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IOWA CITY, Iowa — The Big Ten Conference announced its 2019 All-Big Ten Men’s Tennis teams on Thursday, which included University of Iowa junior Kareem Allaf. Allaf was recognized on the second team, becoming Iowa’s 22nd all-conference honoree. Allaf is the third Hawkeye in five years to earn all-conference recognition (Matt Hagan in 2015; Josh Silverstein in 2017).
Allaf posted 10 of his 11 singles wins at No. 1 this spring. Dating back to fall competition, Allaf won four matches against ranked opponents. In doubles, Allaf registered 15 wins with partner Jonas Larsen, including a 5-2 record against Big Ten competition. In the fall, Allaf became the third Hawkeye in school history to capture the ITA Central Regional championship after winning six consecutive singles matches.
Allaf, who has amassed 64 career singles and 51 career doubles wins, led the Hawkeyes to their most successful season under Mellecker Family head coach Ross Wilson. Iowa recorded victories over three ranked Big Ten teams (No. 18 Minnesota, No. 19 Michigan, and No. 30 Penn State) and won a team-best 14 matches at home.
The Big Ten also recognized 12 Sportsmanship Award honorees. The student-athletes chosen are individuals who have distinguished themselves through sportsmanship and ethical behavior. These student-athletes must also be in good academic standing and have demonstrated good citizenship outside of the sports-competition setting. Larsen was honored as the Hawkeyes’ men’s tennis sportsmanship honoree.
During Larsen’s four-year collegiate career, Iowa has won 59 team victories, a total that ties for fifth most in program history. The Hawkeye senior has captured 62 doubles wins in his career, which ranks seventh all-time in school history.
Allaf, Larsen, and the Hawkeyes open Big Ten Tournament competition today as the sixth seed. Iowa will face 11th-seeded Nebraska at 1 a.m. (CT) at the Michigan Victory Tennis Center on the campus of the University of Michigan.
