Alabama Varsity Outlasts Alumni in Annual Match
11/7/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
TUSCALOOSA, Ala.- The University of Alabama men's tennis team invites its alumni back to the Capstone every year to challenge the varsity in a dual match. This year, the 2008 squad played against some of the best players in Alabama tennis history and came out on top, 32-16.
"It's always a pleasure to have our alumni back on campus for various events," said Alabama head coach Billy Pate. "With such a talented and diverse group of individuals, we have had a rich history of achievement with our men's tennis program. Our graduates have gone on to successful careers in different parts of the United States and around the world so it means a great deal to our current players to have them visit and enjoy the tremendous growth our university has experienced the past few years."
The varsity and alumni teamed up to play four pro-set doubles matches. The cumulative score of the four matches was taken to determine the winner.
Alabama's Daniel Buikema and Mathieu Thibaudeau teamed up against former All-American Max Belski and William Boyles with the varsity outlasting the alumni 8-6. Belski and Boyles were both a part of the 2003 Sweet 16 team.
The Tide's Javier Bes and Sammy Struyf defeated John Isern and former All-American and SEC champion John Stimpson, 8-2. Isern was also a part of the 2003 Sweet 16 team and Stimpson is one of the most decorated players in Alabama history. A 1990 graduate, Stimpson was a singles and doubles All-American in 1990, an SEC singles champion and ranked as high as 179 in the ITF rankings.
Andrew Felsenthal and Trey Walston paired up to defeat Joseph Jung and Tom Givan, 8-6, in their match. Jung, a 2007 graduate, was a 2006 NCAA singles qualifier and helped lead his team to the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2007, while Givan was a member of the 2003 NCAA squad.
In the final match of the day, Jordie Kindervater and Saketh Myneni teamed up to defeat the Swedish duo of Hans Carlsson and Stefan Olsson, 8-2. Carlsson along with three-time SEC selection Olsson qualified for the 1981 NCAA doubles tournament.
The match was the last chance for competition for the Tide until the dual match season starts on Thursday, January 10 at noon against Hawaii in Honolulu, Hawaii.
For more information on Alabama men's tennis, visit www.rolltide.com.
