April 13, 2010
- Iowa and the Big Ten Network
- Big Ten Network: Free Hawkeye Video
- 24 Hawkeyes to Watch (2009-10 season)
- Download your Iowa Hawkeye iPhone app!
Complete Release in PDF Format
THIS WEEK
The 72nd-ranked University of Iowa men’s tennis team returns to Iowa City this weekend. Iowa, 10-7 overall and 2-4 in conference play, hosts Big Ten rivals Wisconsin and Northwestern this weekend. The Hawkeyes, 4-1 at home, host the Badgers Friday at noon and then face the Wildcats Sunday at noon. Both matches will be held at the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex. Admission is free.
SCOUTING THE OPPONENTS
Wisconsin, ranked 32nd nationally, is 15-6 overall and 4-2 in conference play. They are in fourth place in the Big Ten. The Badgers are led by fifth year Head Coach Greg Van Emburgh. Northwestern, ranked 53rd nationally, is 9-10 overall and 1-5 in Big Ten action. They are in 10th place. The Wildcats are coached by Arvid Swan. Swan is in his third season.
THE SERIES
Iowa is 31-60-2 all-time against Wisconsin and is 24-55 against Northwestern. The Hawkeyes fell at Wisconsin (5-2) and at Northwestern last season (4-3).
LAST TIME OUT
The Hawkeyes lost at No. 41 Indiana Saturday, 6-1. Iowa traveled to No. 13 Illinois Sunday, losing 7-0.
MATCH NOTE
The Hawkeyes have played 18 matches this season and hold a record of 10-7. Iowa’s match against Sacramento State was protested. ITA determined that neither team would receive a win or a loss due to the illegality of Sacramento State’s lineup. While neither squad earned a win or a loss, all individual results still count.
IN THE RANKINGS
Iowa is ranked No. 72 in the current ITA team rankings. Nine of the 11 Big Ten schools are nationally ranked. Iowa is ranked fourth in the latest central region rankings. In addition, sophomore Marc Bruche is the 15th-ranked singles player in the central region. Rankings can be found at itatennis.com.
HEAD COACH Steve Houghton
Steve Houghton, the dean of Big Ten coaches, is in his 29th year as head coach of the Hawkeyes. He has compiled a career record of 320-325 (.498), recording the most wins of any coach in Iowa men’s tennis history. Houghton recorded his 300th win at Indiana State Feb. 6, 2009. His best season came in 1984 when Iowa won a school record 21 matches and two Hawkeyes earned all-Big Ten honors. In 1989, Houghton was named NCAA Region IV Coach of the Year and picked up his 100th career dual win. 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.