Jan. 23, 2008
Complete Release in PDF Format
THIS WEEK — The University of Iowa men’s tennis team will open the spring season Saturday with a home dual meet against the Northern Illinois Huskies. The meet will begin at 3 p.m. at the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Center. Admission is free.
SCOUTING NORTHERN ILLINOIS — Northern Illinois, 1-0 overall, defeated IUPUI (6-1) to open its spring season. They are coached by Pontus Hiort.
THE SERIES — The Hawkeyes defeated Northern Illinois (5-2), on Jan. 28, 2007, in Iowa City. Iowa leads the series 28-5.
LAST TIME OUT– The Hawkeye men’s tennis team closed the fall season at the Big Ten Singles tournament. Iowa had a very successful tourney as three of the eight players remaining on the final day were Hawkeyes. Seventh-seeded Bart van Monsjou finished second in the main draw. Along the way, van Monsjou claimed five victories, two coming over the fourth and fifth-seeded players. Van Monsjou’s second place finish is the highest for a Hawkeye since Tyler Cleveland won the event in 2000. Additionally, in the consolation bracket, Haal advanced to the semifinals before falling to the eventual champion. Ritchie also won in the semifinals before losing.
BIG TEN TOURNAMENT– The University of Iowa will be hosting this year’s Big Ten Tournament in April. The tournament will be held at the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex (indoor) and the Klotz Outdoor Courts.
HEAD COACH Steve Houghton — Steve Houghton, the dean of Big Ten tennis coaches, is in his 27th season as head coach of the Hawkeyes. Houghton has a career record of 285-299 (.488). His best season came in 1984 when Iowa won a school record 21 matches and two Hawkeyes earned all-Big Ten honors. Four of Houghton’s athletes have also been selected Big Ten Sportsman of the Year. He became the winningest coach in Iowa tennis history in 1992 and is a member of the Iowa Tennis Hall of Fame. While playing at Iowa, Houghton had a career winning percentage of .727 (40-15), second best in Iowa history.
QUOTING COACH HOUGHTON — “We had an excellent fall season and we look forward to starting strong in the spring.”
Click HERE for the Big Ten Network home page.