USC Aiken Men’s Tennis 2016
2016 USC Aiken Men’s Tennis
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Table of Contents 02 USC Aiken Info About the Conference About USC Aiken Meet the Staff
10 The Season Season Preview Team Photo Roster
12 The Coach Steve Dahm
14 The Players Seniors Juniors Sophomores Freshmen
21 The Archives 2015 Review Record Book
Quick Facts School Address City, State Founded Enrollment Nickname Colors Arena Capacity Affiliation Conference Chancellor Athletic Director Department Phone Ticket Office Phone
USC Aiken 471 University Parkway Aiken, S.C. 29801 1961 3,250 Pacers Cardinal, Navy, White Convocation Center 3,600 NCAA Division II Peach Belt Dr. Sandra Jordan Randy Warrick 803-641-3486 803-641-3486
Credits The 2016 Men’s Tennis media guide is a publication of the USC Aiken Sports Information office. It was written and edited by Brent C. Hager, Sports Information Director. Photography was provided by Scott Webster, Milledge Austin and CSI Photography. The guide was designed by Cody Keisler. A special thanks to head coach Jerry Snyder and Lindsey Jones for their assisstance with the publication.
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2016 USC Aiken Men’s Tennis
The Peach Belt Conference The Peach Belt Conference is committed to providing, through its dependent collegiate members, a forum for student participation in athletic, academic and co-curricular events under the auspices of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, Division II. We will exemplify the characteristics of a premier intercollegiate conference that prides itself on the inclusion of students of all demographic groups who wish to participate in a well-rounded sports program. Our institutions, our academic goals, our athletic aspirations reflect a communality of purpose and a commitment to excellence in the classroom and on the playing field.
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This is USC Aiken
The University of South Carolina Aiken was chartered in 1961 after entering into an agreement with the University of South Carolina to establish a two-year center in Aiken. The Aiken Center opened its doors in September 1961 to 139 students. Temporarily housed in Banksia, a renovated mansion in Aiken, the Center consisted of three full-time faculty members (one of whom served as Director of the Center). In 1968, the Center underwent an institutional self-study and was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools as a branch of the University of South Carolina and as a junior college. The first associate degrees were awarded in June 1968. The campus of USC Aiken moved from Banksia to its present site in 1972 and physical changes began to occur rapidly. At first, the permanent campus consisted of 100 acres and one multipurpose building which housed all university operations. A library was completed in 1975, and additional land was donated that increased the campus to 144 acres. In October 1977, the Student Activities Center was opened. A classroom building was occupied in 1978, and one year later, an auxiliary services building was added. An apartment complex for students, Pacer Downs, was ready
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2016 USC Aiken Men’s Tennis
for occupancy in the fall of 1984. More construction additions to the campus included completion of the Etherredge Center, Ruth Patrick Science Education Center, the Business and Education Building, and the Alan B. Miller Nursing Building. Additional land was acquired increasing the campus to 400 acres. Academic and organizational changes also occurred rapidly. The faculty formalized its organizational structure and redefined its role in the governance of the institution in 1974-75. Also, the students reorganized their governing body and more precisely defined their role on campus; the administration and staff structures were overhauled and expanded to meet the demands of the growing academic programs. When the full-time equivalent student enrollment reached 1,066 in the fall of 1975, the USC Aiken campus was permitted to plan for senior level courses and to create a number of baccalaureate degree programs. In that same year, USCA received approval as a four-year branch campus by the Board of Trustees of the University of South Carolina, and USCA was designated a Recognized Candidate for Senior College Accreditation. In September 1976, the Board of Trustees granted academic autonomy to the Aiken Campus. The first bachelor’s degrees were granted in May 1977, and USCA became a fully
accredited senior college. Presently, the college community is comprised of more than 3,200 students, over 100 full-time faculty, approximately 110 staff members, and 28 administrators. USCA awards bachelor’s degrees in more than 20 major areas of study, master’s degrees in two areas, and offers a varied program of continuing education courses for the wider community. Today USC Aiken offers students a liberal education designed to develop an understanding of human experience which will equip them for life in a free society. To accomplish this, the University provides students with an opportunity to discover learning processes which enable them to grow personally and socially. It promotes students’ interaction within a community of active scholars and artists, and it encourages students to use the knowledge which they gain to deal with the problems of a rapidly changing world.
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Meet the Staff Dr. Sandra Jordan University Chancellor
Sandra J. Jordan, former provost and vice president for academic
Jordan’s appointment marks a return to the state where her
affairs at Georgia College & State University, was named
higher education career began. From 1986-1989, she was
chancellor of the University of South Carolina Aiken in 2012.
an assistant professor of art history at Lander University and
Jordan became the fourth chancellor of USC Aiken, succeeding Thomas L. Hallman who retired after 12 years in the position. “I am tremendously honored and humbled by this opportunity to serve the campus, community and the University of South Carolina system,” Jordan said. “USC Aiken’s mission, unwavering dedication to student success and vibrant partnerships with the community, make this an exceptional and exciting position. I am thrilled to accept this invitation to join the Pacers during this pivotal time in the history of the institution and I look forward to
director of the Monsanto Gallery of Art. Jordan earned her bachelor’s degree in art from the University of Alabama, and her doctorate in art history from the University of Georgia. She has also attended the Management Development Program at Harvard University’s Institute for Higher Education, the 21st Century Leadership Institute and was a summer fellow at Vanderbilt University’s Institute for Higher Education Management. A student of leadership, she is often asked to mentor new leaders at the state and national level.
working closely with President Pastides, the USC Aiken faculty,
Jordan has been married for 30 years to Michael Jordan, an
staff and students as well as our alumni and friends to build upon
architect and graduate of Clemson University. They have a son,
the successes that defined this university’s first 50 years.”
Matthew, who is a doctoral student in electrical engineering at
I am tremendously honored and humbled by this opportunity to serve the campus, community and the University of South Carolina system.
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2016 USC Aiken Men’s Tennis
Georgia Tech.
Randy Warick Athletic Director
Randy Warrick is in his 29th year as Director of Athletics at the
While earning his master’s degree, he served as a graduate
University of South Carolina Aiken. He was hired at USCA in
assistant baseball coach. In the same season, the team advanced
1978 as head baseball coach and intramural director and has
to the College World Series.
served many different duties during his tenure.
Warrick is a member of the College Athletic Management’s
While coaching baseball for 11 years, Warrick also served as an
Editorial Board, PBC Awards Committee, NCAA Division II
assistant basketball coach during the 1978-79 season and acting
AD’s Association Board of Directors, Greater Augusta Sports
golf coach in 1989-90.
Council Board, and is the most recent past chairman of the
As baseball coach, Warrick compiled a 392-146 record, while
NCAA Division II National Golf Committee.
earning various coaching awards. In 1986 his team advanced to
Warrick is married to Martha Blankenship Warrick of Augusta,
the College World Series, the highlight of his coaching career.
Ga. They have one son, Tripp, who graduated from USC Aiken.
Warrick was born in Rocky Mount, N.C. and attended Rocky
The Warrick family resides in North Augusta, S.C.
Mount High School. He was an All-Conference player in football, basketball and baseball. Upon graduation from high school, Warrick went to Louisburg Junior College where he played baseball for two years. In 1975, Warrick earned his Associate of Arts degree from Louisburg and was drafted by the Kansas City Royals, but decided to stay in school. Warrick then moved on to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he received a two-year baseball scholarship. While at North Carolina he earned Atlantic Coast Conference All-Academic honors two straight years. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Education in 1977 and then his Master of Arts in Teaching in 1978.
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Tim Hall
Associate Athletic Director
Tim Hall is in his 25th year as a member of the USC Aiken
A 1990 graduate of the University of South Carolina, Hall
athletic department. Hall first joined the program in 1990 as a
received his Bachelor of Science in Sports Administration. In
graduate assistant. In 1993 he was hired on as the university’s
1992, he earned a Master’s in Student Personnel Services from
full-time NCAA Compliance Coordinator.
USC as well.
In August 1997, the Batesburg-Leesville native was promoted to
In his time at USC Aiken, Hall has been on a number of campus
Assistant Athletic Director.
committees including the first year academic advisor program
In September 2003, Hall was promoted again, this time to the
and the enrollment management action team in the strategic
position of Associate Athletic Director for Administration and
planning process.
External Services.
Hall is married to the former Jenny Fulmer and they have three
In this role, Hall oversees NCAA compliance and academic
sons, Jordan, Ethan and Wyatt.
support. In addition, he assists with home game administration and fundraising.
Angie Osbon
Assistant Athletic Director Angie Osbon is in her 16th year as a member of the USC Aiken
received her Master’s in Business Administration from the
athletic department. Osbon became the department’s business
University of South Carolina.
manager in 1999. Through the years she has earned a number
In 2002, Osbon was named student organization advisor of the
of other titles, including Senior Woman Administrator, Student Athlete Advisory Committee Advisor and Cheerleading, Mascot and Dance Team Director. In 2007, Osbon received the Outstanding Commitment to Student Development Award from the Office of Student Life. In September 2003, the Aiken, S.C., native was promoted to the position of Assistant Athletic Director for Business and Student Services. Osbon earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from USC Aiken in 1992. In 1996, Osbon
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2016 USC Aiken Men’s Tennis
year and was selected to the Who’s Who Among Cheerleading Coaches. In addition, she has been a member of the first year academic advisor program and a staff facilitator for orientation. The former Angie Mathis is married to Rick Osbon and they have three children, Reagan, Gemma and Sterling.
Brent Hager
Assistant Athletic Director
Brent C. Hager is in his third year as the Assistant Athletic
volleyball and men’s basketball. Hager spent two and a half years
Director for Communications/Sports Information Director at
at Gardner-Webb as the Assistant Sports Information Director
USC Aiken.
and handled 13 sports in his time there. He also spent two years
Hager comes to USC Aiken after serving as the Associate
at Virginia Tech as an intern in the sports information office
Commissioner for External Affairs at the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference where he handled the
where he handled all media requests for the nationally-ranked men’s soccer program and the school’s only national champion at
promotion of all 16 sports. During his time at the WVIAC Hager
the time. Hager got his start at UNC-Pembroke in 2002.
featured the league’s only two Division II National Champions
The Tallahassee, Fla., native attended Wingate University
and a National Player of the Year. In addition, he ran multiple
where he received a bachelors of science degree in business
championships and redesigned the WVIAC web site. Prior to
administration and sport management. He earned an MBA at
the WVIAC, Hager spent two years as the Director of Sports
UNC-Pembroke in 2004.
Information and Game Operations at Presbyterian College and was the primary contact for eight sports, including football,
Brandon Aiken
Assistant Athletic Director Brandon Aiken is in his 16th year as head athletic trainer and
Aiken also served as assistant and head athletic trainer at
17th overall at USC Aiken.
Hitchcock Rehabilitation Center in Aiken, S.C., for more
Aiken, a native of Sturgeon Bay, Wis., joined the USC Aiken
than three years. At Hitchcock, he worked with high school,
training staff in 1997 as a graduate assistant. He served in that
college, and professional athletes as well as general outpatient
capacity for three years until stepping into the head position in
rehabilitation.
2000.
Aiken guided the USC Aiken athletic training staff to back-to-
He was promoted to Assistant Athletic Director for Sports
back (2007-08 and 2008-09) Peach Belt Conference Athletic
Medicine prior to the 2009-10 athletic year.
Training Staff of the Year awards.
A 1997 graduate of Saint Andrews Presbyterian College in
Aiken, who resides in Graniteville, is married to Malinda and the
Laurinburg, N.C., Aiken received his Bachelor of Science in
couple has a son, Liam.
Sports Medicine. Aiken is certified by the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
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Team Preview With virtually every student-athlete returning from last season’s 9-9 team that narrowly missed making the Peach Belt Conference Tournament and NCAA Tournament, the University of South Carolina Aiken men’s tennis team is looking to earn a spot in both postseason events in 2016.
The Pacers open the slate at home against Georgia Gwinnett (Feb. 5). After that, the team hosts Coker two days later before embarking on a three-match road trip that includes Morehouse (Feb. 11), North Georgia (Feb. 13) and Anderson (Feb. 17).
Alejandro Andino is coming off an eight-win season a year ago in singles play. Andino also notched six doubles victories.
The Pacers host three of the next four matches at home, and all three home dates are against league foes. USC Aiken entertains Georgia Southwestern (Feb. 20), Columbus State (Feb. 21), travels to Limestone (Feb. 27) and returns home for Francis Marion (Feb. 28) before hitting the road for the majority of the rest of the season.
“Alejandro is one of the more talented doubles players,” head coach Steve Dahm said. “He has a tons of international experience. This year, he just needs to find and maintain his confidence in matches.” Ettore Damiani returns for his senior campaign after recorded back-to-back second-team all-conference performances the last two seasons. During that span, he netted 22 singles victories. “Ettore was an all-conference performer last year,” Dahm stated. “He will be playing at the No. 1 or No. 2 spots. Ettore has a ton of international experience and he is evolving into a better hardcourt player.” Mathias Degardin garnered 12 singles wins and posted a team-high seven doubles victories a season ago. “Mathias will push Julien Tan and Damiani for one of the top two spots,” Dahm said. “He could also see some time at the No. 3 position this year. Mathias has a great service return.” Jaime Gusano picked up a victory at the No.6 singles competition at Coker a year ago. He combined for a doubles victory at the No. 1 spot as well. “Jaime will provide depth to the line-up,” Dahm stated. “He will push for playing time and can do everything on the court.” Newcomer Hunter Lathrop could make an impact on the line-up this season. At Drew, he posted 13 wins as a rookie and helped his JUCO to a national championship. “Hunter has a really big serve,” Dahm said. “He has a big forehand and has a strong doubles game.” Clement Raymond tallied nine singles victories and combined for seven doubles wins as a sophomore. “Clement is a crafty player,” Dahm mentioned. “He can hit big, but he is just as effective using his slice and great touch. Clement has an all-court game.” Julien Tan is coming off a stellar sophomore season that saw him post 13 wins at the No. 2 singles spot while adding five doubles victories. “Julien will compete for the top spot,” Dahm stated. “He could very well be an all-conference performer. In the fall, he was ranked No. 40 nationally. Julien has a great all-court game and is a captain on the team.” “We are facing our top competition against the members of the PBC and against Georgia Gwinnett,” Dahm said. “We have a lot of tough competition in the non-conference portion of the schedule to give us an idea of where we are against the conference.”
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2016 USC Aiken Men’s Tennis
In March, the Pacers play at Flagler (March 5), at Benedict (March 16), at Queens (March 18) and at Lander (March 20) before squaring off against Alabama-Huntsville in Augusta, Ga. (March 22). USC Aiken hosts the Jaguars March 26, but travels to Armstrong State (March 27) and Belmont Abbey (March 29) to round out the month’s competition. In April, the team closes out its home schedule with Young Harris (Apr. 2), North Greenville (Apr. 4) and Pfeiffer before rounding out the regular season with road matches at Georgia College (Apr. 9) and at Newberry (Apr. 15). The Pacers will begin postseason play Apr. 22 in Florence, S.C., for at Peach Belt Conference Tournament.
The Roster
Name Alejandro Andino Ettore Damiani Mathias Degardin Jaime Gusano Hunter Lathrop Clement Raymond Julien Tan
Cl. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. So. Jr.
Ht. 5-9 6-4 6-0 5-9 6-1 6-0 5-8
Hometown/Previous School Madrid, Spain / Barry University Genoa, Italy / University of Genoa Bourgoin-Jallieu / Lycee Philibert Delorme Madrid, Spain / Academy of Toulouse South Londonderry, Vt. / Stratton Mountain School Royat, France / Ecole Massillon Grenoble, France / CNED at Barcelona
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The Coach Steve Dahm Head Coach
Steven Dahm enters his 15th season at the helm of the USC Aiken Tennis program in the 2015-16 academic year. His men’s teams have compiled a 162-132 record overall and a Peach Belt Conference record of 34-90. The women’s teams have combined for a 160-145 total record, going 53-98 in Peach belt play. The Pacer men registered a 9-9 mark during the 2015 campaign and Ettore Damiani was named to the PBC all-conference team. The USC Aiken women’s squad battled injuries throughout the season but still managed a 9-12 record on the year with one of the youngest teams in the region. The USC Aiken men’s team garnered an 11-10 overall mark in 2014 and picked up a pair of wins in the conference en route to a No. 33 national ranking. The squad reeled off five straight wins during the middle of the season and not only earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament, but advanced to the second round. Alejandro Andino, Damiani and Patrick Stiebinger earned all-conference honors while Stiebinger also picked up academic All-America honors. The USC Aiken women’s team notched a 13-10 overall record, including a 6-7 effort against conference competition during the 2014 season. The squad put together the most wins for the program since 2007
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and had a four-match winning streak en route to earning a spot in the PBC Tournament. The team also finished ninth in the region. Nadine Tusiami earned all-conference honors while Franziska Regel and Margot Simon tallied all-academic team accolades. The Pacer men completed the 2013 season 11-9 with a 4-6 record in Peach Belt Conference play. The men competed in the NCAA Regional Tournament, falling to nationally eighth-ranked Columbus State in the regional. The Pacer women’s tennis team finished 2013 at 10-12, going 5-8 against Peach Belt opposition. Shauna Williams was named PBC Player of the Week on Feb. 19. The Pacers were ranked as high as 44th nationally, but did not participate in the Regional Tournament. Dahm has led both teams to national rankings and to the NCAA Tournament. In the final ITA NCAA Division II men’s tennis rankings of 2009, USC Aiken’s men’s tennis team concluded the 2009 season ranked a program-best fifth. USC Aiken, who received a bye into the semifinal round of the Savannah regional of the NCAA Division II Men’s Tennis Tournament, defeated No. 18 Francis Marion to advance to the regional final against No. 1 Armstrong Atlantic.
The Pirates were able to claim the regional title, but the Pacers still concluded the year 19-5 overall. AASU went on to win its second straight national crown a couple weeks later. The Pacers as a team won 13 of their final 15 matches in 2009. Three USC Aiken men’s tennis players were chosen to the 2009 NCAA Division II Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Men’s All-America team at the conclusion of the 2009 spring campaign.
Year Overall Record 2002 8-11 2003 8-8 2004 13-9 2005 13-12 2006 13-12 2007 17-7 2008 12-8 2009 19-5 2010 11-12 2011 8-10 2012 9-8 2013 11-9 2014 11-10 2015 9-9 Totals 162-130
Overall Pct. .421 .500 .591 .520 .520 .708 .600 .792 .478 .444 .529 .550 .524 .500 .555
PBC Record 1-7 1-5 2-6 0-8 1-7 5-4 4-4 5-3 2-7 2-7 2-7 4-6 2-8 3-7 34-86
PBC Pct. .125 .166 .250 .000 .125 .556 .500 .625 .222 .222 .222 .400 .200 .300 .283
Bruno Seves was tabbed to the team as a singles player, while Dagoberto Darezzo and Edward Horne were selected to the team as a doubles tandem. Seves had become the program’s first ever All-America selection one year earlier in 2008. In 2010, USC Aiken once again had two players chosen to the ITA All-America team as Gregory Andrade and Juan Xavier Ponce were named All-Americans by virtue of ending the year ranked ninth nationally. A native of Kenmore, N.Y., Dahm came to USC Aiken from Division I Furman University where he served as the assistant men’s coach for two seasons. Dahm has a strong foundation of coaching experience. He has spent time at the Van der Meer Tennis Center, the University of Rochester and the Country Club of Buffalo, where he was the head tennis professional for five summers. In collegiate play, Dahm was the number one singles and doubles player at the University of Buffalo. He was selected to the Mid-American All-Conference team as well as the First-Team All-Star squad. While attending UB, he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology.
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The Players Alejandro Andino Quick Facts Class:
Sr.
Height:
5-9
Hometown:
Madrid, Spain
Previous School:
Barry
Bio 2015: Posted eight singles wins and six doubles victories on the year … Won a 9-7 decision at the No. 6 slot against North Georgia … Picked up a doubles win at No. 1 in the win at Coker … Went 2-0 at Georgia Southwestern, winning No. 1 doubles and No. 6 singles … Picked up a pair of wins in the sweep of Benedict … Part of the winning No. 1 doubles team in the victory at Pfeiffer … Registered a pair of wins in the sweep of Belmont Abbey … Recorded a 6-3, 7-6 (8-6) victory as the No. 6 seed in the win at Francis Marion … Picked up wins at the No. 2 doubles and No. 6 singles positions in the victory at North Greenville … Teamed up for a win at No. 1 doubles in the sweep of Anderson … Posted a 6-1, 6-0 victory at No. 6 in the sweep of Flagler. 2014: Second-team all-conference doubles selection … Picked up 10 doubles wins and five singles victories … Part of the No. 1 doubles team that won 8-5 at Valdosta State … Part of the No. 1 doubles team that won 9-8 at Belmont Abbey … Also registered a 6-1, 6-3 victory at No. 3 singles … Part of the winning No.1 doubles squad at Anderson … Posted a straight set win at No. 3 singles … Won a three-set thriller at No. 3 against Erskine … Earned a 6-4, 6-4 victory at No. 3 in the win over Pfeiffer … Part of the No. 1 doubles tandem that won 8-6 over Coker … Part of the winning No. 1 doubles team over Georgia Southwestern … Won at No. 1 doubles against Flagler … Part of the winning No. 1 doubles team against Limestone … Earned an 8-6 win at No. 1 doubles against Queens … Won by a 6-3, 6-4 count against Young Harris at No. 2 singles … Part of the winning No. 1 doubles team against North Georgia … Posted an 8-4 doubles win against North Georgia in the NCAA Tournament. Previous School: Attended and played tennis at Barry University. Personal: Son of Carlos and Carmen Andino … Majoring in business management.
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Ettore Damiani win against Georgia College … Posted a straight-set victory at No. 1 against North Georgia in the NCAA Tournament.
Quick Facts Class:
Sr.
Height:
6-4
Hometown:
Genoa, Italy
Previous School:
Genoa
Bio
2013: Selected as team co-MVP ... Named USC Aiken Athletics StudentAthlete of the Month for March … Won 15 straight singles matches in the regular season … Finished the year with a 16-4 singles record, including going 9-1 in Peach Belt Conference play … Went 2-1 at No. 2, 6-2 at No. 3, 3-1 at No. 4 and 5-0 at No. 5 singles positions … Finished 5-5 in doubles play on the year, going 5-4 paired with partner Lucas Gobbi. Personal: Ettore is the son of Francesco Damiani and Cristina Aste … Attended the University of Genoa and played tennis for the institution ... Attended Lice Cassini and was a member of the tennis team … He is majoring in Business Administration.
2015: Second-team all-conference singles performer … Won 10 singles matches at the No. 1 spot and five doubles matches on the year … Posted a 6-2, 6-1 win at the No. 1 spot against North Georgia … Garnered two wins, coming at No. 2 doubles and No. 1 singles in the win at Coker … Went 2-0 at Georgia Southwestern, winning No. 3 doubles and No. 1 singles … Picked up a pair of wins in the sweep of Benedict … Recorded a pair of wins, coming at No. 3 doubles and No. 1 singles in the victory at Pfeiffer … Posted a two-set victory at the top singles position against No. 7 Lander … Registered a pair of wins in the sweep of Belmont Abbey … Posted a three-set victory at the No. 1 spot at Young Harris … Garnered a 6-4, 6-2 win at the No. 1 singles position in the sweep of Anderson … Notched a 6-3, 6-4 victory at the No. 1 spot in the sweep of Flagler. 2014: Second-team all-conference singles selection … Posted a team-high 12 singles wins and was part of a team-best 14 doubles victories … Registered a doubles win at Valdosta State … Teamed up for a win at No. 2 doubles and posted a come-from-behind win at No. 1 singles in the win at Belmont Abbey … Tallied a No. 1 singles win and teamed up for a No. 2 doubles win at Anderson … Posted a straight-set win at No. 1 singles and was part of a No. 2 doubles victory at Erskine … Garnered a 7-6, 6-4 singles win at No. 1 and was part of the No. 2 winning tandem by an 8-3 score in the win over Pfeiffer … Part of the No. 2 doubles tandem that won 8-4 over Coker … Part of the winning No. 2 doubles team in the win over Georgia Southwestern … Earned a straight-set singles win at No. 1 in the victory over the Hurricanes … Part of the winning No. 2 doubles team in the win over Georgia Southwestern … Earned a straight-set singles win at No. 1 in the victory over the Hurricanes … Teamed up with Lucas Gobbi for a victory at No. 2 doubles against Columbus State … Also won a three-set thriller against Columbus State at No. 1 … Won at No. 2 doubles against Flagler … Posted a straight-set victory at No. 1 singles against GRU Augusta … Part of the winning No. 2 doubles team and emerged victorious at No. 1 singles against Limestone … Went 2-0 against Queens, winning at No. 2 doubles and No. 1 singles … Garnered a 6-2, 6-3 win at No. 1 singles against Francis Marion … Went 2-0 against Young Harris, posting a victory at No. 2 doubles and a three-set win at No. 1 singles … Part of the winning No. 2 doubles team against North Georgia … Teamed with Lucas Gobbi for an 8-4 No. 2 doubles
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Mathias Degardin Quick Facts Class:
So.
Height:
6-0
Hometown:
Bourgoin-Jallieu
Previous School:
Lycee Philibert Delorme
Bio 2015: Registered 12 singles wins on the season and won a team-best seven doubles matches … Notched a three-set victory at the No. 5 singles position against Queens … Garnered wins at No. 3 doubles and No. 5 singles in the win at Coker … Went 2-0 at Georgia Southwestern, winning No. 2 doubles and No. 4 singles … Part of the winning No. 1 doubles team at Columbus State, knocking off the No. 11 tandem … Picked up a win at No. 4 singles against the No. 6 Cougars … Picked up a pair of wins in the sweep of Benedict … Recorded a win at No. 5 singles in the victory at Pfeiffer … Registered a pair of wins in the sweep of Belmont Abbey … Earned a pair of wins, coming at the No. 3 doubles spot and No. 5 singles position in the win at Francis Marion … Posted a three-set win at the No. 5 singles spot at Young Harris … Garnered a 6-3, 6-3 win at No. 4 singles in the victory at North Greenville … Won the No. 4 singles match against Georgia College … Registered an 8-4 doubles win at the No. 2 spot in the sweep of Anderson … Notched a 6-2, 6-1 victory at the No. 4 position in the sweep of Flagler. High School: Attended Lycee Philibert Delorme. Personal: Mathias Degardin was born Oct. 9, 1995 in Bourgoin-Jallieu ... Son of Fabrice and Rolande ... Has an older brother, Germain, who plays tennis at New Mexico State ... Majoring in business administration.
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2016 USC Aiken Men’s Tennis
Jaime Gusano Quick Facts Class:
Jr.
Height:
5-9
Hometown:
Madrid, Spain.
Previous School:
Toulouse
Bio 2015: Picked up a win at No. 6 singes in the win at Coker ... Went 1-1 in doubles action, earning a victory at the top spot. 2014: Played in two doubles matches, coming against Young Harris and North Georgia ... Competed in one singles match that went unfinished. High School: Attended Academy of Toulouse. Personal: Son of Cesar Gusano and Patricia Struyf … Has three sisters, Cristina, Carmen and Juana … Majoring in business and management.
2016 USC Aiken Men’s Tennis
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Hunter Lathrop Quick Facts Class:
Jr.
Height:
6-1
Hometown:
South Londonderry, Vt.
Previous School:
Stratton
Bio Previous School: Attended Drew University ... Posted 13 individual wins during his rookie campaign ... Also attended ASA College and Miami Dade College ... Helped ASA win nationals in 2014. High School: Attended Stratton Mountain School ... Top-ranked tennis player in Vermont all four years ... Four-time Top-10 New England selection ... Rated as a Top 150 player nationally three times ... Four-year standout in soccer. Personal: Hunter Stephan Lathrop was born Sept. 17, 1993 in Rutland, Vt. ... Son of Steve and Rhonda ... Has four siblings, Brittany, Lara, Mikayla and Chloe ... Majoring in communications.
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2016 USC Aiken Men’s Tennis
Clement Raymond Quick Facts Class:
So.
Height:
6-0
Hometown:
Royat, France
Previous School:
Ecole Massillon
Bio 2015: Accounted for nine singles wins on the year and was part of seven doubles victories … Posted a 7-6, 6-4 victory at the No. 5 singles position at Georgia Gwinnett … Won a thrilling three-set match at the No. 4 singles spot against Queens by scores of 6-4, 5-7, 11-9 … Garnered a 6-2, 6-1 victory in the win at Coker … Went 2-0 at Georgia Southwestern, winning No. 3 doubles and No. 5 singles … Picked up a pair of wins in the sweep of Benedict … Recorded a win at No. 3 singles in the victory at Pfeiffer … Registered a pair of wins in the sweep of Belmont Abbey … Part of the winning No. 3 doubles team in the win at Francis Marion … Picked up a pair of wins, coming at the No. 3 doubles spot and the No. 5 singles position in the victory at North Greenville … Teamed up for an 8-5 win at the No. 3 doubles spot in the sweep of Anderson … Garnered a three-set win at the No. 6 singles position by scores of 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 against GRU Augusta … Notched a 6-0, 6-1 victory at the No. 5 spot in the sweep of Flagler. Previous School: Attended Chambon sur lignon and played ASM tennis. Personal: Clement Raymond was born May 14, 1994 in France ... Son of Laurent and Sandrine ... Majoring in business marketing.
2016 USC Aiken Men’s Tennis
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Julien Tan Quick Facts Class:
Jr.
Height:
5-8
Hometown:
Grenoble, France
Previous School:
CNED
Bio 2015: Led the team with 13 wins at the No. 2 singles position … Part of five doubles victories … Won a three-set match at the No. 2 spot against North Georgia … Earned a 6-1, 6-1 victory at the No. 2 position against Queens … Posted a pair of wins, coming at No. 1 double sand No. 2 singles in the win at Coker … Went 2-0 at Georgia Southwestern, winning No. 1 doubles and No. 2 singles … Picked up a pair of wins in the sweep of Benedict … Part of the winning No. 1 doubles team and was victorious at the No. 2 singles spot in the victory at Pfeiffer … Recorded a three-set win at No. 2 against No. 21 Benjamin Salle in the match against Lander … Registered a pair of wins in the sweep of Belmont Abbey … Earned a 6-1, 6-1 victory as the No. 2 singles player in the win at Francis Marion … Accounted for a 6-4, 6-2 win at No. 2 against Young Harris … Garnered a 6-3, 7-5 win at the No. 2 singles position in the victory at North Greenville … Went 2-0 in the sweep of Anderson, winning an 8-3 doubles match at the No. 1 spot before posting a three-set win at the No. 2 singles position … Notched a 5-7, 6-0, 7-6 victory at the No. 2 slot against GRU Augusta … Notched a 6-4, 6-2 victory at No. 2 in the sweep of Flagler. Prevoius School: Attended the Universite Pierre Mendes France, Genoble - CNUT. High School: Attended CNED. Personal: Julien Tan is the son of David and Christine ... Born on Feb. 1, 1994 ... Has two siblings, Yoanni and Anais ... Majoring in management.
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2016 USC Aiken Men’s Tennis
2015 Review The University of South Carolina Aiken men’s tennis team had high hopes of reaching the NCAA Tournament once again in 2015, but the young squad fell just short of reaching its goals. However, the team came together and pushed opposing squads to the brink day-in and day-out of the season. Head coach Steve Dahm’s team finished the season with a 9-9 record, including a 3-7 ledger against Peach Belt Conference competition. The Pacers lost their first three matches of the season, which had not happened since the 2003 campaign. Two of the losses could have gone either way, but the team came up just short. USC Aiken regrouped and went on the road for a threematch trip starting Feb. 11 at Coker. Dahm’s squad easily dismantled the Cobras by an 8-1 count for the first win of the season. In that win, Ettore Damiani registered a hard-fought three-set victory at the No. 1 singles position while all three doubles teams picked up wins for the first time all season. The win gave the team motivation heading into its second conference contest of the season. Still ranked at No. 10 in the region, the Pacers swept Georgia Southwestern, improving to 2-3 on the year and 1-1 against league foes. No doubles match was closer than 8-4 while only one singles match went three sets. In the three-set affair, Julien Tan registered the win at the No. 2 spot. USC Aiken fell to No. 6 Columbus State by a 6-3 count as the Pacers were ranked No. 31 in the latest poll. The highlight of the match was the doubles tandem of Mathias Degardin and Andy Quirk bested No. 11 Adi Malicbegovic and Marco Almorin by an 8-3 score at the top position. After weather postponed a match against Belmont Abbey, Dahm’s team returned to action on Feb. 21, defeating Benedict 9-0 in front of the home fans. The Pacers went on the road, defeating Pfeiffer 7-2. USC Aiken registered five wins in doubles play, evening its record at 4-4 while handing the home squad its first loss of the season. Dahm’s team lost a decision at Lander, but bounced back, downing the Crusaders 9-0 at home. Only one match went to three sets in singles action and the Pacers won two of the three doubles matches by scores of 8-1 and 8-0. USC Aiken made the tough trip to Francis Marion on March 26 and defeated the Patriots by a 5-4 count. After falling behind 2-1 during doubles play, Dahm’s squad regrouped and won four of the six doubles matches for the one-point win. Tan, ranked No. 42, bested his foe at the No. 2 spot while Damiani gave No. 13 Richard Ashforth all he could handle in a three-set loss at the top position. The team continued its road trip at Young Harris, but lost a 6-3 decision. Returning home for No. 4 Armstrong State, USC Aiken put up a valiant effort but came up short by a 5-0 score. The doubles team of Tan and Degardin pushed their opposition to a 9-8 count. Despite not finishing four singles matches after
the Pirates had clinched the overall match, USC Aiken was very competitive in each. April started out well enough as the Pacers traveled to North Greenville and posted a 6-3 victory. After falling to Georgia College, the team stepped out of league play and bested Anderson by a 5-0 score, giving the Trojans their fourth loss of the season. Two matches later, Dahm’s team closed out its season with a strong 5-0 shutout of Flagler. Despite the victory, USC Aiken was left out of the conference tournament on a three-way tiebreaker. Degardin and Clement Raymond shared team-high honors with seven doubles wins apiece. Degardin was part of three wins against PBC competition. In singles action, Tan posted a 13-4 mark at the No. 2 position, including a 7-3 effort against league foes. Degardin tallied 12 victories while Quirk and Damiani totaled 11 and 10, respectively. Damiani’s season was good enough to earn him a secondteam all-conference honor. Quirk and Ronan Reberec graduated, but the rest of the team remains intact for what looks like an exciting 2016 season.
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Record Book 1. 2. t3. t3. t3. t3. t3. t3. t3. t3. t8. t8. t8. t8. t8.
Singles Wins In A Season Nils Gruetzmacher (2001) Bosko Petricevic (2001) Bruno Seves (2007) Will Elliott (2001) Tobias Croke (1999) Christian Weber (2001) Travis McPherson (1997) Bruno Seves (2008) Bruno Seves (2009) Pierre Negri (2007) Nicolas Lombardo (2006) Amos Allison (1999) Mark Klysner (1997) Aaron Rocklewitz (1997) Ettore Damiani (2013)
20 19 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 16 16 16 16 16
1. t2. t2. t4. t4. t4. t7. t7. t7. t7. t7. t7. t7. t7. t7.
Wins By Doubles Teams Paulus Hallm (2001) Christian Weber (2001) Nils Gruetzmacher (2001) Bosko Petricevic (2001) Will Elliott (2001) Filipe Garcia (2009) Dagoberto Darezzo (2007) Dagoberto Darezzo (2009) Edward Horne (2007) Christopher Kaetz (2007) Bruno Seves (2007) Gregory Andrade (2009) Christopher Kaetz (2009) Gregory Andrade (2010) Juan Xavier Ponce (2010)
21 20 20 19 19 19 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18
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2016 USC Aiken Men’s Tennis
Singles Wins In A Career 1. Dagoberto Darezzo 2. Pierre Negri 3. Bruno Seves t4. Nicolas Lombardo t4. Edward Horne t4. Chris Kaetz 7. Will Elliott 8. Shaun Rinaman 9. Ettore Damiani 10. Matt Harris
56 51 50 49 49 49 42 41 38 36
1. 2. 3. t4. t4. t6. t6. 8. t9. t9. t9.
66 65 53 52 52 46 46 45 36 36 36
Doubles Wins In A Career Dagoberto Darezzo Edward Horne Will Elliott Chris Kaetz Bruno Seves Shaun Rinaman Nicolas Lombardo Pierre Negri Paulus Halim Aleem Ladha Gregory Andrade
Doubles Wins In A Season 1. Nils Gruetzmacher/Christian Weber (2001) t2. Filipe Garcia/Bruno Seves (2009) t2. Dagoberto Darezzo/Edward Horne (2007) t2. Chris Kaetz/Bruno Seves (2007) t2. Gregory Andrade/Juan Xavier Ponce (2010) t2. Gregory Andrade/Chris Kaetz (2009) 7. Paulus Halim/Bosko Petricevic (2001) 8. Dagoberto Darezzo/Edward Horne (2006) 9. Wyatt Boylston/Pierre Negri (2007) 10. Renan Constantino/Nicolas Lombardo (2006)
20 18 18 18 18 18 17 16 15 14
Wins by Doubles Teams 1. Dagoberto Darezzo/Edward Horne (2006-09) 2. Christopher Kaetz/Bruno Seves (2007-08) 3. Nils Gruetzmacher/Christian Weber (2001) t4. Bruno Seves/Filipe Garcia (2009) t4. Gregory Andrade/Juan Xavier Ponce (2010) t4. Chris Kaetz/Gregory Andrade (2009) t7. Wyatt Boylston/Pierre Negri (2006-07) t7. Paulus Halim/Bosko Petricevic (2001) 9. Fernando Guevara/Pierre Negri (2004-05) 10. Aleem Ladha/Shaun Rinaman (1999-01)
60 30 20 18 18 18 17 17 16 15
2016 USC Aiken Men’s Tennis
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2016 USC Aiken Men’s Tennis