Table of Contents
Quick Facts School..................................Elon University Location....................................... Elon, N.C. Enrollment............................................ 5,666 Founded................................................. 1889 Nickname........................................ Phoenix Colors................................. Maroon & Gold Conference.................................... Southern Facility......... Jimmy Powell Tennis Center President......................Dr. Leo M. Lambert Director of Athletics................. Dave Blank Head Coach..................... Michael Leonard Alma Mater..................................... Elon ‘91 Career Record (Yrs.)...................... 85-40 (5) Elon Record (Yrs.)......................... 85-40 (5) Assistant Coach........................ Bob Owens Alma Mater.............................. Guilford ‘72 Tennis Office Phone............... 336.278.6737 2009 Overall Record.............................. 21-6 2009 SoCon Record................................. 9-1 Media Relations..................Erica Roberson Office Phone.............................336.278.6711 Cell Phone............................... 336.512.1614 Email.........................eroberson2@elon.edu Website............................. elonphoenix.com On the Cover (clockwise from top left) Philip Nemec, Chase Helpingstine, Alberto Rojas, Clark Howell.
2010 Phoenix Men’s Tennis
2010 Elon Men’s Tennis Quick Facts...................................................1 Legend of the Phoenix................................1 This is Elon................................................2-3 Student Life...............................................4-5 Surrounding Areas......................................6 The Jimmy Powell Tennis Center.............7 Head Coach Michael Leonard...................8 Assistant Coach Bob Owens......................9 Support Staff................................................9 2010 Outlook..............................................10 2010 Roster.................................................10 Meet the Team......................................11-14 President Dr. Leo M. Lambert.................15 Dir. of Athletics Dave Blank....................15 The Southern Conference.........................16 SoCon Champions....................................16 2009 Final Statistics...................................17 2009 Final Results......................................17 NCAA Tournament History....................18 NAIA Championship...............................18 Division I Results/Records......................19 Honors & Awards.....................................20
Covering the Phoenix
Elon University welcomes the coverage of Phoenix men’s tennis. For more information, or to schedule coach or student-athlete interviews, please contact Erica Roberson in the Elon Media Relations office at 336.278.6711 or on her mobile at 336.512.1614.
Credits
Writing & Editing: Erica Madden Roberson, Dir. of Media Relations, with assitance from Chris Rash, Asst. Dir. of Media Relations.
Design: Roberson using Adobe InDesign CS4 and Adobe Photoshop CS4.
Photos: Andrew Brickey, Megan Donald, John
Flowers, Nathan Anderson, Bob de la Fe’, Grant Halverson, Jerome Sturm, WG Sports Photos, SoCon Photos, GRCVB/VisitRaleigh.com, Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, Greensboro Coliseum Complex and others.
Printing: Cover2Group, Huntersville, N.C. Special Thanks: Jen Blackwell, Leann Madtes, Chris Rash, Megan Donald, Michael Leonard and longtime Elon sports historian Rev. Jim Waggoner.
Check out the Phoenix on the Web …
www.elonphoenix.com Legend of the Phoenix
Throughout history there is told the legend of the rare and remarkable Phoenix, a crimson and gold bird that lived 500 years. It was sleek, swift and strong - the most marvelous bird ever created by human imagination. At the end of its life, with death approaching, it built a nest in an oak tree and was consumed in flames ignited by the sun. From the ashes emerged the next Phoenix - reborn and renewed, with strength forged in fire. Fire, too, has shaped the history of Elon University. The disastrous fire of 1923 all but destroyed Elon. Gone were Main Building, college records, classrooms, the library and the chapel. But within days of the fire, Elon trustees set in motion the plan for Elon to rise from the ashes, stronger than ever. The Phoenix is a powerful leader and an emblem of immortality. It is a perfect symbol for a school that is constantly
renewing and recreating itself. The Elon motto, Numen Lumen, embraces intellectual and spiritual light. And so too, throughout history, the Phoenix has served as a symbol of light and knowledge. The Phoenix is timeless and unique. It perfectly describes an athletics program and an institution that are rising to new levels of excellence. There is only one Phoenix. There is only one Elon. Catch the Fire!
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“The thing that I will always remember about Elon is the people. Whether it is your coach, administrators, professors, advisors, friends or teammates, everyone is there for you. If you need any help, everyone is willing to be there for you. At most schools you blend in the with the crowd, but at Elon people treat you as a person and that truly means a lot to me.” Clark Howell, Senior
Did You Know? • Elon has 4,995 undergraduates from 47 states, the District of Columbia and 49 other countries. • Elon is nationally recognized for engaged learning programs including the Elon Experiences: internships, study abroad, undergraduate research, leadership and volunteer service. • Elon ranks first among U.S. master’s-level universities in the number of students studying abroad with 71% of recent graduates having spent at least one term abroad. • With the help of the Elon Career Center, 84% of Elon students participate in internships. • For three straight years, Elon was named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll by the Corporation for National and Community Services, the highest federal recognition a school can achieve for its commitment to service learning and civic engagement.
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2010 Phoenix Men’s Tennis
Welcome to Elon
Academic Success • Elon was named the nation’s #1 “School to Watch” by U.S. News & World Report in .the magazine’s 2010 “America’s Best Colleges” guide. The 77 colleges and universities on the list are noted as “schools everyone should be watching.” • U.S. News & World Report ranks Elon #2 among 117 Southern master’s-level universities and among the top universities in the nation in the following “Programs to Look For” categories: first-year experiences, study abroad, internships, undergraduate research/ creative projects, learning communities, service learning and senior capstone. No other school in the nation received so many top rankings. • Elon consistently earns top ratings in the annual National Survey of Student Engagement on each of the five benchmarks of excellence: - level of academic challenge - active and collaborative learning - student-faculty interaction - enriching educational experiences - supportive campus environment • Elon offers 50+ majors in four schools and has a total of 4,995 undergraduate and 671 graduate students. The average class size 2010 Phoenix Men’s Tennis is 21 with an overall student to faculty ratio of 13 to 1.
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2010 Phoenix Men’s Tennis
Student Life
2010 Phoenix Men’s Tennis
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Surrounding Areas
Center City — Greensboro, N.C.
North Carolina State Capitol Raleigh, N.C.
New Bridge Bank Park Greensboro, N.C.
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2010 Phoenix Men’s Tennis
Carolina Hurricanes
In 1987, Dr. James Powell and his wife, Anne, presented Elon University with a major challenge gift for the construction of an on-campus, 12-court, lighted tennis facility. The Jimmy Powell Tennis Center consists of 12 hard courts separated into bays of three courts each. The court bays are captured by a 10-foot high, vinyl-coated fence fitted with nine-foot polypropylene wind screens. Evening tennis is made possible with low-level lighting. Each court is equipped with a state-of-the-art intercom system. Located at the center of the tennis complex is a twostory pavilion that houses a storage area, a concession stand and a viewing deck. From the viewing deck, competition can be observed in any direction, as well as the beautifully landscaped area between the courts. Shrubs and flowerbeds complement the permanent bleachers next to the two stadium courts, while honey locust trees help to shade the grassy seating area. In the summer of 2008, all 12 courts were resurfaced and in 2009, locker rooms were added for both the men’s and women’s teams.
The Jimmy Powell Tennis Center
2010 Phoenix Men’s Tennis
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Michael Leonard Head Coach Elon ‘91 Overall: 85-40 (5 yrs) The men’s tennis program has improved tremendously over the last five years under the direction of head coach Michael Leonard. The squad has finished no lower than second in the Southern Conference in each of the last four seasons, winning the league title in 2007 and sharing the championship in 2006. In his sixth year as the head of the Elon men’s tennis program, Leonard’s remarkable run at the helm has included the Phoenix’s rise from a winless SoCon campaign in his first year to a pair of league championship seasons and two league runner-up finishes. Leonard’s teams have amassed an impressive 85-40 record (.680) in dual matches — highlighted by a sizzling 80-23 overall ledger (.777) and an astounding 33-4 SoCon slate (.892) since 2006 — while establishing Elon as a perennial SoCon power. For his efforts, he was recognized as the SoCon Coach of the Year in both 2006 and 2007. In 2009, Elon produced a 21-6 mark, its second 20-win season under Leonard’s tutelage. With a 9-1 regular-season league mark, the Phoenix came up just short in the SoCon Tournament championship match, falling to Furman in the final match. Damon Gooch and Philip Nemec became the first-ever Elon players to be selected to the NCAA Division I Men’s Tennis Championship. Gooch, a four-time first-team All-SoCon honoree, competed in both singles and doubles, with Nemec as his doubles partner. Gooch ranked 20th individually and the doubles tandem of Gooch and Nemec ranked 56th – the highest ITA ratings ever achieved by Elon players at the NCAA Division I level. Leonard guided the Phoenix to a 17-9 mark – 7-2 in the league – en route to a 2008 second-place finish in the conference
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regular season and tournament despite relying on four freshmen in the six singles spots. Gooch, one of Leonard’s first recruits, reached No. 72 in the national rankings. Four players were named allconference with Oscar Podlewski becoming the Phoenix’s second SoCon Freshman of the Year in three seasons. In 2007, Leonard led Elon to its firstever SoCon Tournament championship in any sport, earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Fashioning a 23-3 overall record, Elon surpassed its 1990 NAIA Division I national championship team (22-3) as the winningest squad in Phoenix men’s tennis history. Leonard was a junior playing at No. 3 singles and No. 2 doubles on the 1990 team. Of the 2007 squad’s 23 wins, 13 were decided in shutout fashion. Elon finished the year ranked 44th in the country. The 2007 season also saw the Phoenix forge a perfect 12-0 mark against SoCon opponents and losses only to nationallyranked foes Clemson, Duke and Wake Forest. Elon’s 14-match winning streak entering NCAA tournament action marked the program’s longest streak since the 1993 squad won 17 matches in a row. The Phoenix finished 3-3 against nationally-ranked teams and 20-0 against unranked programs. Leonard led Elon from a last-place finish in the SoCon in 2005 to a share of first place in 2006 and the outright title in 2007. The remarkable turnaround saw the Phoenix go from 5-17 overall and 0-10 in the SoCon in 2005 to 19-5 overall and 8-1 in the SoCon in 2006 with a squad made up of all underclassmen. Gooch became Elon’s first SoCon Freshman of the Year in 2006 and was honored with Elon’s first-ever national ranking among NCAA Division I players at No. 120. Gooch and Austin Fenn also earned the program’s first Division I doubles ranking (77th). The 2006 squad also became the first Elon men’s tennis team to receive the Intercollegiate Tennis Association All-Academic Award. Leonard has had at least one player earn ITA Scholar-Athlete distinction in each of his years as head coach. In his first season at Elon, Leonard coached ESPN The Magazine Second Team Academic All-American Pramote Malasitt to Stein H. Basnight Outstanding Athlete honors in 2005, recognizing him as the Elon male athlete of the year. Prior to coaching the Phoenix, Leonard served as the tennis director at the Raleigh Racquet
The Leonard File Family Wife — Amy Daughters — Olivia, Julia
Education Elon 1991 — B.S. in Political Science
Playing History Elon, 1988-91 • Four-time all-conference honoree • Four-time all-district selection • 1991 South Atlantic Conf. Player of the Year • NAIA All-American (1990 & 1991) • Named Elon’s Stein H. Basnight Outstanding Athlete in 1991 • 2001 Elon Sports Hall of Fame inductee Professional • 1992 North Carolina State Champion • Ranked No. 1 in North Carolina Men’s Open Division in 1992
Coaching Honors 2006 Southern Conference Coach of the Year 2007 Southern Conference Coach of the Year
As A Head Coach Year Record (SoCon) School/Notes 2009 21-6 (9-1) Elon/SoCon Runner-up 2008 17-9 (7-2) Elon/SoCon Runner-up 2007 23-3 (9-0) Elon/SoCon Champs NCAA Tournament Bid 2006 19-5 (8-1) Elon/SoCon Co-Champs 2005 5-17 (0-10) Elon Total 85-40 (33-14)
Club (1995-2004) in Raleigh, N.C., where he was in charge of one of the largest junior programs in the South with nearly 200 juniors. He was also responsible for coordinating and implementing clinics, facilitating tennis and social activities for members and handling all financial operations of the tennis program. During his tenure, Leonard coached many nationally-ranked juniors, including two national champions. A 1991 Elon graduate, Leonard was named all-conference and all-district during each of his four years of competition. In 1991, he was tabbed the South Atlantic Conference Player of the Year and earned Stein H. Basnight Outstanding Athlete honors. An NAIA All-American in both 1990 and 1991, he was inducted into the Elon Sports Hall of Fame in 2001. Leonard continued his playing career after his college days, becoming the North Carolina state champion in 1992 and earning a No. 1 ranking in the North Carolina Men’s Open Division. He played professional tennis in 1993-94, during which time he competed in circuit tournament competitions throughout the United States, Mexico, Canada, England, Spain and Portugal, achieving a world ranking. Leonard and his wife, Amy, have two daughters, Olivia and Julia.
2010 Phoenix Men’s Tennis
Bob Owens Assistant Coach Tenth season Guilford ‘72 Bob Owens is in his tenth season as the assistant coach for the Phoenix men’s tennis program. Under Michael Leonard, Owens has been instrumental in helping the Elon men’s tennis team become one of the top SoCon programs over the past four seasons. His infinite positive energy and passion are always felt and used by each team member. This was specifically evident when the Phoenix men’s squad swept the SoCon regular season and tournament titles and advanced to the NCAA Tournament in 2007. Owens has helped Leonard and the Elon program to two 20win seasons in the last three years. A long-time tennis coach at nearby Northeast Guilford High School, Owens worked closely with former Phoenix head coach Tom Parham for more than 20 years and now serves as an assistant to Leonard.
A six-time Triad 3A Conference Coach of the Year, Owens has been both a tennis and football coach for more than 25 years. Owens has coached two 3A state champion doubles teams, as well as his son, who was a state runner-up in singles. Owens was once one of the 12 finalists for the North Carolina Teacher of the Year Award. Owens is currently a member of the United States Tennis Association. He graduated from Guilford College where he was a two-time All-American in football. He then began a professional career with the Philadelphia Bell of the Old World Football League before signing with the Philadelphia Eagles and playing two seasons.
He and his wife, Wanda, have three adult children - twin sons, Todd and Jay, and a daughter, Amber and grandchild Brody.
Support Staff
Clay Hassard Senior Associate Dir. of Athletics
Kyle Wills Senior Associate Dir. of Athletics
Faith Shearer Senior Woman Administrator
Erica Roberson Dir. of Media Relations for Athletics
Elly Shearman Assistant Athletic Trainer
Megan McCollum Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach
Cayce Crenshaw Dir. of Academic Support for Athletics
Heather Brink Academic Coordinator
2010 Phoenix Men’s Tennis
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Elon is aiming for another championship finish in 2010 as the Phoenix returns four of its top six singles players from last year’s team that posted a 21-6 record and played for the SoCon Tournament crown. We sat down with head coach Michael Leonard to discuss the program and how it is reaching new heights. Elon men’s tennis has skyrocketed to a new level since you took over the program in 2004. What are some changes you implemented immediately that saw the Phoenix rise to the national rankings? Each year we have strengthened our non-conference schedule. We have earned several wins over ranked teams in the past few years and this has propelled us into the rankings.
What are some of the goals you have for the team this year? Our team goal is to always be contending for the Southern Conference championship. This year, with only four teams making the SoCon Tournament, we want to make sure we have put ourselves in position to be one of the top four at the end of the season. What makes Elon an attractive place for student-athletes?
Damon Gooch and Philip Nemec earned spots in the NCAA Division I Men’s Tennis Championships last year. This was a first for Elon — how important is that for the program and how special was it for you to be a part of that Phoenix first?
There is a lot that attracts the students that I am recruiting to Elon. I think ultimately when they come to campus they are in awe of the beauty of the school. As they walk around and see the environment they can visualize themselves enjoying college.
It was very special. For Damon, a senior that had done so much for this program, it was gratifying for me as a coach to see him rewarded by being invited in both singles and doubles. The experience also motivated Philip to want to work hard on his game so he could get back to the NCAA Tournament. Hopefully, having players reach this milestone will help us in our recruiting efforts.
What are some of the main characteristics you look for in a student-athlete when you are out recruiting?
With the loss of Gooch to graduation, how will Elon fill that void in its top position?
There are different things you look for. First, you need to look at his academics to see if he is a good fit for Elon’s academic standard. Second, you want to look at the character of the person. Will he fit in with our team? Third, you look at him from an athletic standpoint. What type of drive does he have? What potential can you see in him over the next four years?
Our team is very balanced this year and the top position may not be solidified until later in the season. I feel we have several players who are competing for that top position, but only time will tell who that is.
You currently have three players who hail from outside the U.S. borders. Do you do a lot of international recruiting? How easy is it for those players to adjust to life at Elon?
What kind of routines do the players follow in the offseason so that they will be more prepared for the next season?
When recruiting I am trying to get the best student-athletes possible regardless of where they are from. Occasionally, this takes me to the international side. Overall, the international students adjust very well
The emphasis is to have the players keep their strength training and conditioning up as if they were at Elon training and for them to play as many tournaments as possible. Before each leaves for the summer, I sit down with each player to go over things in which they should be striving to improve on as they head into the summer.
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they are with their peers. It also lets you know of things to work on as you head into the offseason. The biggest thing in the fall is just making sure our players are getting good competition because dual matches do not start until mid-January for most schools.
and for the most part they are exceptional students. Our international and U.S. students all live with one another. Last year Elon hosted the Southern Conference championships. Talk a little bit about that event and the advantages of hosting it on your home courts. It was a fantastic event with a tremendous atmosphere. I had so many coaches in the conference come up and tell me how much they enjoyed the championship being held at Elon. Our support staff did a great job putting it all together. Having the stands packed for all of our matches made it exciting for our players. Elon just recently added locker rooms to The Jimmy Powell Tennis Center. How does that help the program? We now have a place our players can call home. The ability to use it for video purposes will be great for our team as well. It will definitely help our team in recruiting for the future. If you had to describe Elon men’s tennis in one sentence, what would it be? We will leave it all out on the court.
2010 Phoenix Roster
Elon players challenged some top opponents in the country during the fall tournaments. Talk a little bit about the importance of fall competition in tennis.
Name Yr. Carlos Arboleda Fr. Thomas Darling Fr. Chase Helpingstine Jr. Clark Howell Sr. Philip Nemec Jr. Alberto Rojas Jr. Cody Stauffer-MacDowell Jr. Eric Turner So.
Ht. 5-10 5-8 5-11 5-11 6-0 5-10 6-0 6-0
The fall tournaments are important because it gives the players a chance to see where
Head Coach: Michael Leonard (Elon ‘91) Assistant Coach: Bob Owens (Guilford)
Hometown Cali, Colombia Canton, Mass. Chapel Hill, N.C. Raleigh, N.C. Calgary, Alberta Atlatlahucan, Mexico Asheville, N.C. Boone, N.C.
Last School Deutshe Schule Cali Thayer Academy Chapel Hill High Cardinal Gibbons Alberta Distance Learning Colegio Nacional de Matematicas Carolina Day NC State
2010 Phoenix Men’s Tennis
Clark Howell
Carolina at the Duke Invitational in January • gave up only six games over three dual doubles victories • posted a 3-6 Senior • 5-11 • 177 singles mark in fall competition. Raleigh, N.C. 2007-08: Injured for much of the year, Cardinal Gibbons seeing limited playing time • won his lone dual single match, defeating Ian Fall 2009: Recorded four singles victories Hunter of Winston-Salem State • scored in the fall, advancing to the semifinals a doubles victory with partner Cody of his flight at UNCG, earning straighStauffer-MacDowell, defeating Macimilset victories over Belmont’s Zachary ian Glodde and Troy Moore of WinstonZola and Longwood’s Andres Lazarte • Salem State • team captain. teamed with Cody Stauffer-MacDowell 2006-07: Posted a 1-0 singles record and a to win the Flight B doubles bracket at the 2-0 doubles record. UNC Wilmington Invite. Prep: Played at the top singles and 2008-09: Earned victories in all five dual doubles positions for Cardinal Gibbons matches in which he played, earning High School, posting a 16-0 record • two singles victories and three doubles led Cardinal Gibbons to a 2-A Dual wins, including his first ever win against State Team Championship • won the a league opponent • teamed with Oscar Individual Doubles Championship with Podlewski to defeat a duo from North partner Evan Goff • named Mid-State Conference Player of Howell’s Career Statistics the Year. Tourn. Dual (SoCon) Tourn. Dual (SoCon) Personal: Clark is Year Singles Singles Doubles Doubles the son of Larry and 2009-10 4-3 4-5 Sherry Howell • ma2008-09 3-7 2-0 (0-0) 1-2 3-0 (1-0) joring in leisure and 2007-08 1-2 1-0 (0-0) 1-0 1-0 (0-0) sport management. 2006-07 1-1 1-0 (0-0) 1-1 2-0 (0-0) Totals 9-13 4-0 (0-0) 7-8 6-0 (1-0)
Howell File
What is your favorite sports movie and why? Rudy — It is the most inspirational movie I have ever seen. After graduation I would like to: Become a sports agent. My first car was a: Mazda Protege Any superstitions? I always touch my hat before each point. What is the most embarrasing song on your iPod right now? “Quit Playing Games with my Heart” — Backstreet Boys What is the best advice you have ever been given? Dreams are what make life tolerable.
Chase Helpingstine
ITA Regional Tournament, winning twice in qualifying action and once in the main draw • academic All-SoCon honoree. Junior • 5-11 • 175 2007-08: Established the highest winning Chapel Hill, N.C. percentage (.783) on the team, finishing the spring at 18-5 (8-1 SoCon) in singles Chapel Hill High while playing predominantly at No. 6 • defeated Sawyer Duncan of Furman Fall 2009: Paired with Eric Turner to go in the finals of the league tournament • 2-1 in doubles and earn a share of the finished 14-8 in dual doubles matches doubles title at the Elon Invitational. • won the singles championship in the 2008-09: Played primarily at the No. 4 Orange Flight of the UNC Invitational in singles position, winning nine SoCon the fall • teamed with Mason Schermermatches • won six of last seven matches horn to advance to the finals of the UNC in straight sets to close out the year • Invitational B doubles flight • earned the posted singles and doubles victory in squad’s Mr. Consistenecy award. Elon’s 4-3 win over North Florida • Prep: Achieved lofty regional and naclinched a 4-2 win for Elon in the first tional rankings during his senior season, round of the conference tournament finishing in the top 10 of the Southern • teamed with Oscar Podlewski for a Section of the USTA and among the top doubles win in the SoCon semis against 100 high school seniors nationally • won CofC • earned second-team all-league the 4A state singles title his senior year honors in doubles with teammate Carlin • won multiple honors, including team Murray after posting a 7-1 SoCon record MVP and PAC-6 Player of the Year acco• won three doubles matches in the fall lades • participated in Junior Davis Cup Helpingstine’s Career Statistics and National Zonal Tourn. Dual (SoCon) Tourn. Dual (SoCon) team competitions. Year Singles Singles Doubles Doubles Personal: Chase is 2009-10 2-3 4-2 the son of Chuck 2008-09 6-5 17-7 (9-1) 6-4 17-8 (9-1) and Beth Helping2007-08 6-3 18-5 (8-1) 3-2 14-8 (6-3) stine • majoring in Totals 14-11 35-12 (17-2) 13-8 31-16 (15-4) finance. 2010 Phoenix Men’s Tennis
Helpingstine File
If you could compete in any sport against any athlete, who would it be and why? Jimmy Reyes — I would just tag his slider! People would be surprised to know that I: Watch a little 90210 every now and then. My first car was a: ‘91 Red Jeep Cherokee Any superstitions? I don’t wear black socks on match day. What is the most embarrasing song on your iPod right now? “Big Girls Don’t Cry” I came to Elon because: It is a good school, has a nice campus and it is not too far from home.
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honoree • had a successful fall with singles wins over North Carolina’s Cameron Ahari and William Laus • was also undefeated in both singles and doubles play at Junior • 6-0 • 180 the Elon Invitational, posting a 6-0 record Calgary, Alberta • received team’s Top Doubles Award. Alberta Distance 2007-08: Fashioned a 15-9 dual singles Learning mark playing predominantly at No. 5 in Fall 2009: Played top competition in the his first season • posted wins over Alex fall, teaming with Chase Helpingstine to Stone of Duke, Andrew Mazlin of Michiwin two of three doubles matches in the gan and Carlos Salmon of Wake Forest A1 doubles flight at the UVA Classic. • finished with a 13-6 record in doubles 2008-09: Along with Damon Gooch, with partner Damon Gooch in the spring became the first Elon players to compete • named SoCon Player of the Month in in the NCAA Divison I Tennis ChampiJanuary • recognized as first- team Allonships • Gooch and Nemec produced SoCon in doubles with Gooch • earned a mark of 19-5 in dual doubles action, team’s Heart and Hustle Award. including a 9-1 SoCon record • Gooch Prep: Was a national singles and twoand Nemec earned the highest-ever ITA time national doubles champion in national ranking by an Elon duo at No. 20 Canada • earned a gold medal in doubles during 2009 • posted an 18-8 dual singles play at the 2005 Canada Summer Games tally, winning eight league matches • put • won both the singles and doubles titles together an eight-match singles winning at the Vancouver ITF • one of the top streak during the year • his singles vicjuniors in Canada, ranking No. 4 nationtory helped Elon to a 4-3 victory over #56 ally in singles and No. 3 nationally for Radford • first-team All-SoCon doubles doubles for ages 18 & under • ranked No. 280 by the Nemec’s Career Statistics International Tennis Tourn. Dual (SoCon) Tourn. Dual (SoCon) Federation. Year Singles Singles Doubles Doubles Personal: Philip is the 2009-10 1-4 2-1 son of Josef and Simo2008-09 5-3 18-8 (8-2) 1-2 20-5 (9-1) na Nemec • majoring 2007-08 3-2 15-9 (7-2) 3-2 13-9 (6-3) in leisure and sport Totals 9-9 33-17 (15-4) 6-5 33-14 (15-4) management.
Philip Nemec
Nemec File
What is your favorite tennis memory? Winning the U16 Canadian National Singles Championship People would be surprised to know that: Czech was my first language. My craziest ambition in life is to: Be an actor — people say I was made for TV. What is the most embarrasing song on your iPod right now? “Kung Fu Fighting” If you could have dinner with three people throughout history, who would they be: Gengis Khan, Jesus, Pete Sampras/Wayne Gretzky (tied for third!)
Alberto Rojas
in the ITA Mideast Regional • teamed with Chase Helpingstine and won three matches in the ITA Mideast Regional. Junior • 5-10 • 148 2007-08: Finished dual competition with Atlatlahucan, Mexico a 13-10 (6-3 SoCon) mark in singles Col. Nacional de primarily at the No. 4 position • forged Matematicas a 16-6 doubles record, playing predominantly with Helpingstine and Mason Fall 2009: Paired with various teammates Schermerhorn • earned second-team to post a 6-1 doubles mark in the fall. All-Southern Conference accolades in 2008-09: Posted a perfect 10-0 singles doubles with Schermerhorn • recognized mark in SoCon action primarily at No. as team’s Most Improved Player. 5 • won 15 of 16 matches during one Prep: Won the national championship in stretch, including straight-set victories both singles and doubles in Mexico • led over opponents from Radford and East his school to the conference team national Carolina • earned team-best 19 dual sinchampionship and state team national gles wins • posted the match-clinching championship • achieved a world rankvictory in Elon’s 4-2 SoCon Tournament ing on the ATP tour. win over CofC • named second-team Personal: Alberto is the son of Arturo Roall-conference • had a strong fall, defeatjas Flores and Bertha Maldanado Lepe • ing Dusan Milijevic of Georgia Tech majoring in business Rojas’ Career Statistics administration. Tourn. Dual (SoCon) Tourn. Dual (SoCon) Year Singles Singles Doubles Doubles 2009-10 2-4 6-1 2008-09 3-4 19-5 (10-0) 6-1 16-9 (8-2) 2007-08 1-3 13-10 (6-3) 2-3 16-6 (7-2) Totals 6-11 32-15 (16-3) 14-5 32-15 (15-4)
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Rojas File
What are five words your teamates would use to describe you? Funny, happy, cool, relaxed, trustworthy If you could have dinner with three people throughout history, who would they be: Gandhi, Emiliano Zapata, Napoleon Bonaparte I came to Elon because: I loved the university and identified with the team and Coach Leonard. What is your favorite sports movie and why? Invictus — It represents how the passion for a sport might change the way people see things, even when they are not related to sports.
2010 Phoenix Men’s Tennis
Cody StaufferMacDowell
straight during the season • earned a 4-4 mark in fall singles play • defeated Zach Watson of Radford in the UNC Invitational • posted a 4-2 fall doubles record with teammate Carlin Murray • duo Junior • 6-0 • 158 defeated David Masciorini and Akash Asheville, N.C. Gujarati of East Carolina en route to Carolina Day making the finals of the UNC Invitational Fall 2009: Went 2-0 in singles at the Elon • academic All-SoCon honoree and ITA Invitational • paired with Clark Howell Scholar-Athlete. to win the Flight B Doubles bracket at 2007-08: Finished 1-1 in singles play the UNC Wilmington Fall Invite • also during the spring • posted a 4-2 doubles advanced to the semifinals of his singles mark in conference play with partner bracket at UNCW. Chase Helpingstine • recorded a 5-2 2008-09: Picked up several non-confersingles record in the fall • won the consoence singles victories for the Phoenix, lation singles title in the UVA Invitational including wins over opponents from Gray Bracket • received ITA ScholarCharlotte and North Florida • defeated Athlete accolades. Joe Nicolazzi in straight sets to help lift Prep: Won the 2006 2A state singles title • Elon over CofC in the SoCon semifinals led Carolina Day School to the team state • developing doubles player who earned championship in 2006 • named the Westa 7-2 league mark with partner Alberto ern North Carolina Player of the Year his Rojas • duo also won two matches in junior year • won multiple team MVP SoCon Tournament • tandem won eight honors • member of the National Honor Society. Stauffer-MacDowell’s Career Statistics Personal: Cody is Tourn. Dual (SoCon) Tourn. Dual (SoCon) the son of Brian Year Singles Singles Doubles Doubles MacDowell and 2009-10 4-4 5-3 Debra Stauffer-Mac2008-09 6-5 7-8 (2-1) 4-4 15-9 (7-2) Dowell • majoring 2007-08 5-2 1-1 (0-0) 2-2 7-4 (4-2) in biology. Totals 15-11 8-9 (2-1) 11-9 22-13 (11-4)
Eric Turner
Soph. • 6-0 • 165 Boone, N.C. NC State Fall 2009: Won two doubles matches with Alberto Rojas at the UVA Classic • paired with Chase Helpingstine to earn a share of the doubles crown at the Elon Fall Invite. 2008-09 (at NC State): Competed as a red-shirt freshman for the Wolfpack, posting a record of 4-4 in singles action • earned victories over nationally-ranked teams such as Louisville, Old Dominion and Vanderbilt. Prep: Top tennis recruit in the state of North Carolina, earning a peak ranking of No. 45 in the nation according to tennisrecruiting.net • played at Watauga High School and Heritage Academy,
Stauffer-MacDowell File
If you could compete in any sport against any athlete, who would it be and why? Pete Sampras. It would be fun to be on the court with him. Five words my teammates would use to describe me are: Dedicated, nerdy, sarcastic, joker, smart My craziest ambition in life is to: Sail around the world. Best advice I’ve ever been given: Fake it until you make it. My first car was a: Honda Accord
Turner File
Five words my teammates would use to describe me are: Smart, sophisticated, responsible, role model If I could go to dinner with any three people throughout history they would be: Mickey Mantle, Mohammed Ali and Andre Agassi My craziest ambition in life is to: Go to outer space Best advice I’ve ever been given: “Just get on your horse and ride.” I came to Elon because: I heard great things about the tennis program and the coaching staff really impressed me.
earning a Bronze Ball in doubles at the USTA Winter Nationals • posted undefeated conference singles and doubles marks as a freshman at Watauga, leading his team to a league championship. Personal: Eric is the son of John and Chris Turner • majoring in leisure and sport management.
Turner’s Career Statistics (at Elon) Tourn. Dual (SoCon) Tourn. Dual (SoCon) Year Singles Singles Doubles Doubles 2009-10 4-4 6-2
2010 Phoenix Men’s Tennis
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Carlos Arboleda
Freshman • 5-10 • 145 Cali, Colombia Deutshe Schule Cali Fall 2009: Had an impressive showing at the UNC Wilmington Invitational, going 2-1 in the Flight A singles draw • paired with various teammates to go undefeated in doubles at the Elon Invitational • also posted two singles wins at the home tournament. Prep: All-state tennis selection all four years of high school • consistently achieved high national rankings, being ranked as high as No. 1 in Colombia and South America COSAT when he was 14 years old • qualified for four Futures Tournaments, obtaining two ATP points
Arboleda File
What is your favorite sports movie and why? Rocky — these movies impressed me since I was a child. They represent perseverance and discipline. It shows, through a very interesting story, that you can make your dreams come true by believing in yourself, enjoying what you do and giving your best everyday. My craziest ambition in life is to: Be an astronaut. If you could have dinner with three people throughout history, who would they be? Jesus, Leonardo da Vinci, Albert Einstein I came to Elon because: It offers me all I need to succeed as a student-athlete and inspires me to play for it. Elon has an amazing campus with a great atmosphere, a very competitive tennis team, a high level of academics and many opportunities to study abroad!
and earning an ATP ranking of 1519. Personal: Carlos is the son of Carlos and Carmen Arboleda • major is undecided.
Arboleda’s Career Statistics Tourn. Dual (SoCon) Tourn. Dual (SoCon) Year Singles Singles Doubles Doubles 2009-10 4-2 4-2
Tommy Darling
Freshman • 5-10 • 145 Canton, Mass. Thayer Academy Fall 2009: Won a team-best five singles matches in the fall • advanced to the finals of the A2 singles draw at the UNCG Invitational in his first collegiate competition • only loss at UNCG was a 7-5, 7-6 (2) defeat in the championship match • went undefeated in singles at the Elon Invite. Prep: Went undefeated during his entire high school career at Thayer Academy, not dropping a single set during his junior and senior seasons as the top singles player • achieved a national ranking as high as 121 according to tennisrecruiting.net •
Darling File
What is your favorite sports movie and why? Miracle — Hockey was my first love and I got to hold the 1980 gold medal. If I could go to dinner with any three people throughout history they would be: Jesus, Nelson Mandela, Julius Ceasar A place I’ve always wanted to visit, but never have is: Ireland Best advice I’ve ever been given: It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of fight in the dog. What is the most embarrassing song on your iPod right now: Take your pick — Backstreet Boys? Miley Cyrus? Glee Cast?
ranked second in the state of Massachusetts • received several academic honors including the Boston Globe All-Scholastic Award and the Patriot Ledger All-Scholastic Award • 2009 MVP of the Independent School League. Personal: Tommy is the son of Ralph and Mary Margaret Darling’s Career Statistics Darling • major is Tourn. Dual (SoCon) Tourn. Dual (SoCon) undecided. Year Singles Singles Doubles Doubles 2009-10 5-4 3-5
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2010 Phoenix Men’s Tennis
Dr. Leo M. Lambert Elon University President Since becoming Elon University’s eighth president in January 1999, Leo M. Lambert has advanced an ambitious agenda to establish Elon as a top-ranked liberal arts university and a national model of engaged teaching and learning. Under President Lambert’s leadership, Elon has accomplished broad improvements in academic and student life programs while continuing to develop a campus that consistently ranks among the nation’s most beautiful. The academic climate of the campus has been strengthened through major investments in faculty development, library resources, honors and fellows programs for outstanding students, and Elon’s topranked programs in study abroad, undergraduate research, volunteer service, and leadership education. In 2001 Elon College became Elon University, and the NewCentury@Elon strategic plan was developed under President Lambert’s leadership. He directed
Dave Blank Elon University Director of Athletics Dave Blank is in his fourth year as the Elon University Director of Athletics, following another year of notable improvement for the Phoenix in terms of athletic success, academic progress, marketing and fundraising. During his first three years at Elon, he ignited ambitious expansions in the Department of Athletics – including a restructuring of the Phoenix Club with emphasis on funding scholarships for student-athletes, a restructuring of the academic assistance program for athletics in conjunction with the Office of the Provost, and a plan for facility improvements, including an now completed renovation of the Latham Park baseball facility, permanent bleachers for soccer, a state-of-the-art golf practice facility, and an in-progress field house at the North Athletics Complex. In June 2008, Blank was appointed to serve on the NCAA Division I Championships/Sports Management Cabinet – a 31-member cabinet that will help shape the future of Division I athletics. During the 2008-09 campaign, five Phoenix squads earned higher league finishes than they had in the previous year. The Phoenix captured regular-season 2010 Phoenix Men’s Tennis
the establishment of Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences and both the School of Communications and the School of Education that same year. In 2006, Dr. Lambert led the drive to open the Elon University School of Law in downtown Greensboro, North Carolina. New facilities constructed during President Lambert’s tenure include Carol Grotnes Belk Library, Rhodes Stadium, Belk Track and White Field, the six-building Academic Village, Ernest A. Koury Sr. Business Center, Ellington Health Center, The Oaks residence hall complex, Colonnades Dining Hall and the Colonnades residence halls, and several new residence halls and a commons building in Danieley Center. President Lambert has assumed a number of leadership roles regionally and nationally, serving on the national and North Carolina boards of Campus Compact and as a founding board member and president’s council chair of Project Pericles, a national organization that encourages students to become civically engaged in their communities. As a result, Elon has twice been named one of the nation’s top universities for community service in the President’s Higher Education Community
Service Honor Roll. President Lambert has provided leadership on athletics issues, serving as a member of the NCAA Presidential Task Force on the Future of Division I Athletics and chairing the NCAA Committee on Athletics Certification. In 2008 Dr. Lambert was appointed to the Commission on Effective Leadership by the American Council on Education and also to the North Carolina Higher Education Civic Education Study Commission. In 2009, he was named a director of the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), which comprises more than 1,150 public and private colleges and universities. Lambert has a bachelor’s degree from State University of New York at Geneseo, a master’s in education from the University of Vermont in Burlington, and a doctorate in education from Syracuse University. President Lambert’s greatest honor in life, in collaboration with his wife Laurie, has been the privilege of parenting two daughters, Callie, a student at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, and Mollie, a student at Furman University.
Southern Conference titles in both men’s soccer and baseball with the baseball squad advancing to its third NCAA regional appearance in the past four seasons. The men’s tennis team fell just one win shy of a berth into NCAA play, but saw its first-ever individuals earn spots into the post-season tournament. In 2007-08, 12 of Elon’s 16 sports programs finished higher in the Southern Conference than the previous year. The Phoenix baseball team went on to claim SoCon outright regular-season and tournament crowns en route to a NCAA regional appearance. Also, Elon fell just one victory shy of capturing the SoCon’s automatic NCAA postseason bid in football, men’s basketball and men’s tennis. During the 2006-07 season, Elon posted SoCon outright regular-season and tournament titles and an NCAA postseason appearance in men’s tennis. The Phoenix men’s soccer (2006), football (2007 and 2008), men’s tennis (2007, 2008 and 2009) and baseball (2008 and 2009) teams have all earned national rankings during Blank’s time at Elon. Blank became the Elon Director of Athletics in 2006 after spending six years in the same position at Drake University where he directed an 18-sport NCAA Division I athletics program. During his tenure, Drake student-athletes consistently posted a combined grade point average of 3.0 or above.
Also, Blank oversaw the addition of three women’s sports — crew, golf and soccer — as well as the completion of a $17 million renovation of Drake Stadium. Blank has served as a member of the NCAA I-AA Governance and Football Issues Committees. In 2005, he received Gen. Robert R. Neyland Outstanding Athletics Director accolades from the All-American Football Foundation. Prior to 2000, Blank worked at Coastal Carolina University where he served as Assistant/Associate Director of Athletics for three years (1996-99) and Director of Athletics for one year (1999-2000). He also spent eight seasons (1988-1996) as head men’s basketball coach at Lock Haven University. Blank’s teams won 119 games during his tenure, making him the winningest head men’s basketball coach in school history. He was named Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 1989 and 1996. A native of Frostburg, Md., Blank attended Duke University for two years (1978-1980) before graduating from the University of South Carolina in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration (Finance). He earned a Master of Science degree in Business Administration from South Carolina in 1986. Blank and his wife, Leslie, are the proud parents of four children – Dexter, Samantha, Dustin and Davis.
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The Southern Conference, which entered its 89th season of intercollegiate competition in 2009, is a national leader in emphasizing the development of the student-athlete and defining the league’s role in helping to build lifelong leaders and role models. Elon men’s tennis began competing in the league in the 2004 season. Despite having only competed in the SoCon for six years, Phoenix men’s tennis has already won or shared two league regular-season titles and earned a SoCon Tournament title. Elon players have earned league freshman of the year honors twice and head coach Michael Leonard was named coach of the year on two occasions. Allconference plaques have been awarded to 26 Elon singles and doubles competitors. Established in 1921, the Southern Conference is the fourth oldest major college conference in the United States. Its roots can be traced to 1894, when several football-playing institutions formed a confederation known as the Southeastern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (SIAA). On February 25-26, 1921, 15 of the larger SIAA members met in Atlanta and officially formed the Southern Intercollegiate Conference. Charter members were Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi State, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Tennessee, Virginia, Virginia Tech, and Washington & Lee. Athletic competition began that fall. Since its formation, the Southern Conference has given birth to the Southeastern
and Atlantic Coast conferences, and its membership has changed drastically. Current members include Furman, Appalachian State, The Citadel, College of Charleston, Davidson, Elon, Georgia Southern, Samford, UNC Greensboro, Chattanooga, Western Carolina, and Wofford. The Southern Conference gives three major awards to its member institutions. The Commissioner’s Cup is given annually to the school fielding the league’s best all-around men’s sports program, while the Germann Cup is presented to the school with the best overall women’s program. The McAlister Award is presented to the institution judged to have exhibited the highest degree of sportsmanship in league competition.
SoCon Champions (Since Elon joined the league in 2004) Year 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Southern Conference Tournament Champion East Tennessee State East Tennessee State Furman Elon Furman Furman
Southern Conference Regular Season Year Champion 2004 East Tennessee State 2005 East Tennessee State 2006 Elon/Furman 2007 Elon 2008 Furman 2009 Furman
Fans packed the stands as Elon hosted its first-ever Southern Conference Tournament in 2009.
2009 Final Southern Conference Standings Furman Elon UNC Greensboro Wofford Georgia Southern Appalachian State Col. of Charleston Samford Davidson The Citadel Chattanooga
Conference W L T Pct. 10 0 0 1.000 9 1 0 .900 7 3 0 .700 7 3 0 .700 5 4 1 .550 5 5 0 .500 5 5 0 .500 3 6 1 .350 2 8 0 .200 1 9 0 .100 0 10 0 .000
W 22 21 15 13 10 15 11 6 8 8 2
Overall L T 8 0 6 0 8 0 11 0 9 1 10 0 14 0 16 1 16 0 15 0 8 0
Pct. .733 .778 .652 .542 .525 .600 .400 .283 .333 .348 .100
Elon won its first-ever Southern Conference Tournament in 2007, advancing to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history.
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2010 Phoenix Men’s Tennis
2009 Dual Singles Records Player #1 Kevin Beard 0-0 Alex Crockford 0-0 Damon Gooch 17-7 Chase Helpingstine 0-0 Clark Howell 0-0 Carlin Murray 0-0 Philip Nemec 0-0 Oscar Podlewski 1-0 Alberto Rojas 0-0 Cody Stauffer-MacDowell 0-0
#2 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 1-0 1-1 14-8 0-0 0-0
Totals
17-9
18-7
#3 1-0 0-0 0-0 4-4 0-0 4-2 8-4 0-0 0-0 0-0
#4 1-0 0-0 0-0 9-2 1-0 0-2 6-1 0-0 2-1 0-1
#5 0-0 0-0 0-0 3-1 1-0 1-1 3-2 0-0 9-1 0-4
#6 1-0 0-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-1 0-0 0-0 8-3 7-3
Totals 3-0 0-1 17-7 17-7 2-0 7-6 18-8 15-8 19-5 7-8
.Pct 1.000 .000 .708 .708 1.000 .538 .692 .652 .792 .467
17-10 19-7
17-9
17-8
105-50
.677
2009 Southern Conference Singles Records Player #1 Kevin Beard 0-0 Damon Gooch 8-2 Chase Helpingstine 0-0 Carlin Murray 0-0 Philip Nemec 0-0 Oscar Podleski 0-0 Alberto Rojas 0-0 Cody Stauffer-MacDowell 0-0
#2 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 6-3 0-0 0-0
#3 0-0 0-0 1-0 1-2 5-1 0-0 0-0 0-0
#4 0-0 0-0 5-0 0-1 3-0 0-0 1-0 0-0
#5 0-0 0-0 3-1 1-0 0-0 0-0 5-0 0-0
#6 1-0 0-0 0-0 1-1 0-0 0-0 4-0 2-1
Totals 1-0 8-2 9-1 3-4 8-2 6-3 10-0 2-1
.Pct 1.000 .800 .900 .429 .800 .667 1.000 .667
Totals
6-4
7-3
9-1
9-1
8-2
47-13
.783
8-2
2009 Dual Doubles Records Players Gooch/Nemec Howell/Podlewski Helpingstine/Podlewski Rojas/Stauffer-MacDowell Gooch/Howell Beard/Nemec Helpingstine/Murray Beard/Stauffer-MacDowell Howell/Rojas Murray/Podlewski Murray/Rojas
#1 19-5 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
#2 0-0 1-0 6-6 0-0 1-0 0-0 10-2 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0
#3 0-0 0-0 0-0 14-8 0-0 1-0 0-0 1-0 1-0 0-0 1-0
Totals 19-5 1-0 6-6 14-9 1-0 1-0 11-2 1-0 1-0 1-0 1-0
.Pct .792 1.000 .500 .609 1.000 1.000 .846 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Totals
20-6
19-8
18-8
57-22
.722
2009 Results Date Opponent Result Score 01.17-19 Duke Invitational No Score 01.22 at #35 Duke L 0- 7 01.30 vs. #60 Clemson L 2- 5 01.31 at Old Dominion W 4- 3 01.31 vs. #65 Brigham Young L 3- 4 02.07 Lees-McRae W 6- 1 02.07 South Carolina State W 7- 0 02.14 at #51 South Carolina L 1- 6 02.15 UNC Wilmington W 7- 0 02.21 at Charlotte W 7- 0 03.06 at Samford* W 6- 1 03.07 at Chattanooga* W 7- 0 03.14 Wofford* W 5- 2 03.17 Col. of Charleston* W 5- 2 03.21 Winston-Salem State W 7- 0 03.21 Georgia State W 7- 0 03.24 at Georgia Southern* W 6- 1 03.25 at North Florida W 4- 3 03.29 #56 Radford W 4- 3 04.01 at Davidson* W 7- 0 04.04 Furman* L 2- 5 04.06 at Appalachian State* W 5- 2 04.09 at East Carolina W 4- 1 04.15 UNC Greensboro* W 6- 1 04.18 The Citadel* W 7- 0 04.24 Appalachian State# W 4- 2 04.25 Col. of Charleston# W 4- 2 04.26 #72 Furman# L 0- 4 Asterisk (*) indicates SoCon match # Southern Conference Tournament; Elon, N.C. Bold indicates home match
2009 Southern Conference Doubles Records Players Gooch/Nemec Helpingstine/Murray Rojas/Stauffer-MacDowell Howell/Rojas Helpingstine/Podlewski
#1 9-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
#2 0-0 7-1 0-0 0-0 2-0
#3 0-0 0-0 7-2 1-0 0-0
Totals 9-1 7-1 7-2 1-0 2-0
.Pct .900 .875 .778 1.000 1.000
Totals
9-1
9-1
8-2
26-4
.867
2010 Phoenix Men’s Tennis
In 2009, Damon Gooch became the first Elon player to compete as an individual in the NCAA Division I Men’s Tennis Championships.
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In 2009, Elon placed its first-ever individuals in the NCAA Tournament. The Phoenix men’s tennis program was represented in both singles and doubles competition at the 2009 NCAA Division I Men’s Tennis Championships at George P. Mitchell Tennis Center at Texas A&M University. In singles play, senior Damon Gooch earned the Southern Conference’s automatic qualifying spot as he was the highest ranked player. The doubles team of Gooch and Philip Nemec claimed the league’s automatic spot as the highestrated doubles team in the conference. Gooch, who finished the season ranked 72nd in the country, ranked as high as 56th during the season. The underdog faced 37th-ranked Boris Conkic of Tennessee in the opening round. After dropping the first set, Gooch battled back for a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 upset victory over Conkic in the Round of 64. In the Round of 32, Gooch battled Conor Pollock, the 17th-ranked player out of Texas A&M. In a tightly contested match, Gooch’s run came to an end by a score of 7-6 (8), 7-6 (1). In doubles competition, Gooch and Nemec concluded the historic year with a ranking of 38. The duo challenged Justin Kronauge and Steven Moneke of Ohio State in the NCAA Tournament. Despite jumping out to an early lead in the first set, Kronauge and Moneke (ranked 14th in the country) earned the 2-0 (6-4, 7-5) victory to advance.
Elon in the NCAA Tournament Damon Gooch College Station, Texas Round of 64 d. #37 Boris Conkic (Tennessee) Round of 32 Lost #17 Conor Pollock (Texas A&M) Damon Gooch/Philip Nemec Round of 64 Lost #14 Steven Moneke/Justin Kronauge (Ohio State)
2009 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 7-6 (8), 7-6 (1) 2009 2-0 (6-4, 7-5)
Elon’s Damon Gooch and Philip Nemec became the first-ever Phoenix players to compete in the NCAA Division I Men’s Tennis Championships.
1990 NAIA Men’s Tennis Championship The 2010 season marks the 20th anniversary of Elon’s NAIA Men’s Tennis Championship. Coached by fifth-year head coach Tom Parham, Elon clinched the outright title when Roland Thornqvist and Stefan Hagar rallied for a 7-5, 6-2 doubles victory over North Florida’s Adam Kework and Stafan Cambal in the semifinals of the national tournament. The victor of the NAIA Tournament was determined by total points, based on the number of singles and doubles matches won. After clinching the team title, Thornqvist went on to earn the individual crown with a 6-3, 6-2 victory of Sandeep Mulay of Atlantic Christian. The freshman was unbeaten in 37 matches on the year and was the first-ever Parham-coached player to win the individual championship. Just two short hours later, Thornqvist and Hager added the doubles title for the Fightin’ Christians. The third-seeded pair from Elon earned a 3-6, 7-6, 6-4 victory
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over top-seeded Yue Wang and Jie Chen of Brigham Young-Hawaii. Thornqvist was selected the recipient of the Ward-Ballinger Award presented annually to the most outstanding player of the tournament. Parham was named the Penn-NAIA Coach of the Year and was later inducted into the NAIA National Hall of Fame. Also a major contributor on that 1990 national title team was current Elon head coach Michael Leonard. Leonard helped Elon to the South Atlantic Conference title and the District 26 crown in addition to the NAIA championship. There were four players native to North Carolina who each
played a vital role in the championship season by getting points in both the singles and doubles draw. Those players, pictured below, are: Leonard, Billy Scott, Craig Stone and Jeff Gagnon. Thornqvist, Hager and Leonard earned All-American honors for their performances.
2010 Phoenix Men’s Tennis
2000 12-9 • 4-3 Big South • Tom Parham 02.17 Campbell L 3- 4 02.20 Wofford W 7- 0 02.23 at UNC Wilmington W 4- 3 02.28 at High Point* L 3- 4 03.02 at East Carolina L 2- 5 03.04 Charleston Southern* L 1- 6 03.05 North Carolina A&T W 7- 0 03.12 at Winthrop* W 6- 1 03.13 at Presbyterian W 8- 1 03.14 at UNC Asheville* W 7- 0 03.17 UNC Greensboro L 1- 6 03.18 Barton W 7- 0 03.19 Coastal Carolina* W 6- 1 04.01 Liberty* W 7- 0 04.05 Charlotte L 1- 6 04.06 at Richmond W 4- 2 04.15 Davidson L 2- 5 04.16 Radford* L 3- 4 04.20 Coastal Carolina^ W 4- 0 04.21 Radford^ W 4- 1 04.22 Charleston Southern^ L 0- 1 ^ Big South Tournament, Elon, N.C. 2001 10-10 • 2-4 Big South • Tom Parham 02.10 Richmond W 5- 4 02.17 at Campbell W 4- 3 02.18 Presbyterian W 5- 2 02.24 UNC Wilmington W 4- 3 02.27 High Point* W 4- 3 03.01 at Col. of Charleston L 0- 7 03.02 at Charleston So.* L 0- 7 03.08 UNC Greensboro L 2- 5 03.11 Winthrop* L 0- 7 03.13 at Barton W 5- 4 04.02 at Liberty* L 2- 5 04.03 East Carolina L 1- 4 04.05 Charlotte L 2- 5 04.08 at Appalachian St. W 4- 3 04.09 N.C. A&T W 7- 0 04.11 UNC Asheville* W 6- 1 04.12 at Radford* L 2- 5 04.17 Davidson L 3- 4 04.19 High Point^ W 4- 2 04.20 Winthrop^ L 0- 4 ^ Big South Tournament, Elon, N.C. 2002 11-10 • 2-3 Big South • Tom Parham 02.09 at East Carolina L 2- 5 02.16 Cleveland State W 7- 0 02.18 at Birmingham So. W 4- 3 02.24 Appalachian State W 5- 2 03.05 Rice L 0- 7 03.07 at Presbyterian W 6- 1 03.08 at Wofford W 5- 2 03.10 at Winthrop* L 2- 5 03.15 at Richmond L 3- 4 03.16 Robert Morris W 7- 0 03.22 Col. of Charleston L 2- 4 03.28 Liberty* W 5- 2 03.29 Radford* W 6- 1 03.30 at N.C. A&T W 7- 0 04.04 Charleston So.* L 2- 5 04.07 Davidson L 3- 4 04.09 Campbell W 4- 3 04.10 at Charlotte L 1- 6 04.14 at High Point* L 3- 4 04.18 High Point^ W 4- 2 04.19 Winthrop^ L 1- 5 ^ Big South Tournament, Elon, N.C. 2003 15-4 • 4-2 Big South • Tom Parham 02.08 at Furman L 0- 6 02.08 vs. Erskine W 7- 0 02.19 at UNC Greensboro W 7- 0 02.21 Richmond W 4- 3 02.25 High Point* W 4- 3 02.28 at Charleston So.* W 4- 3 03.04 at UNC Wilmington W 4- 1
03.09 Winthrop* L 2- 5 03.11 East Carolina W 4- 3 03.13 Chattanooga W 7- 0 03.18 at Davidson W 5- 2 03.21 Birmingham-So. W 5- 2 03.31 at Liberty* W 4- 3 04.01 at Radford* W 5- 2 04.04 at Appalachian St. W 6- 1 04.11 at Campbell W 5- 2 04.12 UNC Asheville* L 3- 4 04.17 Radford^ W 4- 0 04.18 High Point^ L 2- 4 ^ Big South Tournament, Elon, N.C. 2004 9-8 • 5-5 SoCon • Tom Parham 02.08 Yale L 1- 6 02.20 vs. Col. of Charleston* L 1- 6 03.05 at Chattanooga* W 5- 2 03.07 at East Tennessee St.* L 1- 6 03.09 at East Carolina W 4- 3 03.12 Charlotte W 5- 2 03.19 at Richmond L 3- 4 03.30 Davidson* W 5- 2 04.02 at N.C. A&T W 7- 0 04.03 Georgia Southern* L 3- 4 04.04 Furman* L 2- 5 04.09 at UNC Greensboro* W 6- 1 04.10 The Citadel* W 5- 2 04.12 Liberty W 6- 1 04.16 Appalachian State* L 2- 5 04.17 at Wofford* W 4- 3 04.22 vs. Wofford^ L 3- 4 ^ SoCon Tournament; Charleston, S.C. 2005 5-17 • 0-10 SoCon • Michael Leonard 01.21 Gardner-Webb W 5- 1 02.12 at #41 South Carolina L 1- 6 02.16 East Carolina L 1- 6 02.19 Wofford* L 3- 4 02.20 Col. of Charleston* L 2- 5 02.26 Chattanooga* L 3- 4 02.27 at #25 North Carolina L 1- 6 03.04 at Longwood W 6- 1 03.05 at Liberty L 3- 4 03.08 at Davidson* L 2- 5 03.11 Coastal Carolina W 4- 2 03.12 at UNC Wilmington L 3- 4 03.15 UNC Greensboro* L 3- 4 03.30 at Georgia Southern* L 2- 5 03.31 at The Citadel* L 1- 6 04.02 Northern Colorado W 5- 1 04.03 East Tennessee State* L 0- 7 04.05 N.C. A&T W 5- 2 04.09 at Furman* L 1- 6 04.14 at Charlotte L 0- 7 04.15 at Appalachian State* L 3- 4 04.21 vs. Georgia Southern^ L 0- 4 ^ SoCon Tournament; Charleston, S.C. 2006 19-5 • 8-1 SoCon • Michael Leonard 01.21 at #31 North Carolina L 0- 7 02.04 at#11 South Carolina L 1- 6 02.14 at N.C. A&T W 7- 0 02.19 Richmond W 4- 2 02.21 Gardner-Webb W 6- 1 02.25 at Chattanooga* W 4- 3 02.28 High Point W 7- 0 03.02 Charlotte W 6- 1 03.05 at #33 NC State L 2- 5 03.10 Appalachian State* W 7- 0 03.11 The Citadel* W 5- 2 03.14 at UNC Greensboro* W 6- 1 03.18 at Coastal Carolina W 6- 1 03.19 at Col. of Charleston* W 6- 1 03.28 at Wofford* W 5- 2 03.29 UNC Wilmington W 4- 0 04.01 Georgia Southern* W 7- 0 04.02 #69 Furman* W 5- 2 04.07 Winston-Salem St. W 7- 0 04.09 Davidson* W 6- 1
2010 Phoenix Men’s Tennis
04.12 at East Carolina W 5- 2 04.14 Longwood W 7- 0 04.21 vs. Davidson^ W 4- 0 04.22 vs. Chattanooga^ L 1- 4 ^ SoCon Tournament; Charleston, S.C. 2007 23-3 • 9-0 SoCon • Michael Leonard Southern Conference Regular-Season and Tournament Champions NCAA Tournament Participant Final ITA Ranking: #44 02.03 at #26 Wake Forest L 2- 5 02.04 South Carolina St. W 4- 3 02.08 Gardner-Webb W 7- 0 02.17 Catawba W 7- 0 02.17 Winston-Salem State W 7- 0 02.22 at Charlotte W 5- 2 02.24 at #37 South Carolina W 4- 1 02.27 at High Point W 7- 0 03.03 Wofford* W 7- 0 03.04 at Longwood W 6- 1 03.07 at #16 Duke L 1- 6 03.08 at UNC Wilmington W 6- 1 03.11 at #55 Furman* W 5- 2 03.13 UNC Greensboro* W 7- 0 03.17 Col. of Charleston* W 4- 3 03.20 at Georgia Southern* W 7- 0 03.21 at The Citadel* W 6- 1 03.30 at Appalachian State* W 6- 1 04.01 Chattanooga* W 6- 0 04.04 at Davidson* W 7- 0 04.07 Boston College W 5- 0 04.14 Liberty W 7- 0 04.20 vs. Davidson^ W 4- 0 04.21 vs. Chattanooga^ W 4- 0 04.22 vs. Col. of Charleston^ W 4- 1 ^ SoCon Tournament; Charleston, S.C. 2008 17-9 • 7-2 SoCon • Michael Leonard 01.26 at #16 Duke L 1- 6 01.28 vs. #71 Princeton W 4- 3 02.08 at #43 Old Dominion L 3- 4 02.16 Winston-Salem State W 7- 0 02.16 Charlotte W 5- 2 02.17 Gardner-Webb W 7- 0 02.22 at #60 South Carolina L 0- 4 02.23 Campbell W 5- 2 03.01 at Chattanooga* W 6- 1 03.05 Appalachian State* W 7- 0 03.08 The Citadel* W 7- 0 03.11 at UNC Greensboro* W 7- 0 03.14 Georgia Southern* W 6- 1 03.16 at Wofford* L 3- 4 03.19 #42 Drake L 2- 4 03.22 at #29 Wake Forest L 2- 5 03.25 at Col. of Charleston* W 6- 1 03.26 at South Carolina St. W 5- 2 03.28 at #75 Radford L 2- 4 04.02 Davidson* W 6- 1 04.05 #73 Furman* L 1- 6 04.09 East Carolina W 5- 2 04.11 High Point W 6- 1 04.18 vs. Georgia Southern^ W 4- 2 04.19 vs. Wofford^ W 4- 1 04.20 vs. #67 Furman^ L 1- 4 ^SoCon Tournament; Charleston, S.C. 2009 21-6 • 9-1 SoCon • Michael Leonard Final ITA Ranking: #66 01.22 at #35 Duke L 0- 7 01.30 vs. #60 Clemson L 2- 5 01.31 at Old Dominion W 4- 3 01.31 vs. #65 Brigham Young L 3- 4 02.07 Lees-McRae W 6- 1 02.07 South Carolina State W 7- 0 02.14 at #51 South Carolina L 1- 6 02.15 UNC Wilmington W 7- 0 02.21 at Charlotte W 7- 0 03.06 at Samford* W 6- 1 03.07 at Chattanooga* W 7- 0
03.14 Wofford* W 5- 2 03.17 Col. of Charleston* W 5- 2 03.21 Winston-Salem State W 7- 0 03.21 Georgia State W 7- 0 03.24 at Georgia Southern* W 6- 1 03.25 at North Florida W 4- 3 03.29 #56 Radford W 4- 3 04.01 at Davidson* W 7- 0 04.04 Furman* L 2- 5 04.06 at Appalachian State* W 5- 2 04.09 at East Carolina W 4- 1 04.15 UNC Greensboro* W 6- 1 04.18 The Citadel* W 7- 0 04.24 Appalachian St.^ W 4- 2 04.25 Col. of Charleston^ W 4- 2 04.26 #72 Furman^ L 0- 4 ^ SoCon Tournament; Elon, N.C. Asterisk (*) indicates conference match
Division I Records Career Dual Singles Wins 1. Damon Gooch (06-09) 2. Pramote Malasitt (02-05) 3. Sebastian Bredberg (04-07) 4. Austin Fenn (04-07) 5. Richard Dutton (01-03)
64 52 51 46 41
Career Dual Doubles Wins 1. Damon Gooch (06-09) 2. Pramote Malasitt (02-05) 3. Richard Dutton (00-03) 4. Austin Fenn (04-07) 5. Mason Schermerhorn (07-08) Sebastian Bredberg (04-07)
67 58 54 46 32 32
Career Dual Winning Pct. 15 match minimum (singles/doubles) 1. Chai Navawongse (00-01) .805 2. Eric Haase (2004) .764 3. Nathan Lefevre (02-03) .756 4. Gustaf Asplund (06-07) .744 5. Anuwat Dalodom (06-07) .743 Single-Season Dual Singles Wins 1. Alberto Rojas (2009) 19 2. Philip Nemec (2009) 18 Gustaf Asplund (2007) 18 Mikael Houlst (2002) 18 Anuwat Dalodom (2007) 18 Mason Schermerhorn (2007) 18 Sebastian Bredberg (2006) 18 Austin Fenn (2007) 18 Single-Season Dual Doubles Wins 1. Damon Gooch (2009) 20 Philip Nemec (2009) 20 3. Damon Gooch (2007) 18 Mason Schermerhorn (2007) 18 Nathan Lefevre (2002) 18 Mikael Houlst (2002) 18 Single-Season Dual Winning Pct. 15 match minimum (singles/doubles) 1. Chai Navawongse (2001) .871 2. Mikael Houlst (2002) .837 Mason Schermerhorn (2007) .837 4. Damon Gooch (2007) .833 5. Gustaf Asplund (2007) .804
19
National Championships 1990
Conference Champs
North State Conference 1934, 1935, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1950 South Atlantic Athletic Conference 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 Southern Conference 2006, 2007
National Tournament Appearances
1987, 1988, 1990, 1991, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2007
All-Americans 1988 1988 1988 1989 1990 1990 1990 1990 1990 1991 1993 1993 1993 1993 1994 1994 1995 1995 1996 1996
Stefan Hager Duane Johnson Dominic Moerstedt Dominic Moerstedt Jeff Gagonon (second team) Stefan Hager Michael Leonard Roland Thornqvist Michael Leonard Peter Lindstorm Danny Colangelo Andreas Feahlmann Peter Lindstorm (second team) John Morel (second team) Danny Colangelo Peter Lindstorm Danny Colangelo Robert Eskilsson Danny Colangelo Robert Eskilsson
Academic All-Americans ESPN The Magazine 1987 1988 1989 1992 1993 1993 1994 2005
Duane Johnson Duane Johnson Nick Stiernholm Andreas Faehlmann Andreas Faehlmann Peter Linstorm Peter Linstorm Pramote Malasitt
Elon Sports Hall of Fame
Rusty Jones ‘38 Lloyd Whitley ‘40 Duane Johnson ‘89 Dominic Moerstedt ‘90 Stefan Hager ‘90 Michael Leonard ‘91 Peter Lindstrom ‘94 Andy Faehlmann ‘94 Danny Colangelo ‘96
Coach of the Year North State Conference 1983
Danny Morrison
1988 1990 1991 1995 1997
Tom Parham Tom Parham Tom Parham Tom Parham Tom Parham
2006 2007
Michael Leonard Michael Leonard
Academic All-Big South
South Atlantic Athletic Conference
Freshman of the Year Southern Conference
Damon Gooch Oscar Podlewski
MVP South Atlantic Conference 1989 1990 1991 1993 1995 1996 1997 District 26 1989 1990
Stefan Hager Roland Thornqvist Michael Leonard Peter Lindstorm Danny Colangelo Danny Colangelo Robert Eskilsson
2007
Anuwat Dalodom
2000 2001 2002 2003
Adriano Blacutt Remy Nagel Richard Dutton Pramote Malasitt
2004 2004 2005 2005 2005 2007 2007 2007 2008 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009
Pramote Malasitt Thomas Rohof Pramote Malasitt Sebastian Bredberg Kyle Smialek Gustaf Asplund Sebastian Bredberg Damon Gooch Damon Gooch Kevin Beard Damon Gooch Chase Helpinstine Oscar Podlewski Cody Stauffer-MacDowell
2004 2005 2005 2006 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2008 2008 2009 2009
Pramote Malasitt Pramote Malasitt Kyle Smialek Alex Garrett Gustaf Asplund Sebastian Bredberg Kevin Colin Damon Gooch Kyle Smialek Kevin Beard Cody Stauffer-MacDowell Kevin Beard Cody Stauffer-MacDowell
Academic All-Southern Conference
Southern Conference
2006 2008
Academic Honors
Stefan Hager Roland Thornqvist
Southern Conference Tournament
ITA Scholar Athletes
ITA All-Academic Team
All-Conference Big South Conference 2000 2000 2002 2002 2002 2003 2003
Chai Navawongse Reme Nagel Richard Dutton Nathan Lefevre Pramote Malasitt Richard Dutton Pramote Malasitt
2004 2004 2005 2005 2006 2006 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2008 2008 2008 2008 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009
Pramote Malasitt Eric Hasse Austin Fenn Pramote Malasitt Austin Fenn Damon Gooch Gustaf Asplund Anuwat Dalodom Austin Fenn Damon Gooch Mason Schermerhorn Damon Gooch Philip Nemec Alberto Rojas Mason Schermerhorn Damon Gooch Philip Nemec Alberto Rojas Chase Helpingstine Carlin Murray
Southern Conference
2006
s, d s, d d s s, d d s, d s1, d1 d1 d1 s1, d1 d1 s1, d1 s2 s1 s2 1 s , d1 d1 s1, d1 d1 d2 d2 s1, d1 d1 s2 d2 d2
Pramote Malasitt was a four-time all-conference honoree and an Academic All-American in 2005.
s — indicates singles; d — indicates doubles 1 — indicates first-team all-conference 2 — indicates second-team all-conference
20
2010 Phoenix Men’s Tennis
Date Jan. 16-18 Jan. 23 Jan. 30 Jan. 31 Feb. 6 Feb. 13 Feb. 14 Feb. 19 Feb. 21 Feb. 27 Feb. 27 March 6 March 13 March 14 March 17 March 21 March 22 March 31 April 6 April 10 April 11 April 13 April 17 April 24 April 25
Day
Sat.-Mon. Saturday Saturday Sunday Saturday Saturday Sunday Friday Sunday Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday Sunday Wednesday Sunday Monday Wednesday Tuesday Saturday Sunday Tuesday Saturday Saturday Sunday
Opponent
at Duke Invitational at Duke vs. East Tennessee State at William & Mary at UNC Wilmington North Florida at South Carolina at NC State USC Upstate Lees-McRae Charlotte Georgia Southern* Samford* Chattanooga* at Radford at The Citadel* College of Charleston* at UNC Greensboro* Davidson* at Furman* at Wofford* Appalachian State* East Carolina Southern Conference Championship Southern Conference Championship
Location
Durham, N.C. Durham, N.C. Williamsburg, Va. Williamsburg, Va. Wilmington, N.C. Elon, N.C. Columbia, S.C. Raleigh, N.C. Elon, N.C. Elon, N.C. Elon, N.C. Elon, N.C. Elon, N.C. Elon, N.C. Radford, Va. Charleston, S.C. Mt. Pleasant, S.C. Greensboro, N.C. Elon, N.C. Greenville, S.C. Spartanburg, S.C. Elon, N.C. Elon, N.C. TBA TBA
All times Eastern and subject to change Asterisk (*) denotes Southern Conference Match
Time
All Day 6 p.m. 12 p.m. 10 a.m. 1 p.m. 12 p.m. 1 p.m. 5 p.m. 1 p.m. 9:30 a.m. 2 p.m. 12 p.m. 12 p.m. 1 p.m. 2 p.m. 12 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 3 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1 p.m. 3 p.m. 1 p.m. TBA TBA