TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 2014
NEW HOME OF THE SCOTS Covenant College Tennis will open up a brand new home during the 2014 spring season. Construction is nearing completion on six new on-campus tennis courts, thanks in large part to generous donors. As part of the complex, lights have been installed on every court, allowing the programs to play into the night. The tennis programs, which were started in 2007, have had to travel to area high schools and other venues in the Chattanooga area to play their “home” matches over the years. But all that will change once these courts have been completed. “We are extremely excited about the new courts,” said head tennis coach John Hirte. “Being able to play matches on campus will create a true ‘home court’ atmosphere that will hopefully lead to more success and a more enjoyable experience for our players and fans.” The complex sits between Ashe Activity Center and Scotland Yard and offers astonishing views of the Tennessee Valley and the surrounding mountains.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Tennis Complex Administrative Staff
IFC 5
Memberships 6 Head Coach
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Assistant Coach
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2014 Season Previews
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ON THE COVER Back row (L-R): Nathan Hernandez, Tim Ahrenholz, Michael O’Brien, Frank Portlock. Front row (L-R): Sarah Carter, Lindsay Geving, Gracie Smith, Claire Luger (cover design and photo by Andrew Mindeman)
CREDITS Layout design by Tad Evearitt Written by Andrew Mindeman and Covenant Sports Info Photos by Covenant Sports Info; and Covenant Communications Dept.
Players 12 2013 Season In-Review
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Connect with the Scots
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Compliance 29 2014 Schedule Back Cover
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TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 2014
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SCOTS
Brad Voyles
Kyle Taylor
President
V.P. for Student Development
Director of Athletics
Tim Sceggel
Mark Duble
Meredith Atwood
Associate Director of Athletics
Assistant Director of Athletics
SWA/ Head Athletic Trainer
Brad Clark
Rodney Miller
Assistant Athletic Trainer
Faculty Athletics Representative
Andrew Mindeman Sports Information Director
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ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Dr. J. Derek Halvorson
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NCAA DIVISION III
MEMBERSHIPS
In 2013, Covenant became full members of the NCAA Division III following a four year transitional period from 2009-2013. The largest division, in terms of number of schools and number of participants, is Division III comprised by more than 170,000 student-athletes at 444 mostly smaller institutions. Academics are the primary focus for Division III student-athletes. The division minimizes the conflicts between athletics and academics and keeps student-athletes on a path to graduation through shorter practice and playing seasons, the number of contests, no redshirting and regional competition that reduces time away from academic studies. Student-athletes are integrated on campus and treated like all other members of the general student-body, keeping them focused on being a student first. The college experience is a time of learning and growth — a chance to follow passions and develop potential. For student-athletes in Division III, all of this happens most importantly in the classroom and through earning an academic degree. The Division III experience provides for passionate participation in a competitive athletic environment, in which student-athletes push themselves to excellence and build upon their academic success with new challenges and life skills. And student-athletes are encouraged to pursue their full passions and find their potential through a comprehensive educational experience. The Three D’s: Discover Division III student-athletes are encouraged to pursue their interests and passions beyond the classroom and field of play…to discover themselves. Develop Division III institutions provide an environment that encourages student-athletes to develop into well-rounded adults. Small class sizes, the ability to participate in more than one sport, and an emphasis on participating activities outside of the classroom are all hallmarks of the Division III experience. Dedicate Division III institutions expect student-athletes to dedicate themselves to achieving their potential. Studentathletes must manage their busy schedules, keep up with class work and face the same challenges as the rest of the student-body.
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SCOTS USA SOUTH ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
MEMBERSHIPS
In 2013, Covenant became members of the USA South Athletic Conference. The conference is comprised of schools from Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia. All told, the USA South has 13 full-fledged members along with two associate members (one in women’s lacrosse and one in football). In volleyball and women’s basketball, the conference is split into two divisions (North and South). Covenant plays in the South division in those sports with Huntingdon, LaGrange, Maryville and Piedmont. With the exception of cross country, the top eight teams in the conference regular season standings advance to participate in the conference tournament. For those sports with Division standings, the top three from the South and top five from the North advance to the conference tournament. Full Conference Members: Averett University (Danville, Va.) Covenant College (Lookout Mountain, Ga.) Ferrum College (Ferrum, Va.) Greensboro College (Greensboro, N.C.) Huntingdon College (Montgomery, Ala.) LaGrange College (LaGrange, Ga.) Mary Baldwin College (Staunton, Va.) Maryville College (Maryville, Tenn.) Meredith College (Raleigh, N.C.) Methodist University (Fayetteville, N.C.) North Carolina Wesleyan College (Rocky Mount, N.C.) Piedmont College (Demorest, Ga.) William Peace University (Raleigh, N.C.)
Conference Administration Commissioner: Rita Wiggs President: Jackie Myers Asst. Commissioner: Mike Christie
Associate Members: Agnes Scott College (Decatur, Ga.) - Women’s Lacrosse Christopher Newport University (Newport News, Va.) - Football
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John Hirte HEAD COACH
Head Coach
The 2013-14 season will be John Hirte’s second as head coach of the men’s and women’s tennis teams at Covenant College. Hirte was a successful player while he was a student-athlete at Covenant. He won numerous accolades including GSAC Player of the Year in 2012 for going undefeated in singles play during his senior season, NCCAA first team All-American status (2012), and NCCAA Scholar -Athlete honors. He was also instrumental in Covenant’s only trip to the NCCAA National Tournament in 2010. In his collegiate career, Hirte won 40 singles matches which ranks second all-time in Covenant program history behind Josh Jeremiah (50). “I am extremely excited about the opportunity to begin my coaching career at Covenant, a place where I have had a wonderful four years as a student, and as an athlete,” Hirte said. “I hope to bring growth and stability to the tennis program as we aim to achieve more success in the years to come.” Before arriving at Covenant as a student-athlete, Hirte was an accomplished high school player in his hometown of Maple Grove, Minn. Hirte lettered six times in tennis and four times in basketball, was a conference champion his junior season and a Minnesota state quarterfinalist his senior year. After concluding his Covenant career and graduating with a major in history and a minor in coaching, Hirte was hired as head coach for the upcoming season. “We are thrilled to have John as our Head Tennis Coach,” commented Associate Director of Athletics, Tim Sceggel. “I had the privilege to supervise John both as a student employee and student in my class. He did a phenomenal job in both realms and I am excited that he now has the opportunity to lead our tennis program.” Hirte and his wife, Claire, were married in August of 2013.
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SCOTS Coaching Experience (Men)
Coaching Experience (Women)
Year School Record 2013 Covenant 0-13
Year School Record 2013 Covenant 4-12
HEAD COACH
Contact Information Education e-mail Alma Mater: Covenant (‘12) john.hirte@covenant.edu (B.A.) History office phone 706.419.1503
Caitlyn Whitted Part-Time Assistant
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2014 SEASON PREVIEW
WOMEN’S PREVIEW The spring 2014 season begins for the Covenant women’s tennis team on Saturday when they host
regional power Birmingham Southern. The matches will be played at McCallie School in Chattanooga. Under second year head coach John Hirte, the Lady Scots hope to compete in their new conference, the USA South, as they return key players from last season and gain newcomers that look to make an immediate impact. The biggest news around both Covenant tennis programs is the construction of six new tennis courts on the campus. Although the courts are not quite ready for action, they are scheduled to be completed in time for the teams to play the majority of their home matches there this season. “We are extremely excited about the new courts,” said Hirte. “Being able to play matches on campus will create a true ‘home court’ atmosphere that will hopefully lead to more success and a more enjoyable experience for our players and fans.” The program returns strong players in senior Madeline Hyatt and juniors Gretchen Rowe and Sarah Carter. These three players will likely be Hirte’s top three in the lineup this season. A senior from Marshville, N.C., Hyatt did not play last season as she studied abroad but played at No. 1 singles in 2012 as a sophomore and won a pair of singles matches at the No. 1 spot as a freshman in 2011. Rowe and Carter add a strong veteran presence to this year’s squad. Rowe, a local product out of Lookout Mountain and Chattanooga Christian, was selected to the GSAC All-Freshman team in 2012 and played all her singles matches at the No. 1 position as a sophomore a year ago. Carter, from Boca Raton, Fla., tied for the team lead with four singles victories last season. Rounding out the top returners is sophomore Catherine Landers. Landers, out of Dalton, Ga., was selected to the GSAC All-Freshman team a season ago as she showed tremendous promise in her rookie campaign tying for the team lead with four singles wins to go along with three doubles victories. In addition to a strong group of returners, Hirte has brought in newcomers that will look to compete right away. Claire Luger (Tampa, Fla.), Gracie Smith (Chattanooga, Tenn.) and Ellen Kirkpatrick (Rutherfordton, N.C.) lead the group of freshmen in this year’s recruiting class. All three players had very successful high school careers and look to have an immediate impact at the college level. Other newcomers this season are Molly Peele (Sr., Albemarle, N.C.), Lindsay Geving (So., Colorado Springs, Colo.) and Hannah Dunlap (Fr., Cartersville, Ga.). Hirte is excited about the depth that these players will offer the squad this season. All told, Covenant has 10 players on the roster. Hirte’s goal for his team is to qualify for the USA South Tournament, which means finishing in the top eight of the 13-team conference. Covenant was picked to finish eighth in the league’s preseason poll released a couple of weeks ago. The schedule will offer up some stiff competition for the Lady Scots beginning with Birmingham Southern on Saturday. Other tough non-conference opponents include Berry and Sewanee. Covenant will travel to the top two teams in the preseason USA South poll in Methodist and Meredith, but will host crucial matches with LaGrange, Huntingdon and Averett in conference play.
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SCOTS MEN’S PREVIEW
2014 SEASON PREVIEW
Spring sports have arrived on Lookout Mountain. The Covenant men’s tennis team begins its spring 2014 season on Saturday, February 8 when they travel to Gadsden, Ala., to face Gadsden State.
Second year head coach John Hirte is looking for his men’s team to improve this season after having a rough 2013 campaign. The biggest news around both Covenant tennis programs is the construction of six new tennis courts on the campus. Although the courts are not quite ready for action, they are scheduled to be completed in time for the teams to play the majority of their home matches there this season. “We are extremely excited about the new courts,” said Hirte. “Being able to play matches on campus will create a true ‘home court’ atmosphere that will hopefully lead to more success and a more enjoyable experience for our players and fans.” Aside from the construction of the courts, Hirte has been hard at work reconstructing his men’s program. Hirte has brought in eight new players this season and has a roster of 12. Headlining the new recruits is a pair of freshmen in Michael O’Brien (Nashville, Tenn.) and Frank Portlock (Winter Have, Fla.). O’Brien had a very successful high school career that saw him place third at regionals in his senior season, while Portlock was an All-County honorable mention selection last year at Chain of Lakes (Fla.) High School. Hirte believes that those two players will be at the top of the lineup this season. “O’Brien has a huge serve and a solid all-court game, while Portlock hits big off both his forehand and backhand sides,” commented Hirte. Other top newcomers include, Jonah Anderson (Fr., St. Louis, Mo.), Connor Shimmel (Fr., Carol Stream, Ill.) and transfer Nathan Hernandez (So., Chesapeake, Va.). Junior Roy Anderson and sophomore Jonathan Turner are two of the top returning players for the Scots. Anderson played at the No. 1 singles position last season and Turner played in 11 of the 13 matches for the year. Covenant will face stiff non-conference competition with Birmingham Southern, Berry, and Oglethorpe, among others, on the schedule. The Scots were picked to finish ninth in the USA South Preseason Coaches’ Poll. Ultimately, Hirte’s goals for his men’s squad this season include qualifying for the USA South Tournament (April 11-13), to continue to improve with each match and compete against conference foes. Covenant’s home opener is set for February 15 against Birmingham Southern.
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2014 ROSTER
WOMEN’S ROSTER Name
Sarah Carter Hannah Dunlap Lindsay Geving Madeline Hyatt Ellen Kirkpatrick Catherine Landers Claire Luger Molly Peele Gretchen Rowe Gracie Smith
Year Jr. Fr. So. Sr. Fr. So. Fr. Sr. Jr. Fr.
Hometown/High School
Boca Raton, Fla. / Carlisle Cartersville, Ga. / Cass Colorado Springs, Colo. / Evangelical Christian Academy Marshville, N.C. / Covenant Day Rutherfordton, N.C. / Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy Dalton, Ga. / Christian Heritage Tampa, Fla. / H.B. Plant Albemarle, N.C. / Graystone Day Lookout Mountain, Ga. / Chattanooga Christian Chattanooga, Tenn. / Chattanooga Christian
Head Coach: John Hirte (2nd Year; Covenant ‘12) Assistant Coach: Caitlyn Whitted (1st Year)
ROSTER FACTS
Seniors: 2 Juniors: 2 Sophomores: 2 Freshman: 4 Returning Letterwinners: 4 Most Popular Home State: Georgia and North Carolina (3)
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SCOTS 2014 ROSTER
MEN’S ROSTER Name
Tim Ahrenholz Cameron Anderson Jonah Anderson Roy Anderson Nick Gilbert Nathan Hernandez Travis Hutchinson Michael O’Brien Jay Pannkuk Frank Portlock Connor Shimmel Jonathan Turner
Year Sr. So. Fr. Jr. Fr. So. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So.
Hometown/High School
Chicago, Ill. / Whitney M. Young Magnet Brevard, N.C. / Chattanooga Christian St. Louis, Mo. / Westminster Christian Academy Brevard, N.C. / Chattanooga Christian Gilford, N.H. / Gilford Chesapeake, Va. / Veritas Christian Academy Charlotte, N.C. / Covenant Day Nashville, Tenn. / Zion Christian Academy St. Louis, Mo. / Westminster Christian Academy Winter Haven, Fla. / Chain of Lakes Carol Stream, Ill. / Wheaton North Virginia Beach, Va. / Veritas Christian Academy
Head Coach: John Hirte (2nd Year; Covenant ‘12) Assistant Coach: Caitlyn Whitted (1st Year)
ROSTER FACTS
Seniors: 1 Juniors: 1 Sophomores: 4 Freshman: 6 Returning Letterwinners: 4 Most Popular Home State: North Carolina (3)
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SARAH CARTER, Junior
MEET THE SCOTS
Boca Raton, FL Psychology Major • Political Studies Minor 2013 (Sophomore): Tied for the team lead with four singles victories, three of which came at No. 2 singles… Won four doubles matches and was 3-5 in conference doubles matches. 2012 (Freshman): Went 3-5 in singles matches, 2-2 in the GSAC… Played seven matches at No. 3 singles… Was 3-4 overall in doubles matches, but 3-1 in league play. High School: Attended Carlisle High School. Personal: Born May 1, 1993 in Orangeburg, S.C. … Parents are Jim and Terri Carter… Has one brother, David… Favorite bible verse is Hebrews 10:23… Majoring in Psychology with a minor in Political Studies.
HANNAH DUNLAP, Freshman
Cartersville, GA Elementary Education Major • Youth Ministries Minor High School: Attended Cass High School… Team captain and MVP twice… Led her team to the state tournament on two occasions… Legacy Award recipient. Personal: Born Aug. 8, 1995 in Cartersville, Ga. … Parents are Matthew and Sharon Dunlap… Has one brother, Eric… Favorite bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11… Majoring in Elementary Education with a minor in Youth Ministries… Wants to become an elementary school teacher in a public inner city school… Huge Georgia Bulldogs fan.
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SCOTS TIM AHRENHOLZ, Senior Chicago, IL Physics and Mathematics Majors
MEET THE SCOTS
2013 (Junior): Played in 10 matches... Played four matches at No. 3 singles and five at No. 5. High School: Attended Whitney M. Young Magnet High School… Class Valedictorian. Personal: Born on April 25, 1991 in Winfield, Ill. … Parents are Steve and Carol Ahrenholz… Has three siblings, Maggie, Matt and Will… His father, Steve, played tennis for Wheaton College… His brother-in-law, Tom Yates, played tennis for Covenant 2010 and 2012… Favorite bible verse is Romans 12… Double majoring in Mathematics and Physics… Aspires to be accepted into a PhD program in experimental physics.
CAMERON ANDERSON, Sophomore Brevard, NC
Psychology Major 2013 (Freshman): Played six singles matches and in 10 doubles contests. High School: Attended Chattanooga Christian School Personal: Born May 13, 1994 in St. Louis, Mo. … Parents are Wallace and Paige Anderson… Has two older siblings, Kendi and Roy… Brother, Roy, currently plays tennis and soccer at Covenant… Favorite bible verse is Philippians 2:5-11… Majoring in Psychology.
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LINDSAY GEVING, Sophomore
MEET THE SCOTS
Colorado Springs, CO Elementary Education Major • Coaching Minor
High School: Attended Evangelical Christian Academy… Played varsity volleyball for three seasons and was team MVP in 2010 and 2011… Lettered in basketball twice and was on a state runner-up team in 2011 and state thirdplace team in 2012… Played two years of varsity soccer… Two years of tennis… Was a Doherty High School qualifier to state at No. 2 doubles in 2011… Class President, Treasurer, Student Council representative… ACSI Distinguished Student Awards in 2011 and 2012… John Phillip Sousa Award winner. Personal: Born Nov. 20, 1993… Parents are Randy and Sandi Geving… Has one sibling, Carson… Favorite bible verse is Philippians 4:4-9… Majoring in Elementary Education with a minor in Coaching… Aspires to be an elementary public school teacher and impact her students by showing them the love of Christ… Does weekly tutoring in urban Chattanooga with RUF… Played on the Covenant women’s basketball team in 201213.
MADELINE HYATT, Senior Marshville, NC Philosophy Major • Sociology Minor
2012 (Sophomore): Compiled a 4-8 record at No. 1 singles and a 3-4 mark in conference matches… Went 7-5 in doubles, including a 6-1 record in the conference… Played all 12 doubles matches at the No. 1 spot… Named to the GSAC All-Academic team. 2011 (Freshman): Collected three singles victories and three doubles wins… Won two singles matches at the No. 1 position. High School: Attended Covenant Day. Personal: Born October 3, 1991… Majoring in Philosophy with a minor in Sociology.
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SCOTS JONAH ANDERSON, Freshman St. Louis, MO Psychology Major • Sports Management Minor
MEET THE SCOTS
High School: Attended Westminster Christian Academy in St. Louis, Mo. Personal: Born on Oct. 19, 1994 in St. Louis, Mo. … Parents are Steve and Angie Anderson… Has two siblings, Alex and Molly… Favorite bible verse is Proverbs 3:5-6… Majoring in Business with a minor in Sports Management… Hopes to work in a business role within sports administration.
ROY ANDERSON, Junior Brevard, NC Interdisciplinary Studies Major
2013 (Sophomore): Played in all 13 matches… Also a member of the Scots soccer team 2012 (Freshman): Played in one match and earned a victory at No. 5 singles… Also won a doubles match at the No. 3 position. High School: Attended Chattanooga Christian School… Voted All-State his junior and senior years… Chattanooga Times Free Press Best of Preps (So., Jr., Sr.)… Named All-District in senior season. Personal: Born Oct. 13, 1992 in St. Louis, Mo. … Parents are Wallace and Paige Anderson… Has one sister, Kendi, and one brother, Cameron… Favorite bible verse is 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24… Majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in biology, chemistry and business management… Aspires to become a doctor and work in the Chattanooga inner city.
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ELLEN KIRKPATRICK, Freshman
MEET THE SCOTS
Rutherfordton, NC Art Major • Community Development Minor High School: Attended Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy.
Personal: Born October 26, 1994… Majoring in Art with a minor in Community Development.
CATHERINE LANDERS, Sophomore Dalton, GA English Major • Education Minor
2013 (Freshman): Tied for second on the team in singles victories with four... Compiled a three doubles victories… Named to the GSAC All-Freshman team. High School: Attended Christian Heritage School… Received Most Improved Player honors in freshman year and Coach’s Award in senior season… Junior USTA… Was a Scholar Athlete award recipient and a part of the National Junior Honor Society and the Honor Society. Personal: Born on Dec. 27, 1993… Parents are Sid and Judy Landers… Favorite bible verse is Zephaniah 3:17… Majoring in English with a minor in Education… Aspires to be a high school English teacher… Favorite Tennis player is Maria Sharapova (has her autograph) and is a fan of the Auburn Tigers.
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SCOTS NICK GILBERT, Freshman Gilford, NH Computer Science and Business Majors
MEET THE SCOTS
High School: Attended Gilford High School… Played tennis all four years of high school and his team won the NHIAA Division III championship his freshman, sophomore and senior years… Helped lead his team to an undefeated season in senior year. Personal: Born on Aug. 18, 1994 in Laconia, N.H. … Parents are Greg and Laurie Gilbert… Favorite bible verse is Hebrews 10:35… Double majoring in Computer Science and Business… Aspires to combine technology with business to work with people.
NATHAN HERNANDEZ, Sophomore Chesapeake, VA International Studies Major • Music Minor
High School: Attended Veritas Christian Academy… Went undefeated his junior year… Team captain junior season… Recipient of the Scholar-Athlete award by 7 Cities Athletic Conference in senior year… Co-captain of varsity basketball team. Personal: Born on March 27, 1994 in Norfolk, Va. … Parents are Michael and Laura Hernandez… Has three siblings, Justin, Alicia and Brent… Favorite bible verse is 1 Peter 2:9-10… Majoring in International Studies with a Music minor… Favorite tennis players are Richard Gasquet and Rafael Nadal
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CLAIRE LUGER, Freshman
MEET THE SCOTS
Tampa, FL Business Major • Spanish Minor High School: Attended H.B. Plant High School.
Personal: Born on Dec. 17, 1993 in Tampa, Fla. … Parents are Brad and Karen Luger… Favorite bible verse is Proverbs 3:5-6… Majoring in Business with a minor in Spanish.
MOLLY PEELE, Senior Albemarle, NC Mathematics Major
High School: Attended Graystone Day High School. Personal: Born December 24, 1991… Majoring in Mathematics.
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SCOTS TRAVIS HUTCHINSON, Sophomore Charlotte, NC Economics and Biblical & Theological Studies Majors
MEET THE SCOTS
High School: Attended Covenant Day School. Personal: Born on Oct. 15, 1993 in St. Louis, Mo. … Parents are Michael and Cinda Hutchinson… Has one sibling, Spencer…Favorite bible verse is Romans 8… Double majoring in Economics and Biblical & Theological Studies.
MICHAEL O’BRIEN, Freshman
Nashville, TN Biblical & Theological Studies Major • Music Minor High School: Attended Zion Christian Academy… Played at No. 1 singles and placed third at regionals… Recipient of the Eagle Award at ZCA -- highest honor for a sports team. Personal: Born Nov. 2, 1994… Parents are Michael and Heidi O’Brien… Has one sister, Meghan, and two brothers, Joseph and Timmy… His father, Michael, was the lead singer for the Christian band Newsong for seven years and has been in the Christian music industry for over 20 years… Favorite bible verse is Psalm 119:1-11… Majoring in Biblical & Theological Studies with a minor in Music… Favorite athlete is Roger Federer.
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GRETCHEN ROWE, Junior
MEET THE SCOTS
Lookout Mountain, GA Pre-Engineering Major
2013 (Sophomore): Won three singles matches and played the entire year at the No. 1 position… Teamed up with her sister, Anne Marie, to lead the team with six doubles victories, five of which came at the No. 2 spot. 2012 (Freshman): Named to the GSAC All-Freshman team… Tied for the team lead with a 7-5 record in singles matches for the year and 6-2 in conference matches… Played mostly at No. 2 singles and compiled a 6-5 record at that position… Was 1-0 at No. 1 singles… Tied for the team lead with seven doubles victories. High School: Attended Chattanooga Christian School… As a freshman, was a member of a state championship team … In her senior year, helped lead her team to a state runner-up finish and a 13-4 record… Played with current Lady Scot Gracie Smith. Personal: Born September 13, 1992 in Chattanooga, Tenn. … Parents are Marshall and Sue Rowe… Has two sisters, Anne Marie and Jessica… Sister, Anne Marie, played tennis at Covenant from 2010-13… Sister, Jessica, is currently a member of the Covenant women’s soccer team… Father, Marshall, played soccer at Covenant and now works in the Office of Advancement at the College… Mother, Sue, played volleyball and basketball at Covenant and later was the head coach for the volleyball program… Favorite bible verse is Romans 8:38-39… Majoring in PreEngineering.
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SCOTS JAY PANNKUK, Freshman St. Louis, MO Philosophy & Religion Major
MEET THE SCOTS
High School: Attended Westminster Christian Academy in St. Louis, Mo. Personal: Born on Dec. 17, 1994 in St. Louis Mo. … Parents are Leon and Marlene Pannkuk… Has two siblings, Rebekah and Matthew… Favorite bible verse is Revelation 21:5… Majoring in Philosophy & Religion… Aspires to be a teacher at his high school.
FRANK PORTLOCK, Freshman Winter Haven, FL Biology Major • Business Minor
High School: Attended Chain of Lakes High School... All-County honorable mention selection in senior year. Personal: Born on Dec. 13, 1994 in Winter Haven, Fla. … Parents are Frank and Dyeanna Portlock… Favorite bible verse is Psalm 139:13-14… Majoring in Biology with a minor in Business.
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GRACIE SMITH, Freshman
MEET THE SCOTS
Chattanooga, TN Physical Therapy Major
High School: Attended Chattanooga Christian School… Helped lead her team to a second-place finish at state in her sophomore year… As a senior, led CCS to a state title… Member of the National Honor Society. Personal: Born on September 13, 1994 in Chattanooga, Tenn. … Parents are Todd and Catherine Smith… Has three siblings, Andrew, Tyler, and Katie… Her brother, Tyler, was a pitcher for the Covenant baseball team from 2009-12 and holds the modern program record for wins (22)… Favorite bible verse is Isaiah 41:10… Majoring in Physical Therapy… Aspires to work with children as a physical therapist… Has volunteered for various fundraisers… For a senior project, she put on a 5K walk to raise money for her brother, Andrew, who was injured while on duty in Afghanistan.
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SCOTS CONNOR SHIMMEL, Freshman Carol Stream, IL Business Major
MEET THE SCOTS
High School: Attended Wheaton North. Personal: Born October 26, 1994… Parents are Sean and Jennifer Shimmel… Has three siblings, Jamison, Cassandra and Chandler… Favorite bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11… Majoring in Business.
JONATHAN TURNER, Sophomore Virginia Beach, VA History Major 2013 (Freshman): Played in 11 matches. High School: Attended Veritas Christian Academy… Valedictorian and Student Council Body Vice-President… Co-captain of tennis team. Personal: Born on May 31, 1994 in Meridian, Miss. … Parents are Robert and Linda Turner… Has three siblings, Kendall, Lauren, and Daniel… His mother, Linda, ran cross country at Covenant and his father, Robert, played soccer at Covenant and later was on the crew team at the Naval Academy… Favorite bible verse is James 1:2-4… Majoring in History… Aspires to be a lawyer… Favorite athlete is Novak Djokovic.
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Under first-year head coach, and former
2013 SEASON IN REVIEW
NCCAA All-American, John Hirte, the Covenant men’s and women’s tennis teams were in rebuilding mode for the 2012-13 season. The women went 4-12 in the spring season with a 4-5 record in GSAC matches. The men suffered through a tough year as they went winless in 13 tries. There were some bright moments for the women’s team, however. The Lady Scots swept the season series from Salem by winning both matches 9-0. The women also prevailed in the final two contests of the year, a 9-0 win over Wesleyan and a 5-4 defeat of Spelman. The season finale against Spelman is an interesting tale. The match was rescheduled multiple times before the two institutions were able to find a day that worked for both. Scheduled for an on-campus match at Covenant, the first one in a long time, thunderstorms on Lookout Mountain ruined any chance of playing outdoors. The match was then moved to an indoor location in Chattanooga later the same day.
Senior Anne Marie Rowe was voted to the GSAC All-Conference team. Rowe led Covenant with nine singles victories, including six inside the conference. She also teamed up with her sister, Gretchen Rowe, for six doubles victories. Freshman Catherine Landers snared a spot on the GSAC All-Freshman squad after a promising rookie campaign. Landers won four singles matches, tied for second on the team, to go along with three doubles wins. The men had a rough time during the season. Effort was there and spirits were always high, but the Scots were outmanned in most matches. Hirte expects to have solid recruiting classes coming in for both the men’s and women’s programs starting in the fall of 2013. Six new tennis courts are also planned to be built on campus and are hoped to be ready for the 2014 spring season. Once the courts are built, Covenant will be able to host matches on-campus.
Covenant and Spelman went back-and-forth late into the early spring night. The final outcome hung in the balance heading into the final singles match pitting the Lady Scots’ Sara Kathryn Cole against Spelman’s Leah Howard. After dropping the first set, Cole rallied to take the final two sets 6-2, 6-3 to claim the win and give the Lady Scots their fourth victory of the year.
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SCOTS
Season Stats
Covenant College Tennis Covenant Season Statistics (Through Jan 21, 2014)
vs
SINGLES Tim Ahrenholz Cameron Anderson Roy Anderson Bryce Bartelt Coulter Burch Jeffrey Cox Kevin Lambert Callum Sears Seth Thompson Jonathan Turner Alexander Weir Totals Percentage
Overall 0-10 0-6 0-13 0-5 0-11 1-10 0-2 0-5 0-2 0-11 0-1 1-77 .013
Dual 0-10 0-6 0-13 0-5 0-11 1-10 0-2 0-5 0-2 0-11 0-1 1-77 .013
Tour 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 .000
Conf 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 .000
ranked
1 2 3 4 5 6 Nat'l Reg'l ----0-4 0-1 0-5 --0-0 0-0 ------0-3 0-1 0-2 0-0 0-0 0-13 ----------0-0 0-0 --------0-1 0-4 0-0 0-0 --0-7 --0-4 ----0-0 0-0 ----0-3 0-1 0-4 1-2 0-0 0-0 --------0-2 --0-0 0-0 --0-2 0-2 0-1 ----0-0 0-0 ----------0-2 0-0 0-0 --0-4 0-4 0-3 ----0-0 0-0 ----------0-1 0-0 0-0 0-13 0-13 0-13 0-13 0-13 1-12 0-0 0-0 .000 .000 .000 .000 .000 .077 .000 .000 vs
DOUBLES TEAMS Roy Anderson/Coulter Burch Tim Ahrenholz/Jonathan Turner Cameron Anderson/Jeffrey Cox Bryce Bartelt/Jeffrey Cox Cameron Anderson/Roy Anderson Jeffrey Cox/Jonathan Turner Cameron Anderson/Bryce Bartelt Roy Anderson/Callum Sears Kevin Lambert/Alexander Weir Kevin Lambert/Seth Thompson Cameron Anderson/Coulter Burch Totals Percentage Date Feb 02, 2013 % Feb 20, 2013 Feb 26, 2013 Mar 02, 2013 Mar 9, 2013 Mar 12, 2013 Mar 16, 2013 SINGLES Mar 21, 2013 Sarah Carter % Mar 25, 2013 SaraMar Kathryn Cole 29, 2013 Mar 2013 Catherine29, Landers % Apr 05, 2013 Anne Marie % Apr 06, Rowe 2013 Katharine Redberg Gretchen Rowe Kelsey Whitted Totals Percentage
at at at at at at
at
Overall 0-7 0-10 0-6 0-2 0-2 0-1 0-1 0-4 0-2 0-2 0-1 0-39 .000
Dual 0-7 0-10 0-6 0-2 0-2 0-1 0-1 0-4 0-2 0-2 0-1 0-39 .000
Tour 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 .000
Conf 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 .000
Strk L7 L10 L6 L2 L2 L1 L1 L4 L2 L2 L1
Last 10 0-7 0-10 0-6 0-2 0-2 0-1 0-1 0-4 0-2 0-2 0-1
Covenant College Tennis Covenant Season Statistics (Through Jan 21, 2014)
vs
Overall 0-2 0-2 1-2 3-9 6-8 3-10 14-34 .292
Opponent Berry College Emmanuel College Huntingdon Tennessee Wesleyan College SALEM COLLEGE BERRY COLLEGE REINHARDT UNIVERSITY CARSON-NEWMAN at Spelman College at Agnes Scott College
at at at at
Last 10 0-10 0-6 0-10 0-5 0-10 1-9 0-2 0-5 0-2 0-10 0-1
ranked
1 2 3 Nat'l Reg'l 0-7 ----0-0 0-0 0-1 0-9 --0-0 0-0 --0-2 0-4 0-0 0-0 ----0-2 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-1 --0-0 0-0 --0-1 --0-0 0-0 ----0-1 0-0 0-0 0-4 ----0-0 0-0 ----0-2 0-0 0-0 ----0-2 0-0 0-0 ----0-1 0-0 0-0 0-13 0-13 0-13 0-0 0-0 .000 .000 .000 .000 .000
Opponent Score Overall Conf Nation Region Georgia Gwinnett College L 0-9 0-1 0-0 Overall record: 4-12 • GSAC: 3-5 •LRegion: • Home: 3-6 Berry College 0-9 1-3 0-2 0-0 • Away: 0-6 • Neutral: 1-0 Emmanuel College L 0-0 0-9 • vs Regional 0-3 0-0 vs National ranked: ranked: 0-0 Huntingdon L 0-9 0-4 0-0 GADSDEN STATE CC L 0-9 0-5 0-0 vs ranked LaGrange L 0-9 0-6 0-0 Tennessee Overall Wesleyan Dual College Tour GSAC L 10-9 2 0-73 40-0 5 6 Nat'l Reg'l Strk PIEDMONT L 0-9 0-8 0-0 4-12 4-12 0-0 2-6 L ---0-9 3-7 0-9 1-3 0-2 --0-0 0-0 L1 BERRY 0-0 --4-10 4-10 0-0 3-5 L ---0-9 --- 0-10 -----0-0 1-1 3-9 0-0 0-0 W2 REINHARDT UNIVERSITY CARSON-NEWMAN 0-0 2-10 1-1 4-12 4-12 0-0 2-6 L ---0-9 --- 0-11 --1-1 0-0 0-0 L1 Sewanee L 0-9 0-12 0-0 9-7 9-7 0-0 5-3 ----1-2 7-5 --0-0 0-0 W2 HUNTINGDON L 1-8 0-13 0-0 1-0 1-1 1-1 0-0 0-0 ----1-0 --0-1 --0-0 0-0 W1 3-13 3-13 0-0 2-6 3-13 ----------0-0 0-0 L1 3-11 3-11 0-0 3-4 --1-5 2-6 ------0-0 0-0 W1 29-67 29-67 0-0 17-31 3-13 4-12 5-11 8-8 4-12 5-11 0-0 0-0 .302 .302 .000 .354 .188 .250 .312 .500 .250 .312 .000 .000
DOUBLES TEAMS Anne Marie Rowe/Kelsey Whitted Katharine Redberg/Gretchen Rowe Sarah Carter/Sara Kathryn Cole Sarah Carter/Kelsey Whitted Anne Marie Rowe/Gretchen Rowe Sara Kathryn Cole/Catherine Landers Totals Percentage Date % Feb 20, 2013 Feb 26, 2013 * Mar 02, 2013 Mar 16, 2013 * Mar 16, 2013 Mar 25, 2013 Mar 29, 2013 Mar 29, 2013 * Mar 30, 2013 * Apr 01, 2013
Strk L10 L6 L13 L5 L11 W1 L2 L5 L2 L11 L1
2013 SEASON IN REVIEW
Overall record: 0-13 • Conference: 0-0 • Region: 0-4 • Home: 0-6 • Away: 0-7 • Neutral: 0-0 vs National ranked: 0-0 • vs Regional ranked: 0-0
Dual 0-2 0-2 1-2 3-9 6-8 3-10 14-34 .292
L L L L W L L L L L
Tour 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 .000
GSAC 0-0 0-0 0-1 3-4 3-5 2-5 8-16 .333
Score Overall 0-9 0-1 4-5 0-2 0-9 0-3 2-7 0-4 9-0 1-4 0-9 1-5 3-6 1-6 0-9 1-7 1-8 1-8 1-8 1-9
COVENANT COLLEGE
1 0-1 0-1 --3-9 1-1 --4-12 .250
GSAC 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-1 1-1 1-1 1-1 1-1 1-2 1-3
2 0-1 0-1 0-1 --5-7 1-0 6-10 .375
Last 10 3-7 3-7 2-8 6-4 1-1 2-8 3-7
ranked
3 Nat'l Reg'l --0-0 0-0 --0-0 0-0 1-1 0-0 0-0 --0-0 0-0 --0-0 0-0 2-10 0-0 0-0 4-12 0-0 0-0 .250 .000 .000
Strk L2 L2 L1 W1 W2 L1
Last 10 0-2 0-2 1-2 3-7 4-6 2-8
Nation Region
TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 2014
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Stay Connected with the Covenant Scots
CONNECT
in 3 simple ways 1. www.athletics.covenant.edu
2. Twitter: @CovenantScots (use #WeAreTheScots to join in the conversation)
3. Facebook.com/CovenantScots
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TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 2014
COVENANT COLLEGE
WE ARE THE
SCOTS Parents/Boosters/Alumni/Fans Are you a Booster?
A booster is an individual that:
COMPLIANCE
• Promotes Covenant athletics program. • Makes a financial contribution to Covenant athletics or its booster organizations. • Assists in the recruitment of prospects for Covenant. • Provides benefits (e.g., jobs, occasional meals) to enrolled student-athletes. Once a booster.....Always a booster. It is important to remember that once an individual has been identified as a booster, he or she retains that status forever. If you have questions whether you are considered a booster of Covenant Athletics or if you have questions about what you may or may not do as a booster, please feel free to contact the Compliance Office at tim. sceggel@covenant.edu. What is an extra benefit? Fans and boosters may not provide anything to prospects or currently enrolled student-athletes (or their families) without prior approval from the Compliance Office. If a student-athlete and/or his or her family accepts any benefits of special consideration (e.g., transportation, clothing, money, meals, etc.) based on his or her athletic skill, the student-athlete will lose his or her eligibility and Covenant will be subject to NCAA penalties. Extra benefits can include, but, are not limited to: • Money, gifts, clothing, tickets for entertainment, haircut, and use of a car. • Free or reduced-cost room or board anywhere. • Free or reduced-cost merchandise or services. • Use of Athletics Department copy/fax machines, long distance telephone services or free use of a cell phone. • Typing or editing reports, papers, letters, etc. for a student-athlete. • A loan of money or the consigning of a note to arrange a loan. • The sale or trade of complimentary admissions for merchandise, services or debt repayment. • The sale or trade of ANY items a student-athlete has received for his or her participation in athletics (e.g., gear, clothing, awards). This list is not exhaustive. Please refrain from offering prospects and/or current student-athletes and their families and friends anything that is not available to all students or the general public. Any questions or concerns should be directed to: Tim Sceggel Associate Director of Athletics for Compliance & Operations Email: tim.sceggel@covenant.edu or phone: 706.419.1517
COVENANT COLLEGE
TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 2014
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2014 Schedule Date Opponent Location Time 2/8 at Gadsden State (Men) Gadsden, AL 2:00 PM 2/15 BIRMINGHAM SOUTHERN Lookout Mountain, GA 1:00 PM 2/21 at Reinhardt Waleska, GA 4:00 PM 2/21 vs. Middle Georgia State Waleska, GA 7:00 PM 2/22 AGNES SCOTT (Women) Lookout Mountain, GA 1:00 PM 2/26 at Berry Rome, GA 2:30 PM 2/28 GREENSBORO* Lookout Mountain, GA 3:00 PM 3/1 FERRUM* Lookout Mountain, GA 12:00 PM 3/7 at Meredith* (Women) Raleigh, NC 3:00 PM 3/8 at William Peace* (Women) Raleigh, NC 12:00 PM 3/12 at Maryville* Maryville, TN 2:00 PM 3/13 OGLETHORPE Lookout Mountain, GA 3:30 PM 3/15 LAGRANGE* Lookout Mountain, GA 9:30 AM 3/15 JOHNSON Lookout Mountain, GA 5:30 PM 3/18 BERRY Lookout Mountain, GA 3:00 PM 3/21 at Methodist* Fayetteville, NC 3:30 PM 3/22 at North Carolina Wesleyan* Rock Mount, NC 1:00 PM 3/26 HUNTINGDON* Lookout Mountain, GA 3:00 PM 3/27 POINT Lookout Mountain, GA 6:30 PM 4/1 at Piedmont* Demorest, GA 3:00 PM 4/4 AVERETT* Lookout Mountain, GA 4:00 PM 4/5 MARY BALDWIN* (Women) Lookout Mountain, GA 1:00 PM 4/8 SEWANEE Lookout Mountain, GA 3:00 PM
14049 Scenic Highway, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750