past decade, seeing only one member institution depart over the past 14 years. The 2009-10 school year saw a change in leadership as Beth DeBauche was named the seventh full-time Commissioner in league history on July 28, 2009. The last three commissioners of the OVC have moved onto jobs as the commissioner of the Big Ten, Big 12 and the Mid-American Conferences. The OVC’s proud history dates back to 1948, but seeds for the new league were actually planted in 1941. It was then that Roy Stewart, the athletics director at Murray State, Charles “Turkey” Hughes, the athletics director at Eastern Kentucky, and Kelly Thompson, the public relations director at Western Kentucky, first broached the idea of forming a new conference. Discussions were put on hold by World War II, but reemerged Feb. 27-28, 1948 at the Kentucky Hotel in Louisville as the three original institutions combined with Morehead State, Louisville and Evansville to form the OVC. After Title IX legislation passed in 1972, women’s athletics began a rebirth on the national scene as the NCAA began sponsoring and marketing women’s sports. Recognizing the need to provide increased opportunities for female athletes, the OVC began formulating plans for women’s athletics in 1975 and established women’s championships in the sports of basketball, tennis and track in 1977, with cross country and volleyball added over the next four years. Those sports were initially governed by the Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW), but the overall strength of women’s programs in the league was demonstrated by the automatic bids the OVC instantly received when the NCAA became the governing body in 1982. The confer-
ence added women’s golf and softball in 1994 and women’s soccer in 1998. The playing field is not the only place where OVC athletes are working hard. The league also recognizes excellence in the classroom. Six Scholar-Athlete Awards are presented yearly to male and female athletes, while others are commended for their academic success by being Medal of Honor recipients or earning a spot on the Commissioner’s Honor Roll. Additionally, the league annually presents one institutional Academic Achievement Award, as well as separate team awards in each Conferencesponsored sport. Since the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-America program began, the Ohio Valley Conference has had 229 student-athletes honored with the award, including 50 over the last five years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14). Additionally, the OVC annually presents the Steve Hamilton Sportsmanship Award, in honor of the former Morehead State student-athlete, coach and athletics director, to a junior or senior student-athlete with significant athletic contributions who best exemplifies the characteristics of sportsmanship and citizenship. Most recently, the Conference has also implemented the OVC Institutional and Team Sportsmanship Awards, which are presented to one institution and 18 sport-specific teams voted by their peers to have best exhibited the standards of sportsmanship and ethical conduct as outlined by the OVC and NCAA. The vision of leadership demonstrated by the Founding Fathers in 1948 remains alive today as the Ohio Valley Conference prepares for the future. One example is in regard to the current trend in collegiate athletics administration for increased involvement of university presidents in setting policies and making rules. The presidents of OVC institutions, however, have always governed the Conference, long before presidential governance became a national theme. The Ohio Valley Conference sponsors the following sports: baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, tennis and track for men, and basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and volleyball for women. In addition, the OVC also sponsors the combined men’s and women’s sport of rifle.
OVC All-Time Member List University of Akron Austin Peay State University Belmont University East Tennessee State University Eastern Illinois University Eastern Kentucky University University of Evansville Jacksonville State University University of Louisville Marshall University Middle Tennessee State University Morehead State University Murray State University Samford University Southeast Missouri State University Southern Illinois Univ. Edwardsville University of Tennessee at Martin Tennessee State University Tennessee Technological University Western Kentucky University Youngstown State University
1978-87 1962-present 2011-present 1957-78 1996-present 1948-present 1948-52 2003-present 1948-49 1948-52 1952-00 1948-present 1948-present 2003-08 1991-present 2008-present 1992-present 1986-present 1949-present 1948-82 1981-88
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The University
Eastern Kentucky University is a regional, coeducational, public institution of higher education offering general and liberal arts programs, pre-professional and professional training in education and various other fields at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Located in Richmond, Madison County, Kentucky, Eastern has a distinguished record of more than a century of educational service to the Commonwealth. History – The Kentucky General Assembly of 1906 enacted legislation establishing the Eastern Kentucky State Normal School. Governor J.C. Beckham signed the bill into law on March 21, 1906. On May 7 of that year, the Normal School Commission, meeting in Louisville, selected the campus of the old Central University, founded in 1874 in Richmond, as the site of the new school. On June 2, 1906, Ruric Nevel Roark was chosen President of the Normal School and the training of teachers was begun. In 1922, Eastern became a four-year institution known as the Eastern Kentucky State Normal School and Teachers College. The first degrees were awarded by this institution in 1925. In 1928, the College was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. In 1930, the General Assembly renamed the school the Eastern Kentucky State Teachers College. In 1935, a graduate program was approved at Eastern, leading to the Master of Arts degree in Education. In 1948, the General Assembly removed the word “Teachers” from the name of the college and granted the college the right to award nonprofessional degrees. The most significant day since its founding came for Eastern on February 26, 1966, when Governor Edward T. Breathitt signed into law a bill renaming the institution Eastern Kentucky University and sanctioning the awarding of graduate degrees in academic fields other than education. During this period of time, Eastern Kentucky University has increased rapidly in size and stature. Beginning with a few students engaged in short review and certificate courses, the University today serves thousands of Kentuckians. The curriculum leads to associate degrees, baccalaureate degrees, and an expanding graduate program that currently offers degrees at the master’s level in many other fields as well as the already well-established Master of Arts degree in Education and the various fifth- and sixth-year leadership programs in education, psychology, and technology. In addition to these programs, Eastern offers joint doctoral programs with cooperating institutions. Purpose – Within its statutory responsibilities, Eastern Kentucky University seeks to provide intellectual and cultural opportunities that will develop habits of scholarship and intellectual curiosity, provide a deep understanding of American democracy and the citizen’s role in maintaining its strength and vitality, impart an understanding of humans and their aspirations, enable effective and efficient communication, and prepare productive and responsible citizens. The University will remain responsive and flexible in order to serve in unique and needed ways. Within these general responsibilities and purposes, the University is dedicated to three specific functions – high-quality instruction, scholarship, and service, and places emphasis on the three in that order. Through its colleges and schools, the University seeks to offer quality instruction at a variety of degree levels in general education, the arts, the sciences, business, education, pre-professional and professional areas, and applied and technical disciplines. Through consultative services, continuing education, and the extended campus, the University seeks to provide service to the community and the region. Research seeks both to advance knowledge in the subject matter areas with which the University is concerned and to support the primary function of teaching.
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COLONELS
City of Richmond Richmond is home to many interesting and convenient activities. Whether it’s arts and entertainment, recreation, or shopping and dining out you are looking for, Richmond has it all. With more than 100 buildings in Richmond on the National Register of Historic Places and three areas on the National Register of Historic Districts, it is one of Kentucky’s finest restored 19th Century commercial districts. Arts and entertainment take center-stage with the EKU Center for the Arts. Its grand opening in 2011-12 featured such acts as Wynonna Judd, Peter Frampton, Jerry Seinfeld, Willie Nelson, Aretha Franklin and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. With 2,100 seats, the theater is the largest performing arts venue in Central Kentucky — larger than Lexington’s Singletary Center for the Arts at the University of Kentucky and Danville’s Norton Center for the Arts at Centre College. There is never any lack of recreational activities in Richmond. An array of parks and recreational centers across the city offers something for everyone. Lake Reba Recreational Complex includes golf, little league baseball and softball fields, soccer, fishing and a water park which opened in the summer of 2008. If it’s shopping you want, downtown Richmond can accommodate you. Locally owned businesses line the historic streets of downtown Richmond with everything from fine antiquities to exquisite jewelry. There is a wide variety of stores at the brand new Richmond Centre as well. The outdoor mall offers shoppers convenience and style. Dining isn’t hard to find either. Family-owned and major chain restaurants give Richmond a unique variety of menus. Local hot spots include Madison Gardens, which is uniquely Richmond, to restaurants such as Olive Garden, Logan’s Roadhouse, O’Charley’s and Outback Steakhouse. Whatever your pallet craves, Richmond dining offers a variety of tastes made to satisfy. Never far from mainstream, Richmond offers the comforts of simplicity with the convenience of the city. Only 29 miles from Lexington and the Bluegrass Airport, Richmond is easily accessible to all travelers. Interstate 75 is a major artery of both state and national motor transportation. Richmond’s location on I-75 makes it an important factor in making the city a commercial hub. In fact, the ease of travel to and from Richmond makes the city an ideal spot for those who enjoy outdoor activities. Fort Boonesborough State Park is located only 12 miles from EKU’s campus, while Natural Bridge State Park (63 miles) and Cumberland Falls State Park (100 miles) are located nearby. Also within easy driving distance of Richmond are the Kentucky Horse Park, the state capital in Frankfort, Herrington Lake, My Old Kentucky Home at Bardstown, White Hall State Shrine and thoroughbred horse racing at Keeneland.
A Brief Richmond History Richmond was founded in 1798 by Colonel John Miller, a Revolutionary War soldier. In 1798, the Kentucky Legislature authorized the moving of the Madison County seat from nearby Milford to land owned by Colonel Miller. The move was bitterly opposed by about 300 residents of the Milford area and a fight to retain the seat resulted between Dave Kennedy, who represented the Milford location, and William Kearly, who represented the new site. Although history does not record the results of the brawl, the county approved the move in March of 1798 and two acres of land were purchased from Colonel Miller. Court was held in his barn. On July 4, 1798, the site was officially named Richmond in honor of Miller’s birthplace, Richmond, Va.
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Colonel Honors
Men’s Tennis Ohio Valley Conference Championships 1951, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
OVC Player of the Year 1975 – Joe Shaheen 2010 – Alex Das 2011 – Alex Das
All-Conference Players
1963 – Sam Nutty/Lewie Heil (doubles) 1966 – Lindy Riggins (singles) 1967 – Mike Jeffries/Tom Davis (doubles) 1968 – Tom Davis (singles) 1975 – Joe Shaheen (singles) 1983 – David Ghanayem (singles), David Ghanayem/Todd Clements (doubles) 1998 – Jamey Sellars 2003 – John Kellert 2006 – Lars Gratzki 2007 – Florian Kiefer, Lars Gratzki 2008 – Alex Das, Mel Segota 2009 – Alex Das 2010 – Alex Das, Hugo Klientovsky, Carles Pons, Niklas Schroeder 2011 – Alex Das, Philip Janz, Hugo Klientovsky, Niklas Shroeder 2012 – Hugo Klientovsky, Niklas Schroeder, Parul Verma 2013 – Alex Alvaro, Juanjo de la Llera 2014 – Alex Alvaro
Alex Das
Women’s Tennis Ohio Valley Conference Championships 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014
OVC Player of the Year
1980 – Deanna Addis 1988 – Nikki Wagstaff 1989 – Nikki Wagstaff 2006 – Meredith Giles 2009 – Alexandra Sitnikova 2011 – Jessica Albuquerque 2013 – Amandine Faouzi
All-Conference Players
OVC Freshman of the Year
1979 – Mandy Jackson (singles) Nikki Wagstaff 1980 – Deanna Addis (singles) 1983 – Susan Wilson (singles) 1984 – Claudia Porras (singles), Kristi Spangenberg (singles) 1987 – Tina Peruzzi (singles) 1988 – Nikki Wagstaff (singles), Pam Wise (singles) 1989 – Nikki Wagstaff (singles) 1990 – Yael Soresman (singles), Samantha Roll (singles), Tina Peruzzi/Samantha Roll (doubles) 1992 – Amy Scott (singles) 2003 – Lindsay Herrera 2005 – Lindsay Herrera, Meredith Giles 2006 – Meredith Giles 2007 – Svetlana Pimenova, Lucia Vojtkova 2008 – Svetlana Pimenova, Alexandra Sitnikova 2009 – Myriem Mhirit, Svetlana Pimenova, Alexandra Sitnikova 2010 – Myriem Mhirit 2011 – Jessica Albuquerque, Anouk Faure, Myriem Mhirit 2012 – Amandine Faouzi, Melissa Gerritsen, Kristina Labeja, Milena Poffo 2013 – Amandine Faouzi, Kristina Labeja, Saioa Oscoz 2014 – Amandine Faouzi, Kristina Labeja
2008 – Alex Das 2013 – Alex Alvaro
OVC Sportsmanship Award 2002 – Alvin Cheng
OVC Coach of the Year 1966 – Jack Adams 2007 – Rob Oertel 2009 – Rob Oertel 2010 – Rob Oertel 2011 – Rob Oertel
Alvin Cheng
OVC Freshman of the Year
2012 – Amandine Faouzi
OVC Coach of the Year Alexandra Sitnikova
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Hugo Klientovsky
1992 – Sandy Martin 2012 – Rob Oertel 2013 – Rob Oertel
Myriem Mhirit
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