COLONELS
General Information
Table of Contents Quick Facts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Head Coach Rob Oertel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Graduate Assistant Coach Anais Hamel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Volunteer Assistant Coach Rob Silver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 2011 Rosters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Season Outlook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Men’s Player Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9 Ohio Valley Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Women’s Player Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13 2010 Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Eastern Kentucky University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Richmond & Surrounding Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Colonel Tennis Honors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Quick Facts General Information School Location Founded/Enrollment Nickname Colors Tennis Facilities Conference Affiliation President Athletics Director Athletics Phone
Eastern Kentucky University Richmond, Ky. 1906/16,515 Colonels Maroon (209) and white Greg Adams Tennis Center (indoor) Coach Tom Higgins Tennis Courts (outdoor) Ohio Valley NCAA Division I Dr. Doug Whitlock Mark Sandy 859-622-2120
Coaching Staff Head Coach Alma Mater Overall Division I Record Office Phone E-mail Fax Graduate Assistant Coach Alma Mater
Rob Oertel Wisconsin-Stout ’86 257-226 (20 seasons – men) 154-131 (12 seasons – women) 859-622-2133 rob.oertel@eku.edu 859-622-8334 Anais Hamel Eastern Kentucky ’10
Athletic Public Relations Tennis Contact Office Phone E-mail Fax Internet
Michael Clark 859-622-6170 michael.clark@eku.edu 859-622-5108 www.EKUSports.com
Mailing Address Athletic Public Relations 521 Lancaster Ave. Alumni Coliseum 115 Richmond, KY 40475
Credits Writing, Editing and Design: Michael Clark, Director of Athletic Public Relations using Adobe InDesign CS5 and Photoshop CS5 Editorial Assistance: Kevin Britton, Simon Gray, Dan McBride, Rob Oertel Photos: Chris Radcliffe, Tim Webb, Eastern
Kentucky University Archives, Ohio Valley Conference, Mark Pearson, Darrell Lovitt Special Thanks: Kevin Britton, Steve Fohl, Simon Gray, Dan McBride, Rob Oertel
Overnight Address Same as above
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Coaching Staff The Ortel File Name: Rob Oertel Hometown: West Allis, Wis. Born: Feb. 5, 1964
Head Coach • 10th Season at EKU
Rob Oertel
Education: Wisconsin-Stout (B.S., Business Administration, 1986) Indiana State (M.S., Physical Education, 1991)
Alma Mater: Wisconsin-Stout, 1986
Collegiate Coaching Experience: Wisconsin-Stout (Head Coach, 1989) Indiana State (Head Coach, 1990-96) Denver (Head Coach, 1997-2000) Eastern Kentucky (Head Coach, 2002-present)
2010, 2009, 2007 OVC Men’s Tennis Coach of the Year 1995 MVC Men’s Tennis Coach of the Year Rob Oertel is entering his 10th season as the head coach for both the men’s and women’s tennis teams at Eastern Kentucky. The last few seasons have been memorable ones for the Colonels as the EKU men earned a berth in the 2010 NCAA championships while the women advanced to the NCAAs in 2009. In his nine years at EKU, Oertel has taken the Colonels from the cellar of the OVC to a consistent contender in the season-ending OVC tournament. He has coached 23 All-OVC players, three OVC Players of the Year, two Academic All-Americans, one OVC Freshman of the Year and one OVC Sportsmanship Award winner while in charge of the Eastern program. Oertel has 20 years experience as a Division I head coach after previously serving four years at Denver and seven at Indiana State. He handled both the men’s and women’s programs at Indiana State during the 1989-90 season as well as at Denver in the 1996-97 campaign and spring of 1999. “One of my primary goals when I took this position was to raise this program to national respectability,” Oertel said. “I can say with great pride that we are now at that level. I hope we can keep building on our achievements.” The University of Denver was a Division II program when Oertel took the helm in 1996. By his fourth season, he lifted the Pioneers to a very competitive status at the Division I level with an overall record of 16-8. Before joining the Pioneer staff at Denver, Oertel recorded an overall record of 95-73 with the Indiana State men’s tennis team. During the 1994-95 season, Oertel guided the Sycamores to a regular season Missouri Valley Conference co-championship and second-place finish in the conference tournament.
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Oertel earned the 1995 MVC Coach of the Year award as ISU finished 18-9 overall with key victories over Tulsa, Purdue, Kansas and Marquette. In addition, Indiana State won its final 12 regular season dual matches to earn a berth in the NCAA team championships. The Sycamores advanced to the final 24 in the 1995 NCAA tournament before falling to Arizona State. A native of West Allis, Wis., Oertel graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in 1986 with a degree in business administration. In 1988, he began his coaching career at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Monroe, Mich., as the assistant coach. Next, he assumed the head coaching reins at his alma mater, WisconsinStout, before moving to Indiana State. In 1991, he earned his master’s of science degree from Indiana State in physical education with an emphasis in sports administration. Oertel has further enhanced his extensive coaching experience by working with players of all ages as a tennis pro in the Fiji Islands, Michigan and Wisconsin. As a collegiate tennis player, Oertel was one of the most decorated athletes to ever play for the Wisconsin-Stout Blue Devils. He became the first tennis player in Blue Devil history to earn AllAmerican honors while also playing on four consecutive conference championship teams. Oertel’s NCAA Division III national ranking peaked at No. 13 in singles and No. 4 in doubles during his senior campaign. In 1996, Oertel was inducted into the Wisconsin-Stout Athletics Hall of Fame.
Oertel’s Division I Career Coaching Record
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Men
Women
Year School Record 1990 Indiana State 13- 10 1991 Indiana State 14- 10 1992 Indiana State 10- 11 1993 Indiana State 15- 9 1994 Indiana State 12- 13 1995 Indiana State 18- 9 1996 Indiana State 13- 11 1997 Denver 7- 7 1998 Denver 4- 16 1999 Denver 5- 14 2000 Denver 16- 8 2002 Eastern Kentucky 10- 13 2003 Eastern Kentucky 14- 10 2004 Eastern Kentucky 12- 13 2005 Eastern Kentucky 11- 16 2006 Eastern Kentucky 11- 15 2007 Eastern Kentucky 18- 11 2008 Eastern Kentucky 16- 12 2009 Eastern Kentucky 18- 9 2010 Eastern Kentucky 18- 9 Totals (20 seasons) 257-226
Year School Record 1990 Indiana State 5- 13 1997 Denver 13- 7 1999 Denver 7- 8 2002 Eastern Kentucky 7- 15 2003 Eastern Kentucky 13- 11 2004 Eastern Kentucky 13- 13 2005 Eastern Kentucky 15- 12 2006 Eastern Kentucky 14- 10 2007 Eastern Kentucky 12- 13 2008 Eastern Kentucky 19- 7 2009 Eastern Kentucky 22- 6 2010 Eastern Kentucky 14- 16 Totals (12 seasons) 154-131
COLONELS
Coaching Staff
The Hamel File Name: Anaïs Hamel Hometown: Tours, France Born: April 13, 1987
Graduate Asst. Coach • 1st Season at EKU
Anais Hamel
Education: Eastern Kentucky (B.S., Economics, 2010, minor in business)
Alma Mater: Eastern Kentucky, 2010 Anais Hamel is in her first year with the Colonel coaching staff after spending the previous two years playing on the EKU tennis team. Hamel served as the 2010 team captain and was a part of the 2009 Ohio Valley Conference championship squad. Now a member of the coaching staff, Hamel is responsible for on-court coaching, handling administrative tasks and executing miscellaneous duties off the court. Hamel is also working towards completing her master’s degree in business administration at EKU. In his two years on the Eastern tennis team, Hamel was a solid contributor on a very deep team. Hamel spent most of her senior season playing No. 4 and No. 5 singles for the Colonels where she posted a team-best 8-1 record against OVC opponents. Off the court, Hamel enjoys traveling, hanging out with friends and listening to music.
Collegiate Coaching Experience: Eastern Kentucky (Grad. Assistant Coach, 2011-present)
The Silver File Name: Rob Silver Hometown: Lexington, Ky. Born: April 18, 1978
Volunteer Asst. Coach • 1st Season at EKU
Rob Silver
Education: Missouri (B.S., History and Broadcast Journalism, 1999) Collegiate Coaching Experience: Eastern Kentucky (Volunteer Assistant Coach, 2011-present)
Alma Mater: Univ. of Missouri, 1999 Rob Silver is in his first season as a volunteer assistant coach for the Eastern Kentucky tennis team. Silver played collegiate tennis at the University of Missouri where he served as team captain in 1997 and 1998. Silver is a certified personal trainer with Heartfit Lexington. In his spare time, he enjoys weight lifting, skiing, reading and spending time with his son, Jeremy.
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Season Outlook
The Eastern Kentucky University men’s tennis team enters the 2011 spring as the overwhelming preseason favorite in the Ohio Valley Conference while the women’s team was picked third. The men’s team has won two consecutive OVC regular season titles and captured the 2010 OVC tournament to earn a spot in the NCAA tournament. EKU has won 17 consecutive regular season league matches dating back to 2008. “Our number one goal is to win the OVC again,” EKU head coach Rob Oertel said. “After we lost at NCAAs last year, we immediately set another goal and that is to win a round at NCAAs. It doesn’t sound like much when you are talking, but it’s huge to be in the final 32 versus [opening round of] 64.” The Colonels are led by the 2010 OVC Player of the Year and three time first team all-conference selection, senior Alex Das. Last year, Das compiled a 24-7 overall mark and went 5-0 in OVC singles matches. There is plenty of quality depth behind Das including juniors Hugo Klientovsky, Philip Janz and Niklas Schroeder. All three players were ranked in the preseason OVC top-10 list. Klientovsky put together an impressive run at the 2010 Southern Fall Intercollegiate Championships hosted by Georgia. The native of Colombe, France notched victories over players from Vanderbilt, Elon and Alabama to reach the quarterfinals of the Division II bracket. Fellow junior Parul Verma was the most impressive Colonel in the fall thanks to posting an overall record of 9-3. He notched three wins on the way to the Flight 2 bracket title at the UTC Steve Baras Classic and also advanced to the finals of the UVA Classic black bracket with three more victories. “We have a veteran core of guys on the team and it shows in our match play,” Oertel said. “We don’t even come close to losing any matches, any sets or any points due to nerves. I don’t know if I’ve ever had a team with this much quality depth.” On the women’s side, only seniors Anouk Faure and Myriem Mhirit remain from the 2009 squad that captured the Ohio Valley Conference title and advanced to the program’s first-ever NCAA tournament. The two seniors helped EKU reach the 2010 OVC championship match, only to fall to Austin Peay.
“Leadership from our seniors is going to be very important to the team this year,” Oertel said. “We will only go as far as their leadership will take us. Even if it doesn’t happen in wins and losses [for Faure and Mhirit], it’s important for them to be vocal leaders.” Sophomore Jessica Albuquerque, freshman Saioa Oscoz and freshman Milena Poffo are three talented young players who are expected to compete for key spots in the starting line-up. Albuquerque spent most of last year at the No. 2 position where she posted an 8-11 record. Albuquerque is potentially the team’s best player, but Oertel believes she still has plenty of room to improve. “There are a lot of unknowns with our women,” Oertel said. “Productive practices and preparation for match days are vital for the success of our team this year.”
The Colonel men’s tennis team earned its first-ever trip to the NCAA tournament in 2010.
Men’s Team Roster Name Alex Das Jan Dombrowski Philip Janz Hugo Klientovsky Joao Maio Emilio Piriz Carles Pons Niklas Schroeder Parul Verma
Ht. 5-11 6-2 5-11 6-3 5-8 5-10 6-2 6-4 5-10
Wt. 155 209 190 180 155 165 160 178 167
Pronunciations Cl. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr.
Hometown Valencia, Spain Witten, Germany Queensland, Australia Colombe, France Porto, Portugal Badajoz, Spain Barcelona, Spain Erwitte, Germany Chandigarh, India
Previous School El Plantio Intl. School of Valencia Brescia University Sunshine Coast Grammar School University Pierre Mendes France Externato Augusto Simoes Colegio Santa Teresa Badajoz Jesus-Maria St. Gervasi Staedtisches Gymnasium Erwitte D.A.V. Model School Sector 15-A
Women’s Team Roster Name Jessica Albuquerque Anouk Faure Esmira Gheisary Myriem Mhirit Sophie O’Neill Saioa Oscoz Milena Poffo
Ht. 5-5 5-2 5-7 5-6 5-4 5-9 5-2
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Cl. So. Sr. So. Sr. Fr. Fr. Fr.
Hometown San Luis, Brazil Versoix, Switzerland Almaty, Kazakhstan Rabat, Morocco Kilmarnock, Scotland Pamplona, Spain Joinville, Brazil
Previous School C.I.E.R. College Rousseau Kimep Intl. Institute for Higher Education Kilmarnock Academy San Fermin Celso Ramos
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Jessica Albuquerque – AL-boo-CARE-key Jan Dombrowski – yahn Esmira Gheisary – ESS-mur-uh gee-SAUR-ee Anouk Faure – ah-NEWK four Hugo Klientovsky – KLI-en-TOV-skee Joao Maio – jah-WOH MAY-oh Myriem Mhirit – muh-HEAR-it Saioa Oscoz – sigh-OH Milena Poffo – muh-LAY-nuh POH-foh Head Coach Rob Oertel – or-TELL Grad. Asst.Anais Hamel – ah-nah-EECE hah-MELL
COLONELS
Player Profiles
5-11 • 155 • Senior
5-11 • 190 • Junior
Alex Das
Philip Janz
Hometown: Valencia, Spain
Hometown: Queensland, Australia
2010 OVC Player of the Year 2008, 2009, 2010 All-OVC first team selection 2010 ESPN the Magazine Academic All-American (third team) 2009-10 OVC Scholar-Athlete Award winner 2008 OVC Freshman of the Year
Janz has a steady all-around game that has no glaring weaknesses … can battle from the baseline or win points at the net … named to the OVC’s preseason top-10 players list … spent most of the 2010 season splitting time between No. 4, No. 5 and No. 6 singles … went 6-0 against OVC opponents last year … finished his sophomore year with nine straight singles wins including a threeset decision at Jacksonville State … played No. 1 doubles with Niklas Schroeder last season … joined the squad in the fall of 2009 … comes from an impressive tennis background in Queensland … he was ranked among the top-100 Australian players in the open division … reached No. 4 in the Queensland under-18 single rankings and No. 5 on the doubles list … also played cricket in high school … enjoys playing video games and following collegiate sports … his tennis goals include breaking into the top half of the starting line-up and helping the team win the OVC title again.
Das should compete for OVC Player of the Year honors once again in 2011 … has the talent to compete with anyone in the nation … plays from the baseline, but mixes his shots extremely well … 2011 team captain … became the first Colonel to win the OVC Men’s Player of the Year award since 1975 … in three years as Eastern’s top player, Das is 17-2 in league matches … went 5-0 against OVC opponents and 10-2 overall at No. 1 singles as a junior … captured two singles titles in the fall of 2009 – the UTC Baras Fall Tennis Classic and the Louisville Winter Invitational … earned a victory over David Bendheim, a nationally-ranked player from Nebraska, at the 2009 Louisville Fall Invite … led EKU with a 17 dual singles victories in 2009 … went 6-0 at No. 1 doubles with Carles Pons as a sophomore … finished 6-1 in OVC singles competition in both 2009 and 2008 … became the first Colonel to ever win the OVC Freshman of the Year award … 2008 team MVP … won 14 of his final 15 singles matches in 2008 … won three matches on the way to the flight ‘A’ finals of the 2007 UTC Fall Tennis Classic … climbed as high as No. 352 in the 2007 Spanish national rankings … was a top-10 national player in the under-14 age group … also played soccer in high school … he enjoys watching soccer, the NBA and going to the movies … he wants to help the Colonels win the OVC title again … after graduating, he hopes to become an airline pilot.
The Janz File Name: Philip Brian Janz Born: June 27, 1990 Parents: Terry and Sue Janz Siblings: Kirstin (26) Major: Psychology
The Das File Name: Alejandro Das Izquierdo Born: Sept. 3, 1987 Parents: Jose Das and Carmen Izquierdo Siblings: Paloma (4) Major: Aviation
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Player Profiles
6-3 • 180 • Junior
5-10 • 165 • Junior
Hugo Klientovsky
Emilio Piriz
Hometown: Colombe, France
Hometown: Badajoz, Spain
2010 All-OVC first team selection
Piriz possesses solid strokes off both wings … provides quality depth to the line-up … will be in the battle for the No. 6 spot in the starting line-up … played in 14 dual matches as a sophomore, mainly at the No. 5 and No. 6 spots … one of seven Colonels to post at least 10 dual victories in 2010 … is 5-0 all-time against OVC competition … earned the decisive point in the 4-3 win over Dayton in 2010 … trailed 5-2 in the first set against Dayton before rattling off 11 of the final 13 games … also picked up the deciding point in the 4-3 victory over Wright State as a freshman thanks to a three-set win at No. 6 singles … reached as high as No. 310 in the Spanish men’s national rankings … he hopes to help the team win the OVC title this year … also played soccer in high school … in his spare time, he likes to travel and meet new people … his favorite hobby is to go to the beach during the summer while listening to Spanish music … his educational goal is to complete his collegiate degree in the United States.
Klientovsky should an impact player towards the top of the line-up in 2011 … likes to attack the net, but possesses a strong all-around game … he will do whatever it takes to get a win … one of his best weapons is his serve … named to the OVC’s preseason top-10 players list … made a run to the quarterfinals of the Division II bracket at the Southern Intercollegiates this past fall … posted victories over opponents from Vanderbilt, Elon and Alabama at the Southern Intercollegiates … finished the 2010 spring season at No. 3 singles where he went 6-1 against OVC competition … concluded the 2010 seeason with nine straight wins at No. 3 doubles with Carles Pons, including an 8-6 victory over Louisville in the NCAA tournament … won the regional tournament of Dauphine-Savoie when he was 17 years old … his hobbies include skiing, soccer and playing video games … he hopes to help EKU reach the NCAA tournament again this spring.
The Klientovsky File Name: Hugo Klientovsky Born: June 3, 1988 Parents: Alexandre and Christine Klientovsky Siblings: Thomas (25) Major: Economics
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The Piriz File Name: Emilio Piriz Born: July 6, 1990 Parents: Emilio Piriz Campos and MaríaTeresa Fernandez Capilla Siblings: None Major: International business
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COLONELS
Player Profiles
6-2 • 160 • Junior
6-4 • 178 • Junior
Carles Pons
Niklas Schroeder
Hometown: Barcelona, Spain
Hometown: Erwitte, Germany
2010 All-OVC second team selection
2010 All-OVC first team selection
Pons has a reliable backhand … volleys surprising well for a clay court player … always seems to be happy out on the court … should be a contributor in the bottom half of the starting lineup … has played anywhere between No. 3 and No. 6 singles in his two years at EKU … went 7-0 in OVC singles matches last year, winning all seven matches in straight sets … concluded the 2010 seeason with nine straight wins at No. 3 doubles with Hugo Klientovsky, including an 8-6 victory over Louisville in the NCAA tournament … as a freshman, clinched the 4-3 win over Jacksonville State thanks to a three-set victory at No. 6 singles … went 5-1 in OVC singles action and 4-0 in doubles with Alex Das in 2009 … also played soccer in high school … enjoys all types of sports, listening to music and traveling … he has his sights set on all-conference accolades for a second consecutive year.
Schroeder is one of the better indoor tennis players on the squad … potentially the best doubles player on the roster… named to the OVC’s preseason top-10 players list … split time between No. 1 and No. 2 singles as a sophomore … should play towards the top of the line-up again in 2011 … tallied a straight-set win at No. 1 singles against Dayton last year, helping the Colonels pull out a 4-3 decision … went 5-2 against OVC competition in 2010 … teamed up with Philip Janz to go 8-5 at No. 1 doubles last year … finished the 2009 campaign at the No. 4 singles position … tied for the team lead with six OVC singles victories as a freshman (6-2) … rallied for a three-set victory in the 2009 Morehead State contest … split time at No. 1 and No. 2 doubles as a freshman … teamed up with Parul Verma to go 5-1 in OVC matches two years ago … played on the same club team as former Colonel Lars Gratzki … also participated on the soccer and badminton teams in high school … in his spare time, he enjoys playing soccer and basketball.
The Pons File Name: Carles Pons Escanilla Born: April 16, 1989 Parents: Miquel Pons and Mercé Escanilla Siblings: Ruth (32) Major: Sports management
The Schroeder File Name: Niklas Schroeder Born: Jan. 8, 1989 Parents: Werner and Barbara Schroeder Siblings: Gerrit (19) Major: Sports management
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Player Profiles
5-10 • 167 • Junior
6-2 • 209 • Sophomore
Parul Verma
Jan Dombrowski
Hometown: Chandigarh, India
Hometown: Witten, Germany
Verma has good touch and feel with the ball … should be in the mix for a starting position … stepped up his game this past fall and posted a team-best record of 9-3 … notched three wins on the way to the Flight 2 bracket title at the 2010 UTC Steve Baras Fall Classic … also advanced to the finals of the UVA Classic black bracket with three more victories … went 6-5 in dual matches last year mainly at No. 5 and No. 6 singles … three of his six wins came in three sets … tied for second on the team with 13 singles dual victories in 2009 … tallied a straight-set victory at No. 5 singles in the 2009 OVC championship match against Jacksonville State … teamed up with Niklas Schroeder to go 5-1 in OVC matches at No. 2 doubles … as a junior, he was ranked No. 10 in the Indian under-18 bracket and No. 2 in the under-16 bracket … played in the Indian Davis Cup under-16 camp … won numerous singles and doubles super series matches … in his spare time, he enjoys listening to country music and hanging out with friends.
Dombrowski joined the Colonel squad this past fall … possesses a good knowledge of the game … might have to improve his game to crack the starting line-up … was the under-16 singles champion and doubles runner-up in his state … played at Brescia University in Owensboro as a freshman … cracked the top-500 German list when he was 16 and played at the German national championships … alos played soccer when he was in high school … his hobbies include listening to music and hanging out with friends … one of his tennis goals is to eventually crack the top-100 German list.
The Verma File Name: Parul Verma Born: Oct. 13, 1990 Parents: Charan Preet Verma and Kiran Verma Siblings: Pavel (22), Pavika (18) Major: Sports management
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The Dombrowski File Name: Jan Hendrik Dombrowski Born: July 2, 1989 Parents: Guenter and Roswitha Dombrowski Siblings: Kai (40) Major: International business
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COLONELS
Player Profiles
Ohio Valley Conference
5-8 • 155 • Freshman
Entering its 63rd year, the Ohio Valley Conference continues to build on the success that has made it the nation’s eighth-oldest NCAA Division I conference. For only the second time in a decade, the Conference expanded by adding Southern Illinois University Edwardsville as the league’s 11th member in 2008. The move expanded the OVC’s geographical footprint to the St. Louis market and marked the first change in membership since expanding to the state of Alabama (Jacksonville State, Samford) in 2003. The 2009-10 school year saw a change in leadership as Beth DeBauche was named the seventh full-time Commissioner in league history on July 28. She is currently one of just five females to be the head of a Division I conference, and one of just eight to lead a Division I conference all-time. The last three commissioners of the OVC have moved onto jobs as the commissioner of the Big Ten, Big 12 and the Mid-American Conferences. The OVC’s proud history past dates back to 1948, but seeds for the new league were actually planted in 1941. It was then that Roy Stewart, the athletics director at Murray State, Charles (Turkey) Hughes, the athletics director at Eastern Kentucky, and Kelly Thompson, the public relations director at Western Kentucky, first broached the idea of forming a new conference. Discussions were put on hold by World War II, but reemerged Feb. 27-28, 1948 at the Kentucky Hotel in Louisville as the three original institutions combined with Morehead State, Louisville and Evansville to form the OVC. Over its 62 years, OVC teams have garnered national championships and bowl games in football, along with national team or individual titles in the sports of rifle, cross country, track and golf. The Ohio Valley Conference sponsors the following sports: baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, tennis and track for men, and basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and volleyball for women. In addition, the OVC also sponsors the combined men’s and women’s sport of rifle.
Joao Maio Hometown: Porto, Portugal Maio joined the EKU team this spring … gives the Colonels some quality depth to the roster … will contend for some playing time … climbed all the way to No. 2 in the Portugal junior rankings and No. 23 in the senior rankings … he is focused on improvement in all aspects of his tennis game … wants to help the Colonels reach another NCAA tournament … also participated in judo in high school … earned six ATP doubles points … in his spare time, he enjoys listening to music, hanging out with friends, working out at the gym and eating good food.
The Maio File Name: Joao Maio Born: Nov. 2, 1991 Parents: Joao and Marganida Maio Siblings: Maria (2) Major: Business
OVC All-Time Member List University of Akron Austin Peay State University East Tennessee State University Eastern Illinois University Eastern Kentucky University University of Evansville Jacksonville State University University of Louisville Marshall University Middle Tennessee State University Morehead State University Murray State University Samford University Southeast Missouri State University Southern Illinois Univ. Edwardsville University of Tennessee at Martin Tennessee State University Tennessee Technological University Western Kentucky University Youngstown State University
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1978-87 1962-present 1957-78 1996-present 1948-present 1948-52 2003-present 1948-49 1948-52 1952-00 1948-present 1948-present 2003-08 1991-present 2008-present 1992-present 1986-present 1949-present 1948-82 1981-88
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Player Profiles
5-2 • Senior
5-6 • Senior
Anouk Faure
Myriem Mhirit
Hometown: Versoix, Switzerland
Hometown: Rabat, Morocco 2010 All-OVC second team selection 2009 All-OVC first team selection
Faure is expected to be one of the true leaders in the Colonel line-up this spring … named to the OVC’s preseason top-10 players list … handles match pressure extremely well … a very mature player … likes to play a baseline game and is strong off both wings … spent most of her junior season at the No. 3 position … won 10 of her final 11 singles matches in 2010 … posted a 7-2 OVC singles record last year … helped EKU advance to the 2010 OVC championship match … split time between No. 4 and No. 5 singles in her first two years on the team … won all nine of her OVC singles matches as a sophomore in straight sets … picked up a straight-set win in the 2009 OVC championship match at No. 5 singles … finished 20-6 in singles dual matches in 2009 … went 12-6 at No. 4 singles as a freshman … went to three sets in 11 matches in 2008 … climbed as high as No. 280 in the Switzerland national rankings … a two-time semifinalist in Geneva’s championships … in her spare time, she enjoys gymnastics, snowboarding, traveling and meeting new people … her tennis goals are to have the best Swiss ranking possible and win another OVC ring.
Mhirit enjoys playing tennis from the baseline and has excellent hand-eye coordination … expected to be one of the top players on the squad in 2011 … was the top EKU player as a junior and posted a 4-3 record against OVC foes … tallied a key win at No. 1 singles against Jacksonville State in the 2010 OVC tournament semifinals … became the first Colonel to reach 30 wins in a season as she finished a combined 31-6 in singles in 2008-09 … put together a 14-match winning streak in the spring of 2009 … won both of her 2009 OVC tournament singles matches in straight sets at No. 3 singles … won two ‘Flight B’ singles titles at Evansville and Cincinnati in the fall of 2008 … spent her freshman year playing No. 4 and No. 5 singles … won nine straight singles matches in the middle of 2008, all in straight sets … won the No. 4 singles match in the 2008 OVC semifinals against TTU’s Kay Ngiam … only played four doubles matches as a freshman … a top-eight player in the Moroccan 18-and-under age group … participated in the 2003 Arabic championships … enjoys traveling, hanging out with friends and going to the beach … she wants to help the Colonels earn another OVC title.
The Faure File Name: Anouk Faure Born: April 29, 1988 Parents: Manuel and Stephanie Faure Siblings: Shannon (15) Major: Fine arts, interior design
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The Mhirit File Name: Myriem Mhirit Born: April 20, 1989 Parents: Abdehatif Mhirit and Assia Tazi Siblings: Ghita (17) Major: Computer science
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COLONELS
Player Profiles
5-5 • Sophomore
5-7 • Sophomore
Jessica Albuquerque
Esmira Gheisary
Hometown: San Luis, Brazil
Hometown: Almaty, Kazakhstan
Albuquerque, in just her second year on the team, is perhaps the best player and ball striker on the team … there is still a lot of room for improvement in her game … won a pair of matches in the consolation round at the 2010 ITA Fall Regionals … played eight matches at No. 1 singles as a freshman and finished 4-4 … tallied a three-set win over Southeast Missouri’s top player … played the final 11 matches at No. 2 singles … picked up a 6-1, 7-6 victory over Morehead State’s Alexandra Rydberg in the 2010 OVC tournament quarterfinals … also played volleyball and table tennis in high school … named best tennis player of the year in Maranhaõ-Brazil five times in a row … ranked among the top 20 singles and doubles players in Brazil’s under-18 age group … in her spare time, she enjoys listening to music and hanging out with friends … her educational goals include graduating from EKU with honors.
Gheisary should compete for a regular spot in the starting lineup as a sophomore … played occasionally as a freshman mainly at the No. 6 position … possesses a good mix of ground strokes … went 3-1 in three-set matches as a freshman … ended her freshman season by winning six of eight matches … reached No. 7 in the 2008 Kazakhstan singles rankings … participated in the 2002 World Junior Championships in Indonesia … also played basketball and ran track in high school … when not playing tennis, she enjoys watching soccer, going to the movies and surfing the internet … she hopes to help the Colonels advance to their second NCAA tournament.
The Albuquerque File Name: Jessica Albuquerque de Brito Born: Dec. 27, 1991 Parents: Sebastiao B. de Brito Filho and Adriana Albuquerque de Brito Siblings: None Major: Psychology
The Gheisary File Name: Esmira Teimurovna Gheisary Born: March 4, 1990 Parents: Teimur and Nailiya Gheisary Siblings: None Major: Business and technology
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Player Profiles
5-4 • Freshman
5-9 • Freshman
Sophie O’Neill
Saioa Oscoz
Hometown: Kilmarnock, Scotland
Hometown: Pamplona, Spain
O’Neill is one of four left-handed players on the squad … will fight for a spot at the bottom of the starting line-up … adds depth to a relatively young team … a little inexperienced in match play format … she reached the top three in Scotland’s junior rankings and No. 53 for all of the United Kingdom … also ran sprints for her high school team … in her spare time, she enjoys hanging out with friends … she hopes to help the Colonels win another OVC championship.
Oscoz is expected to be a solid addition to the middle of the line-up … there is still a lot of potential left in her game … focus at practice will be important to her success as a freshman … relies heavily on her groundstrokes … climbed as high as No. 103 in the Spanish national rankings … twice won the regional tournament to advance to the national junior tournament … also participated in basketball in high school … her hobbies include shopping and hanging out with friends … her tennis goals include improving her game to the best possible level.
The O’Neill File Name: Sophie A. O’Neill Born: Aug. 2, 1992 Parents: Nigel and Patricia O’Neill Siblings: Guy (22) Major: Journalism
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The Oscoz File Name: Saioa Oscoz Born: June 1, 1992 Parents: Peio Oscoz and Yolanda Cob Siblings: Eneko (17), Mikel (16) Major: Chemistry
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COLONELS
Player Profiles
2010 Men’s Tennis Results
5-2 • Freshman
18-9 Overall, 7-0 OVC (1st) Date Jan. 18 Jan. 30 Jan. 30 Feb. 6 Feb. 6 Feb. 12 Feb. 12 Feb. 19 Feb. 20 Feb. 20 Feb. 26 Feb. 28 Mar. 8 Mar. 9 Mar. 10 Mar. 19 Mar. 20 Mar. 27 Mar. 28 Mar. 30 Apr. 2 Apr. 3 Apr. 9 Apr. 10 Apr. 17 Apr. 18 May 15
Milena Poffo Hometown: Joinville, Brazil Poffo joined the squad in the spring of 2011 … has quickly shown she can be one of the top players on the team … can hit a variety of ground strokes and possesses a reliable serve … a very confident player on the court … competed in 10 national championships and 16 regional championships in the last five years … climbed all the way to No. 2 in the Brazilian junior national rankings … won the second biggest tournament in Brazil – The Best of Brazil Masters … also competed in swimming and running in high school … enjoys listening to music and reading in her spare time … her EKU goals include earning a collegiate degree and improving her tennis game.
Opponent at Purdue Southern Illinois Union College vs. #6 Virginia1 at #14 Kentucky Cumberland Univ. Dayton at Xavier Univ. of the Cumberlands Georgetown College at Birmingham-Southern at #28 Alabama at Embry-Riddle at North Florida at Stetson Murray State* Tennessee State* Eastern Illinois* Tennessee Tech* Morehead State* at Austin Peay* vs. SIU Edwardsville2 at Lee at Jacksonville State* vs. Austin Peay3 vs. Tennessee Tech3 at #15 Louisville4
Result 1- 6 L 7- 0 W 5- 1 W 0- 6 L 1- 5 L 6- 1 W 4- 3 W 1- 6 L 6- 0 W 7- 0 W 7- 0 W 0- 7 L 2- 5 L 0- 7 L 0- 7 L 6- 1 W 7- 0 W 5- 2 W 5- 2 W 7- 0 W 6- 1 W 7- 0 W 9- 0 W 7- 0 W 4- 0 W 4- 2 W 0- 4 L
2010 Women’s Tennis Results
The Poffo File Name: Milena Poffo Born: June 2, 1992 Parents: Morcio and Kátia Poffo Siblings: Felipe (19), Camila (16) Major: Apparel design and merchandising
14-16 Overall, 5-4 OVC (5th) Date Jan. 22 Jan. 23 Jan. 29 Jan. 30 Feb. 6 Feb. 6 Feb. 12 Feb. 13 Feb. 20 Feb. 20 Feb. 26 Feb. 28 Mar. 8 Mar. 9 Mar. 10 Mar. 20 Mar. 20 Mar. 23 Mar. 26 Mar. 27 Mar. 28 Mar. 30 Apr. 2 Apr. 3 Apr. 3 Apr. 9 Apr. 10 Apr. 16 Apr. 17 Apr. 18
Opponent at Louisville East Tennessee State #68 Marshall Southern Illinois Akron West Virginia Cumberland Univ. Evansville Univ. of the Cumberlands Georgetown College at Birmingham-Southern at #58 Alabama at Embry-Riddle at #70 North Florida at Stetson Murray State* Tennessee State* at Kentucky Southeast Missouri* Eastern Illinois* Tennessee Tech* Morehead State* at Austin Peay* at UT Martin* vs. SIU Edwardsville2 at Lee at Jacksonville State* vs. Morehead State3 vs. Jacksonville State3 vs. Austin Peay3
Result 0- 7 L 0- 7 L 0- 7 L 4- 3 W 0- 7 L 3- 4 L 7- 0 W 3- 4 L 6- 0 W 7- 0 W 7- 2 W 0- 7 L 3- 4 L 0- 7 L 0- 7 L 5- 2 W 7- 0 W 2- 5 L 6- 1 W 5- 2 W 5- 2 W 3- 4 L 2- 5 L 3- 4 L 6- 0 W 9- 0 W 2- 5 L 4- 1 W 4- 2 W 2- 4 L
1
at Lexington, Ky. ~ 2at Martin, Tenn. OVC tournament at Paducah, Ky. ~ 4NCAA tournament at Louisville, Ky. Boldface denotes a home match ~ Asterisk (*) denotes OVC match 3
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The University
Eastern Kentucky University is known as the Campus Beautiful, and for good reason. The EKU campus is one of the most scenic college campuses in the nation and it features several striking features. From the James E. van Peursem Music Pavilion and the Ravine, to the Chapel of Meditation and the Keen Johnson Building, EKU features some of the most diverse and attractive locales on any college campus anywhere. However strong Eastern Kentucky University’s reputation is for its visual aesthetics, the real character of the University can be found in its students, faculty and staff, and outstanding academic programs. EKU offers more than 160 degree programs and features an excellent 17-1 student-to-faculty ratio. The University serves more than 16,500 students, which represent almost all 120 counties in Kentucky, all 50 states and over 60 countries worldwide. The University, which celebrated its centennial in the spring of 2006, had humble beginnings. EKU’s origins can be traced back to a conflict between the northern and southern branches of Kentucky’s Presbyterian Church. A group of alumni and supporters from the Southern branch lost control of Centre College in Danville and set out to start their own institution of higher learning. From that conflict, Central College was chartered in 1873 and the school opened in September of 1874. Financial problems led to Central College’s consolidation into Centre College in 1901, but Richmond’s place in higher education did not move with Central College. Walters Collegiate Institute offered a preparatory curriculum for college-bound men and served as a transitional institution between Central College and what would become Eastern Kentucky University. In 1906, the Kentucky General Assembly approved a bill that would establish two normal schools in the eastern and western parts of the state in order to prepare teachers to enter the classroom. The eastern school, which was located in Richmond, was called the Eastern Kentucky State Normal School, later evolving into the regional institution now known as Eastern Kentucky University. Modern-day EKU now encompasses three branch campuses in Corbin, Danville and Manchester. The University also boasts one of the state’s strongest distance learning programs, giving students from around the world an opportunity to receive an EKU education. EKU is also home to the College of Justice and Safety, which educates students from around the world. As EKU’s Program of Distinction, the College of Justice and Safety is involved in numerous worldwide research projects. It also educates a vast majority of the law enforcement officers in the Commonwealth. The University also boosts 17 championship sports at the NCAA’s Division I level, competing in the Ohio Valley Conference. The Colonels’ history includes several national championships, conference titles and NCAA Tournament appearances. However, the best is yet to come as the school’s athletic department is committed to ensuring that EKU student-athletes are given the necessary resources to continue to compete at a national level. All told, Eastern Kentucky University provides a safe and attractive environment in which its students can learn and become productive members of society. The lessons learned at EKU will follow students for a lifetime and the performance of its graduates will, in turn, continue to enhance the already strong regional and national reputation of the University.
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COLONELS
City of Richmond Richmond is home to many interesting and convenient activities. Whether it’s arts and entertainment, recreation, or shopping and dining out you are looking for, Richmond has it all. With more than 100 buildings in Richmond on the National Register of Historic Places and three areas on the National Register of Historic Districts, it is one of Kentucky’s finest restored 19th Century commercial districts. Arts and entertainment take center-stage with the Eastern Kentucky University theatre program. They offer several shows each year from classical theatre to modern musicals. Local artistic talents are on display year round at Gallery On Main. This is a perfect showcasing of local talent and an opportunity for community involvement. There is never any lack of recreational activities in Richmond. An array of parks and recreational centers across the city offers something for everyone. Lake Reba Recreational complex includes golf, little league baseball and softball fields, soccer, fishing and a water park which opened in the summer of 2008. If it’s shopping you want, downtown Richmond can accommodate you. Locally owned businesses line the historic streets of downtown Richmond with everything from fine antiquities to exquisite jewelry. There is a wide variety of stores at the brand new Richmond Centre as well. The outdoor mall offers shoppers convenience and style. Dining isn’t hard to find either. Family-owned and major chain restaurants give Richmond a unique variety of menus. Local hot spots include Madison Gardens, which is uniquely Richmond, to restaurants such as Applebee’s, Logan’s Roadhouse, O’Charley’s and Outback Steakhouse. Whatever your pallet craves, Richmond dining offers a variety of tastes made to satisfy. Never far from mainstream, Richmond offers the comforts of simplicity with the convenience of the city. Only 29 miles from Lexington and the Bluegrass Airport, Richmond is easily accessible to all travelers. Interstate 75 is a major artery of both state and national motor transportation. Richmond’s location on I-75 makes it an important factor in making the city a commercial hub. In fact, the ease of travel to and from Richmond makes the city an ideal spot for those who enjoy outdoor activities. Fort Boonesborough State Park is located only 12 miles from EKU’s campus, while Natural Bridge State Park (63 miles) and Cumberland Falls State Park (100 miles) are located nearby. Also within easy driving distance of Richmond are the Kentucky Horse Park, the state capital in Frankfort, Herrington Lake, My Old Kentucky Home at Bardstown, White Hall State Shrine and thoroughbred horse racing at Keeneland.
A Brief Richmond History Richmond was founded in 1798 by Colonel John Miller, a Revolutionary War soldier. In 1798, the Kentucky Legislature authorized the moving of the Madison County seat from nearby Milford to land owned by Colonel Miller. The move was bitterly opposed by about 300 residents of the Milford area and a fight to retain the seat resulted between Dave Kennedy, who represented the Milford location, and William Kearly, who represented the new site. Although history does not record the results of the brawl, the county approved the move in March of 1798 and two acres of land were purchased from Colonel Miller. Court was held in his barn. On July 4, 1798, the site was officially named Richmond in honor of Miller’s birthplace, Richmond, Va. --From www.richmond.ky.us
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Colonel Honors
Men’s Tennis Ohio Valley Conference Championships 1951, 2009, 2010
OVC Player of the Year 1975 2010
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Joe Shaheen Alex Das
All-Conference Players 1963 1966 1967 1968 1975 1983
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1998 2003 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
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Sam Nutty/Lewie Heil (doubles) Lindy Riggins (singles) Mike Jeffries/Tom Davis (doubles) Tom Davis (singles) Joe Shaheen (singles) David Ghanayem (singles), David Ghanayem/Todd Clements (doubles) Jamey Sellars John Kellert Lars Gratzki Florian Kiefer, Lars Gratzki Alex Das, Mel Segota Alex Das Alex Das, Hugo Klientovsky, Carles Pons, Niklas Schroeder
Alex Das
Lars Gratzki
OVC Freshman of the Year 2008
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Alex Das
OVC Sportsmanship Award 2002
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Women’s Tennis
Alvin Cheng
Ohio Valley Conference Championships
OVC Coach of the Year 1966 2007 2009 2010
– – – –
Jack Adams Rob Oertel Rob Oertel Rob Oertel
2009
OVC Player of the Year 1980 1988 1989 2006 2009
Alvin Cheng
– – – – –
Deanna Addis Nikki Wagstaff Nikki Wagstaff Meredith Giles Alexandra Sitnikova
All-Conference Players 1979 1980 1983 1984
– – – –
1987 1988 1989 1990
– – – –
1992 2003 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
– – – – – – –
2010
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Mandy Jackson (singles) Deanna Addis (singles) Susan Wilson (singles) Nikki Wagstaff Claudia Porras (singles), Kristi Spangenberg (singles) Tina Peruzzi (singles) Nikki Wagstaff (singles), Pam Wise (singles) Nikki Wagstaff (singles) Yael Soresman (singles), Samantha Roll (singles), Tina Peruzzi/Samantha Roll (doubles) Amy Scott (singles) Lindsay Herrera Lindsay Herrera, Meredith Giles Meredith Giles Svetlana Pimenova, Lucia Vojtkova Svetlana Pimenova, Alexandra Sitnikova Myriem Mhirit, Svetlana Pimenova, Alexandra Sitnikova Myriem Mhirit
OVC Coach of the Year Myriem Mhirit
EKUSports.com
1992
Alexandra Sitnikova
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Sandy Martin