March 24, 2008
- Big Ten Network: Programming Schedule
- 24 Hawkeyes to Watch
- gohawks.com
- Big Ten Network: Free Hawkeye Video
Complete Release in PDF Format
THIS WEEK — The 49th-ranked University of Iowa men’s tennis team (9-4 overall, 1-1 Big Ten) will return to Big Ten action this week. The Hawkeyes play at No. 14 Michigan, Friday, at 6 p.m. Iowa will play at No. 36 Penn State Sunday at 9 a.m.
SCOUTING MICHIGAN — Michigan is 12-2 overall and undefeated in Big Ten action at 3-0. The Wolverines have defeated eight nationally ranked teams this season. They are coached by Bruce Berque. He is in his fourth season at Michigan.
SCOUTING PENN STATE — Penn State has a record of 6-7 overall and 1-1 in the Big Ten. The Nittany Lions have defeated four nationally ranked teams this season. They are led by second-year coach, Todd Doebler.
THE SERIES — The Wolverines lead the Hawkeyes 42-5 all-time. Last season Iowa fell to Michigan, in Iowa City, 6-1. The Hawkeyes hold the all-time advantage against the Nittany Lions, 10-9. Iowa lost to Penn State last year, 7-0.
LAST TIME OUT — Iowa finished 3-1 on its spring trip. The Hawkeyes initially defeated Lamar, 6-1. Iowa then competed at the Rice Invite, falling to No. 17 Rice and defeating No. 67 San Diego and No. 72 Middle Tennessee State.
IN THE RANKINGS — Iowa is ranked No. 49. Rankings are produced by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA). They are released every Wednesday and can be found at collegetennisonline.com.
BIG TEN TOURNAMENT — The University of Iowa will be hosting this year’s Big Ten Tournament, April 24-27. 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 294-303 (.493). 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 — “Michigan and Penn State are two very strong teams. We feel like we are prepared after a very successful spring trip.”
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