1999-2000 Mens Tennis Media Guide

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MIDDLEMIDDLE TENNESSEETENNESSEE 1999-2000 MENS TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa TABLE OF CONTENTS MIDDLE TENNESSEE MEDIA RELATIONS Quick Facts ...... 1 Media Relations Director ...... Mark Owens Roster/Schedule ...... 2 Asst. Media Relations Director ...... Ryan Simmons/Brian Albertson Tennis Contact: ...... Chad R. Wood Coaching Staff Media Relations Phone ...... 615-904-8115 Head Coach Dale Short ...... 3 Media Relations Fax ...... 615-898-5626 Assistants Jullius Robberts/Buck Boldin ...... 3 Wood at home ...... 615-848-1616 Secretary ...... Shellie Davis 2000 Blue Raiders e-mail: ...... [email protected] 1999-2000 Outlook/Team Photo ...... 4 Web Site ...... www.GoBlueRaiders.com Mehdi Belbacha/Michael Chamberlain/Oliver Foreman...... 5 Robbert Gustafsson/Belal Hamadeh/Dustin Kane ...... 6 Credits: The 1999-2000 Middle Tennessee Men's Tennis guide is a publica- Olle Nystrom/Mark Pellerin/Daniel Klemetz/Sean Bowen ...... 7 tion of the Middle Tennessee Athletic Media Relations office. This year’s guide was written, designed, and edited by Chad R. Wood. Editorial assistance 1999 In Review provided by MT media relations staff. For additional information regarding the 1998-99 Season in Review...... 8 1999-2000 men’s and womens tennis teams, contact Chad Wood at 615-904- Results ...... 8 8115. 1999 Statistics ...... 9 Cover: The 1999-2000 tennis team poses with their Cessna 404, which Blue Raider Honor Roll they use to travel to tournaments and matches across the country. Middle Blue Raider History ...... 10 Tennessee is one of only a few universities with its own fleet of planes. NCAA Championships ...... 11-12 See page 21 for more about the Blue Raider Air Force. Blue Raiders in the Final National Rankings ...... 12 All-Time Letterwinners ...... 13 Printing: Printing of the 1998 Men's Tennis guide was done by Ambrose Print- ing Co. in Nashville, TN. Middle Tennessee State The University ...... 14 Photography: All photographs were taken by MTSU Photographic Services Athletic Director Lee Fowler ...... 15 and Herman King. President Dr. James Walker ...... 16 Academic Center ...... 17 Weight Room...... 18 The Middle Tennessee Area: Murfreesboro/Nashville ...... 19 Blue Raider Tennis on the Web Raider Air Force/Tennis Complex ...... 20 Information on Blue Raider Tennis can be accessed 24 hours a day at the Middle Tennes- Blue Raider Traditions ...... 21 see athletic web site. Results, releases, schedules and player bios can be found by visiting www.GoBlueRaiders.com. Up-to-date information on all of Middle Tennessee’s QUICK FACTS athletic teams are available by logging on to the official home of Blue Raider athletics. General Information Location ...... Murfreesboro, TN Founded ...... 1911 Enrollment ...... 18,933 Nickname ...... Blue Raiders Colors...... Royal Blue, White, and Silver Conference ...... Ohio Valley Affiliation ...... NCAA Division I President ...... Dr. James E. Walker Faculty Representative ...... Race Bergmann Athletic Director ...... Lee Fowler Tennis Information Head Coach ...... Dale Short (Middle Tennessee, 1980) Record at MT ...... 204-116 (78-6 OVC) Indoor Facility ...... The Racquet Club of Murfreesboro Outdoor Facility ...... Blue Raider Tennis Complex 1999 Record ...... 14-15 1999 OVC Record/Finish ...... 8-1/2nd Lettermen Returing/Lost ...... 8/2 Newcomers ...... 2 Assistant Coachs ...... Jullius Robberts/Buck Bouldin Secretary...... Linda Guffey Media Relations Contact ...... Chad R. Wood Trainer ...... Bobby Barlow Athletics Phone ...... 615-898-2450 Media Relations Fax ...... 615-898-5626 Short has the 1999-2000 Blue Raiders poised to return to the elite in Web Site ...... www.GoBlue Raiders.com the nation and a trip to the NCAA Championships. ------1 ROSTERROSTER///SCHEDULESCHEDULE aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa NAME HT WT CL LT HOMETOWN/PREVIOUS SCHOOL Sean Bowen 5-10 150 So. 0 Little Falls, Minnesota (Little Falls) Mehdi Belbacha 5-10 150 So. 1 Casablanca, Morocco (De La Cardieskolan) Michael Chamberlain 5-8 155 Fr. 1 Memphis, Tennessee (Christian Brothers) Oliver Foreman 6-0 150 Fr. 1 Eastbourne, East Sussex (St. Bedes) Robert Gustafsson 6-7 170 So. 1 Saffle, Sweden (De La Gardiskolan) Belal Hamadeh 5-9 145 Jr. 2 Memphis, Tennessee (Christian Brothers) Dustin Kane 6-1 150 Fr. 1 East Ridge, Tennessee (East Ridge) Daniel Klemetz 6-2 180 Fr. 0 Vanersborg, Sweden (De La Gardiskolan) Olle Nystrom 6-2 185 So. 1 Lopperyd, Sweden (Sandagynasium) Mark Pellerin 5-11 155 So. 2 Lenoxville, Canada (Alexander Galt)

Head Coach: Dale Short (Middle Tennessee '80) Assistant Coach: Julius Robberts Record: 204-116 (12 years) Assistant Coach: Buck Bouldin Captains: Mark Pellerin & Michael Chamberlain

1999-2000 Schedule Lettermen Returning (8) 1999-2000 Schedule Mehdi Belbacha: 5-10, 150, So. Casablanca, Morocco (S: 15-7, D:16-11) Michael Chamberlain: 5-8, 155, So. Memphis, TN. (S:18-7, D:11-15) 1999 Fall Schedule Oliver Foreman: 6-0, 150, So. Eastbourne, E. Sussex (S:16-16, D:12-10) Date Tournament Site Time Robbert Gustafsson: 6-7, 206, So. Saffle, Sweden (S: 14-8, D: 9-9) Sept. 10-11 13th Annual Pro-Am Murfreesboro All Day Belal Hamadeh: 5-9, 160, Jr. Memphis, TN (Did not play in 1999) Sept. 17-19 National Clay Courts Baltimore, MD All Day Dustin Kane: 6-1, 150, So. East Ridge, TN. (S: 2-3, D: 3-1) Sept. 22-24 Middle Tennessee Fall Classic Murfreesboro All Day Olle Nystrom: 6-2, 180, So. Lopperyd, Sweden (S:10-10; D: 9-12) Oct. 7-10 Southern Intercollegiates Athens, GA All Day Mark Pellerin: 5-11, 155, Jr. Lenoxville, Canada (S; 17-13, D: 25-11) Oct. 8-10 Louisville Invitational Louisville, KY All Day Oct. 9-18 All-American Championships Austin, TX All Day Lettermen Lost (2) Oct. 22-29 USC Fall Classic Columbia, SC All Day Matt Walker: 6-2, 165, Jackson, TN (S:5-19, D: 12-17) Shane Podbury: 5-9, 154, Melbourne, Australia (S: 8-6, D: 2-7) Nov. 4-7 Region III National Indoor Athens, GA All Day Newcomers (2) 2000 Spring Schedule Daniel Klementz: 6-0, 180, Fr. Vanersborg, Sweden Date Tournament Site Time Sean Bowen: 5-7, 140, Fr. Little Falls, MN Jan. 21-23 UTC, Memphis, Troy St. The Racquet Club TBA Jan. 28-30 Louisville, Kansas, Minnesota Louisville, KY TBA MT OVC Feb. 3 Georgia Tech Atlanta, GA 2 pm MT OVC Feb. 13 Mississippi State Starkville, MS 1 pm CHAMPIONSHIPS Feb. 19 Mississippi Oxford, MS 1 pm Year Head Coach Feb. 27 Belmont, Austin Peay* Murfreesboro 9 am/2:30 pm 1976 Clyde Skithwick Mar. 3-5 HEB Invitational Corpus Christi, TX All Day 1979 Dick LaLance (Ball St., Boise St., Michigan St., Minnesota, 1991 Dale Short New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas Tech TCU, Tulane, 1992 Dale Short Tulsa, UNLV, USA, USL, Washington, William & Mary) 1993 Dale Short 1994 Dale Short Mar. 11-12 Old Dominion Invitational Norfolk, VA All Day 1995 Dale Short (Brown, NC State, Old Dominion, Virginia, VCU, UAB, William & Mary) 1996 Dale Short Mar. 23 Vanderbilt Nashville 2 pm 1997 Dale Short Mar. 30 South Alabama Murfreesboro 2 pm 1998 Dale Short Apr. 1 Southwest Louisiana Murfreesboro 2 pm Apr. 2 Eastern Illinois*/Georgia State Murfreesboro 9 am/ 2pm Apr. 11 UAB Birmingham, AL 2 pm MT NCAA TOURNAMENT Apr. 16 Morehead State* Murfreesboro 9 am Apr. 16 Eastern Kentucky* Murfreesboro 2 pm APPEARANCES Apr. 18 Tennessee Tech* Murfreesboro 2pm Year Head Coach Apr. 18 Tennessee State* Murfreesboro 7 pm 1996 Dale Short Apr. 20-22 OVC Tournament Nashville TBA 1997 Dale Short May 12-14 NCAA Regionals TBA TBA 1998 Dale Short *OVC Matches ------2 COACHINGCOACHING STAFFSTAFF aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Short is a graduate of Middle Tennessee by picking up his 200th victory as a head coach where he was an All-OVC tennis player in both in a win over Tennessee State during the 1999 Dale 1979 and 1980 and was named OVC Player of season. Short’s career win total now stands at SHORT the Year in 1980. When the OVC celebrated its 204 with a win percentage of .637. 40th anniversary in 1988, he was named to the Short’s family was named Florida's Ten- league's all-time tennis team. He was nation- nis Family of the Year in 1983. His grandfa- Head Coach Head Dale Short begins his 13th ally ranked as both a junior player and colle- ther, Gene, has won more than 20 national year as head coach of the gian. senior titles, men's tennis team. Under his tutelage, the A versatile while his late tennis program (men's and women's) has made s Short has compiled an astounding athlete, Short was stepmother steady progression in national recognition as state champion in 78-6 record in OVC play at Middle was a two- one of the premier programs in the region. cross-country and Tennessee time world Short led the Middle Tennessee men’s finished sixth na- junior cham- program to 8 consecutive Ohio Valley Confer- tionally while a senior at Murfreesboro’s Oak- pion and was ranked among the top-five play- ence championships from 1991 to 1998. The land High School, where he graduated in 1976. ers in the world professionally at one time. Lady Raiders had three titles in his five years Short is the director of Tennessee Junior Dale is married to the former Ava Florida, as the women’s coach. Since coming to Middle Qualifying Championships. He has served on a former Oakland High homecoming queen. Tennessee in 1988, Short has led the Blue the Tennessee Tennis Association Junior Com- They have two children, Trevor and Britni. Raiders and Lady Raiders to a combined eleven mittee and currenlty is a member of the NCAA OVC Championships and three NCAA tourna- Division I Men's Tennis Regional Advisory and ment appearances. Assistant Coaches Selection Committee. Short is also a member He has tutored three All-Americans and of the NCAA Region III advisory committee. one Region III Senior Player-of-the-Year. He Julius Robberts Short also reached a coaching milestone has had 46 individuals earn All-OVC honors including ALL SIX starters from the 1997 team. Short’s Career Record Julius Robberts begins his Eight of his players have been named OVC second season as the 1999 Middle Tennessee ...... 14-15 Player of the Year. Blue Raiders top assis- 1998* Middle Tennessee ...... 14-11 tant coach after a standout Short has taken a tennis program that 1997** Middle Tennessee ...... 24-5 had been traditionally solid and developed one 1996** Middle Tennessee ...... 24-5 career with Middle Ten- 1995** Middle Tennessee ...... 17-10 nessee. Robberts was voted to the All-OVC that has drawn consistent regional and na- 1994* Middle Tennessee ...... 16-11 team four straight years, also being named tional attention, annually playing schedules 1993* Middle Tennessee ...... 20-8 Middle Tennessee's Male Athlete of the Year that send his players against top-flight compe- 1992* Middle Tennessee ...... 14-13 in 1996. He teamed with David McNamara in tition. 1991* Middle Tennessee ...... 20-8 1990 Middle Tennessee ...... 16-8 1997 to win Middle Tennessee’s only national The benefits of his scheduling are evi- 1989 Middle Tennessee ...... 14-10 title claiming the All-American Hardcourt Cham- denced by the strong push the Blue Raiders 1988 Middle Tennessee ...... 11-12 pionships, one of the three Collegiate Grand have made in the rankings both individually Overall Record: ...... 204-116(.637) OVC Record: ...... 78-6 (.929) Slam events. and as a team. The Blue Raiders were the *OVC Championship number-two seed in the NCAA Region III tour- **NCAA Regional Buck Bouldin nament in two of the past three seasons. In 1997, a school record four individual players Short Era Buck Bouldin begins his earned berths in the NCAA Tournament with ◊ Has led Middle Tennessee to three NCAA tour- second year as assistant nament appearances in the ‘90s (96, 97, & 98) Fred Niemeyer obtaining the second seed in coach for the Blue Raid- ◊ Middle Tennessee has placed individuals in the singles. The team reached its highest ranking last six of seven NCAA Championships. ers. Bouldin returns to the ever at fourth in the nation at one point during Middle Tennessee tennis ◊ The Short-led Raiders are 78-6 (.929) in OVC the 1997 season. matches during his 12 seasons. program after serving as its head coach from Four times during his tenure, Short has ◊ Middle Tennessee has lost only one conference 1965-1971. Bouldin was named OVC Coach had doubles teams ranked in the top 10 in the match since 1992. of the Year in 1965 and 1968. He coached country. The doubles tandem of David ◊ Coached three all-Americans Middle Tennessee to two second place OVC finishes. McNamara and Julius Robberts gave the school ◊ Coached 41 earning all-OVC honors Bouldin graduated, played, and coached its first tennis national title claiming the 1997 ◊ Coached one ITA Region III Player of the Year Assistant ITA Reebok All-American. at Washington and Lee University. He is also ◊ 1997 ITA Region III Coach of the Year a well respected lawyer in the mid-state and ◊ Seven-time OVC Coach of the Year has practiced since 1951. ------UUU 3 19991999---20002000 PREVIEWPREVIEW aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Excuse this year’s tennis team if they seem a little angry. So what has gotten the Blue Raiders in such a bad mood? Eight consecutive OVC Championships, a 45-match conference win streak, and three straight years at the NCAA Tournament all came to an end in the final match of the 1998- 99 season. Disappointment was not the word to descibe the young team’s performance last year. They’re just plain mad, and it has left the team with a bitter taste and hungry for the upcoming season. The 1999 Blue Raiders lost four matches to ranked opponents of which they had match point on, including number three Mississippi State. “We just need to win some of the close ones early in the season to breed more confidence”, commented head coach Dale Short. Being so close in so many matches, there is a sense that the teams return to theTop 50 1999-2000 Blue Raiders - Front (L-R) Belal Hamadeh, Mehdi Belbacha, Oliver Foreman, Mark Pellerin, Sean in the country is near, which has created ex- Bowen, Michael Chamberlain. Back (L-R) Buck Bouldin, Julius Robberts, Dustin Kane, Daniel Klemetz, Olle citement, anticipation and a hard work ethic Nystrom, Robbert Gustafsson, Dale Short during the summer. the team’s wins during the 1999 season. rankings. It will depend on who stays disci- Since the end of the season, most of the Four of Middle Tennessee’s all-OVC per- plined and the character of the guys. The players have spent the summer training and formers return and are likely to have a huge talent is their.” playing tournaments to prepare for this year’s impact on the Blue Raiders success. Robert Another advantage for the Blue Raiders campaign, and Short sees this as a good Gustaffson , Michael Chamberlain, Oliver Fore- is going to be the indoor facility. During the off- indication that the team will work hard to return man, and Mark Pellerin, who earned all-OVC season, Middle Tennessee and The Raquet to championship form. “They have worked honors last season, return to give the Blue Club of Murfreesboro came to terms with an hard this summer and I hope that translates Raiders a solid group of starters. agreement that will allow the tennis team prior- into success this year.” Any of those four could see action in the ity access to the facility at all times. Expectations will again be high this year top part of the line-up. Olle Nystrom and This will be a huge improvement for the for Short’s unit and that is just fine with him, “I’m freshman Daniel Klemtz could also challenge Blue Raiders practice schedule, especially dur- cautiously optimistic. I feel very good about for the upper half of the lineup. ing the winter months. Short is very excited the guys that we have returning. We have a Short is very high on Klemtz ability, “Daniel about the opportunities the indoor facility will chance to be a very good team, but that will is one of the top four or five recruits we have provide. “We will be able to practice at a much depend on how well we gel and ever landed at Middle Tennessee. I ex- higher level and it will help us to have a more our increased maturity level pect him to make an immediate impact.” structured practice.” and discipline. I expect the Short also expects Mehdi Belbacha, guys to come back with a the 1999 team MVP to provide team SCHEDULE better attitude and work leadership. “His attitude and de- Once again, Middle Tennessee will play ethic than last year.” meanor tends to have an influence one of the toughest schedules in the region. Short also said on the rest of the team on and off the The Blue Raider tennis team will play in that, “It’s realistic that court. He has the capability to be a the traditionally difficult HEB Invitational and we could return back to true team leader.” Old Dominion Invitational, which feature some the Top 50 in the coun- With several players competing of the nations top programs. The Blue Raiders try with an outside for the first two or three seeds, could face highly-ranked programs Washing- chance at the Top 25.” Short feels the teams depth will be ton, Baylor, TCU, Clemson, Oklahoma State, However, the 2000 the number one advantage that the Colorado, North Carolina State, and Old Do- squad will still be fairly Blue Raiders will have this season. minion. young with only two jun- That competition should result Middle Tennessee will take on perrenial iors, six sophomores and in individual rankings. With a very powers Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Georgia two freshman. Short feels talented but young team, consis- Tech and Kansas away from the confines of his young players are the tency and maturity will play a large Murfreesboro. Other opponents on the Blue future of the program, but the role in individual player’s opportuni- Raider schedule that finished ranked in 1999 future may be now. Last ties to break into the national are UAB and Vanderbilt. South Alabama, year, the six freshmen ac- Olle Nystrom will be looked on to provide rankings. Short said, “Two or three Georgia State, Lousiana-Lafayette are the top counted for 65 percent of strength in the upper half of the line-up. guys could end up in the individual programs that visit Murfreesboro. ------4 PLAYERPLAYER PROFILESPROFILES aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Mehdi Michael Oliver BELBECHA CHAMBERLAIN FOREMAN

5-10 • 155 • So. • 5-8 • 155 • So. • Memphis, TN 6-0 • 170 • So. • Eastbourne, E. Sussex Casablanca,Morocco

Joined the Middle Ten- Returns for sophomore Great athlete with a world nessee program in Janu- season after leading the of talent...Has a huge ary of 1999...Got off to a slow start due to his Blue Raiders in win percentage in forehand and classic groundstrokes...Due to exclusive clay court experience in the 1999...Came on very strong at the end of last high risk game could see action anywhere in past...Has the right focus and attitude...Earned year...Will become a regular starter after be- the line-up...Tends to be eratic and with im- ing a part-time starter last season...Excellent team MVP last season...Has the ability to play proved consistency could be one of the top doubles player and will be one of the top start- players in country. with anyone in the country...Has a very good ers in doubles play...Very good chance to be- forehand and volleys well...Looks to improve come nationally ranked in doubles...Volleys 1998-99 (Freshman) on backhand and mental toughness...Will be well and good work ethic...Could compete on zOne of three freshmen to earned All-OVC honorsz looked on to provide leadership...Will battle for a national level with improved serve and Fall: 5-6 record in singles...Placed third at starting position in the upper half of the line- groundstroke play. up...Potential to be nationally ranked. Kentucky Invitational...Fifth in Middle Tennes- 1998-99 (Freshman) see Fall Classic in a 64-man field...Also posted 1998-99 (Freshman) zOne of three freshmen to earn All-OVC honorsz a 5-6 record in doubles playing with Nystrom z1999 Team MVPz Fall: Saw a great amount of playing time post- and Pellerin Fall: Did not compete during the fall season. ing a 7-4 record, which helped him to carry • over confidence into the spring...Placed sec- Spring: Second on the team with 11 wins Spring: Recorded third highest singles win ond at the Middle Tennessee Fall during the spring...Defeated Mississippi State’s Classic...Third at the Louisville Inv- Jeremy Bayon, who was ranked percentage on the team (.682)...15-7 overall itational...Teamed with Mark Pellerin to post a singles record...Played every seed except the 75th...Finished season with 16 wins and 16 4-3 doubles record...Placed second at Fall losses...Compiled an overall record of 14-13 one seed...Finished with a 5-1 OVC Classic. record...Had a 4-0 tiebreak record...Won 16 in doubles play, 9-7 during the spring. of his 27 doubles matches...Teamed with Mark Spring: Posted an 11-3 record in singles play- Pellerin going a team best 7-2. ing primarily as the Blue Raiders sixth High School: Attended St. Bedes High seed...Led the team in win percentage at .720 School...IAPS Champion in 1993...Also played High School: Attended Ollston High school and wins...Won eight matches in doubles soccer, cricket, and golf in Delroy Beach, FL...Attended ITA Tennis play...Recorded overall record of 18-7, which Academy...Competed in the US Open and also led the team. Personal: Plans to play tennis professionally French Open Juniors...Semifinalist in Den- after college...Wellness and exercise science mark and Quarterfinalist in Germany High School: Lettered four years while play- major...Other sports of interest are golf and ing three standout seasons at Christian Broth- Tournaments...Junior ranking of 39 in singles soccer...Born on March 3, 1980...Son of ers and one with Aquinas...Did not lose a Michael and Stephanie Foreman and doubles. match for two years...Earned trips to the TSSAA State Tournament twice...Played in the Personal: Undecided on a major...Plans to Pizzy Cup with some of Australia’s top play professionally following college...Also players...Awarded Steven Ryan Award for enjoys playing basketball and soccer...Born best of preps in Perth , WA...Served as team September 3, 1980. captain...Also lettered in golf.

Personal: A finance major, Michael plans to earn his degree and establish a business and residence in Australia...Born May 9, 1980...Son of Phil Ginger Chamberlain...Father played at Memphis and became Memphis’ head coach in January ‘99. Belbacha’s Career Stats Chamberlain’s Career Stats Foreman’s Career Stats

SINGLES SINGLES SINGLES Season Dual Tour. OVC Total Pct. Season Dual Tour. OVC Total Pct. Season Dual Tour. OVC Total Pct. 1998-99 15-7 0-0 5-1 15-7 .682 1998-99 11-3 7-4 7-0 18-7 .720 1998-99 11-10 5-6 4-1 16-16 .500 Totals 15-7 0-0 5-1 15-7 .682 Totals 11-3 7-4 7-0 18-7 .720 Totals 11-10 5-6 4-1 16-16 .500

DOUBLES DOUBLES DOUBLES Season Dual Tour. OVC Total Pct. Season Dual Tour. OVC Total Pct. Season Dual Tour. OVC Total Pct. 1998-99 16-11 0-0 5-2 16-11 .612 1998-99 7-12 4-3 6-2 11-15 .423 1998-99 9-7 5-6 6-0 14-13 .519 Totals 16-11 0-0 5-2 16-11 .612 Totals 11-3 7-4 7-0 18-7 .720 Totals 9-7 5-6 6-0 14-13 .519 ------5 Player Profiles

Robert Belal Dustin GUSTAFSSON HAMADEH KANE

6-7 • 206 • So. • Saffle Sweden 5-9 • 160 • Jr. • Memphis, TN 6-1 • 155 • So. • East Ridge, TN

Joined the tennis pro- Part-time starter as a Walked on to the Blue gram in January of freshman and soph- Raider tennis program 1999...Has a big frame...Very athletic for his omore...Took a hiatus last season to improve last year...Saw limited action...Good work ethic size...Will vye for starting position in the upper game...Worked hard in the off-season to be- and is working hard to improve his game...Very good student...Will battle for playing time in half of the line-up...Could become a nationally come an integral part of the team...Good serve the lower portion of the line-up. ranked player...Looks to improve serve con- and net game...Could challenge for starting position in lower part of the line-up. sistency, vollies, quickness and mobility. 1998-99 (Freshman) 1998-99 (Did not play) Fall: Played in three tournaments with a 1-3 1998-99 (Freshman) singles record...Win came at the Louisville zOne of three freshmen to earned All-OVC honorsz 1997-99 (Sophomore) Invitational...Placed 5th at the Middle Tennes- Fall: Did not compete. Playing as the number six seed, Belal earned see Fall Classic in doubles playing with Chaz a 4-1 dual match record...Overall posted a 7- Chappell. Spring: Had the fourth highest winnnig per- 11 record after a 3-10 start during the fall in centage on the team with a 14-8 tournament play. Spring: Played only one singles match de- record...Played primarily as the Raiders sec- feating TSU’s Anthony Lewis...Won both matches in doubles play with Nystrom and ond and third seed...Recorded a perfect 6-0 1996-97(Freshman) Chamberlain. mark in conference play...Also went 3-0 in three After struggling early, Belal finished strong by set matches...Teamed with Nystrom, Cham- going 6-6 in singles play...He posted a combined 6-0 record in OVC play (3-0, singles; 3- High School: Lettered four years at East berlain and Walker in posting 9-8 record in 0 doubles) during the spring as Middle Ten- Ridge High School...Played for Coach Rudy doubles...4-1 in OVC doubles action. nessee made its run to a third consecutive Gibson...Earned All-state and All-City honors NCAA tournament appearance in Chattanooga area...First player in East High School: Attended De la gardiskolan in Ridge history to qualify for the TSSAA State Lidkoping, Sweden...Ranked number ten in High School: Played at Christian Brothers Tennis Tournament...Made it to the singles in Sweden...Semifinalist in Swedish High School in Memphis...Four-year letterman semifinals...School record 25-1 mark senior Championships. in tennis...Earned All-District, All-Metro, and year...Member of the National Honor Society All-Region and Beta Club. Personal: Undecided on his major...Plans to Personal: Business Admistration major... Personal: Economics major...Plans to attend play professionally after college...Other hob- graduate school and hopes to play on profes- bies include music, movies, sports, and Hopes to pursue a career in graphic commu- nications following college...Also enjoys golf sional tour...Enjoys tennis and reading... Born friends...Born December 18, 1979...Son of and music...Born November 14, 1977...Son February 22,1980...Son of Kevin Kane and Borje and Lisbeth Gustafsson. of Ali and Mariel Hamadah...Brother Ali was Kim Fisher... Father ranked #1 in the south in NCAA Doubles Champion in 1995 at Ole men’s 45’s. Miss...Plays for Lebanese Davis Cup team.

Hamadeh’s Career Stats

SINGLES Season Dual Tour. OVC Total Pct. Gustafasson’s Career Stats 1998-99 Did not play Kane’s Career Stats 1997-98 5-6 2-5 4-1 7-11 .389 SINGLES 1996-97 3-0 3-6 3-0 6-6 .500 SINGLES Season Dual Tour. OVC Total Pct. Totals 8-6 5-11 7-1 13-17 .433 Season Dual Tour. OVC Total Pct. 1998-99 14-8 0-0 6-0 14-8 .636 1998-99 1-0 1-3 1-0 2-3 .400 Totals 14-8 0-0 6-0 14-8 .636 DOUBLES Totals 1-0 1-3 1-0 2-3 .400 Season Dual Tour. OVC Total Pct. DOUBLES 1998-99 Did not play DOUBLES Season Dual Tour. OVC Total Pct. 1997-98 4-1 2-2 4-0 6-3 .667 Season Dual Tour. OVC Total Pct. 1998-99 9-8 0-0 4-1 9-8 .529 1996-97 3-0 0-3 3-0 3-3 .500 1998 2-0 1-1 2-0 3-1 .750 Totals 9-8 0-0 4-1 9-8 .529 Totals 7-1 2-5 7-0 9-6 .600 Totals 2-0 1-1 2-0 3-1 .400 ------6 Player Profiles/Newcomers

Olle Mark Daniel NYSTROM PELLERIN KLEMETZ

6-2 • 180 • So. • Lopperyd, Sweden 5-11 • 155 • Jr. • Lenoxville, Canada 6-0 • 180 • Fr. • Vanersborg, Sweden

Came on strong late in Had a very good fall but Klemetz is the lone signee 1999 after a slow start in lost confidence during the for coach Short’s 2000 the fall...Can play with anyone when his serve spring...Will be looked on to become one of team...One of the top four or five recruits in is on...Great two-hand backhand...Can put the top doubles players for the Blue MT history...Will make an immediate impact himself in position to win any match with im- Raiders...Should challenge for a starting posi- as a freshman...Potential to play in the top proved vollies and consistent serve...Could see tion in singles...Very good return of service part of the line-up...Workhorse on the action in the upper half of the line-up. game...Hard worker with a good attitude. court...Very well conditioned...Chose Middle Tennessee over Baylor, Fresno State, South 1998-99 (Sophomore) 1998-99 (Sophomore)z1999 All-OVCz Alabama, Stanford and Tulane. Fall: Placed third at the Louisville Fall: Led the team in tournament play by win- Invitational...Posted a 4-7 record...Won first ning 10 of 16 matches...Won all three matches round match in Middle Tennessee Fall at Tulane to claim the tournament...Placed third Classic...Went 2-3 in doubles paired with Oliver at the Louisville Invitational...Placed fifth at the High School: Attended De la gardieskolan Middle Tennessee Fall Classic and Southern Foreman...The duo placed fifth at the Middle in Lidkoping, Sweden...Earned the highest Collegiate at Georgia...Seven doubles wins degree possible...Ranked 8th in Sweden in Tennessee Fall Classic and Louisville were most on the team...Duo of Pellerin and Invitational...Ninth overall at the Southern Col- Chamberlain placed second in the MT Fall singles...Reached the finals in doubles at the legiate. Classic. Swedish Championships for 18 and under in 1998...Won region six times in doubles and Spring: Recorded a 10-10 dual match record Spring: Second on the team with 17 total twice in singles during the 1990s...Vice Chair- to finish 14-17 overall on the season...14 wins singles victories...18-5 doubles record during man of the Christian School Group tied for fifth on the team...Was 3-0 playing as spring...25-11 overall doubles record...Perfect the fourth seed...Went 3-1 in conference 5-0 in OVC singles play...7-7 during singles Personal: Undecided on a major...Hopes to play...Second on the team in three-set victo- dual match play...5-2 record playing as the become a longtime professional on the ATP ries with five...Finished with a 9-12 mark in Raiders five seed...Teamed with Foreman to tour...Enjoys music and playing the piano, golf doubles...7-9 during the Spring...Won his only go 6-0 in OVC doubles play and 8-3 and sailing...Born October 27, 1980...Son of double match. overall...He and Belbacha earned the best Byarne and Marianne Klemetz. doubles win percentage by taking 7 of 9 High School: Attended Sandagymnasium in matches. Tonkoping, Sweden. Sean 1997-98 (Freshman) Personal: Majoring in Economics...Plans to Recorded perfect conference season going 6- BOWEN 0 in singles and 2-0 in doubles...Reached the play on ATP tour following graduation...Other 5-7 • 140 • Fr. • Little Falls, MN interest include golf and music...Born October quarterfinals in doubles of the National Clay 18, 1979...Son of Carl-Peter and Karin Court Pre-qualifying tournament teamed with Marshall Brown...19 combined wins. Sean is a walk-on to the Nystrom...Father coached Bjorn Borg. Blue Raider program but High School: Attended Lennoxville High should provide depth...Will likely challenge for School...Ranked 5th in singles and 2nd in starting position. doubles. High School: Attended Little Falls Christian Personal: Majoring in finance...Chose Middle High school where he earned All-Region three Tennessee over Louisville, Oklahoma, and of the five years...Served as team Stetson...Enjoys golf and baseball...Born Au- captain...Number one seed four years...Three gust 15, 1980...Son of Richard and Debra year region qualifier...Holds school record for Pellerin. most singles wins...First from the school to Pellerins’s Career Stats compete in state tournament...Also lettered one year in hockey. SINGLES Season Dual Tour. OVC Total Pct. Nystrom’s Career Stats 1998-99 7-7 10-6 5-0 17-13 .567 Personal: Pre-law major...Hobbies include 1997-98 7-4 3-5 6-0 10-9 .526 hockey, music, and movies...Plans to attend SINGLES Totals 14-11 13-11 13-0 27-22 .551 UCLA Law school following graduation...Born Season Dual Tour. OVC Total Pct. 1998-99 10-10 4-7 3-1 14-17 .452 DOUBLES June 23, 1981...Son of Ted and Debbie Bowen. Totals 10-10 4-7 3-1 14-17 .452 Season Dual Tour. OVC Total Pct. 1998-99 18-5 7-6 8-0 25-11 .694 DOUBLES 1997-98 5-2 4-6 2-0 9-8 .529 Season Dual Tour. OVC Total Pct. Totals 23-7 11-12 10-0 34-19 .642 1998 7-9 2-3 1-0 9-12 .429 Totals 7-9 2-3 1-0 9-12 .429 ------7 19991999 REVIEWREVIEW aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa OVC WIN STREAK ENDS AT 45 A ninth consecutive OVC title looked bleak, but the Blue Raiders strenuous non-con- The 1999 Blue Raider tennis squad was ference schedule would soon payoff as Middle supposed to be in a rebuilding year. In some Tennessee would not lose again until the OVC respects it was, but those predictions were lost Championship final. on the team. Although they struggled early, Although the Blue Raiders were unable the team battled hard throughout the season to defend their OVC title for the ninth consecu- to finish the year very strong tive year, the program has etched a place in Even though the 1999 Blue Raiders fin- history by building one of the most impressive ished below the .500 mark for the first time dynasty’s during the 1990s much like Murray since 1988, the team used their rigorous non- State did in the ‘80s when they won the OVC conference schedule to accomplish their re- title every year during the decade. building during mid-season before opening conference play. All-OVC Blue Raiders In doing so, they roled to eight consecu- Despite having a very young team and tive wins in conference play before losing to struggling through the early part of the sea- Tennessee Tech in the OVC Championship, son, the ‘99 squad produced five all-OVC per- finishing their season with an 8-1 conference formers. Combined, the Blue Raider all-con- record. The Blue Raiders had defeated Ten- ference selections posted an overall confer- nessee Tech earlier in the season, but were ence record of 50-5 during the season. Robert Gustafsson recorded a perfect 6-0 unable to overcome injuries and sickness in Sophomore Mark Pellerin was 7-7 over- conference mark and earned all-OVC honors. the OVC tournament. The loss to the Golden all (5-0 in the OVC) in singles play and 18-5 Eagles was the first match dropped to an OVC during doubles matches (8-0 in the OVC). 1999 RESULTS opponent since 1992, covering a span of 45 Shayne Podbury, a sophomore, fin- Record: 14-15 OVC: 8-1 consecutive wins by the Blue Raiders. ished with an 8-6 record in singles’ matches Home: 2-4 Away: 6-6 Neutral: 6-5 Head Coach Dale Short picked up his (7-0 in the OVC). 200th career win during the 1999 campaign The remaining three Blue Raiders earn- Jan. 31 @Chattanooga W 6-1 Feb. 6 @ #4 Mississippi L 6-1 and has led the Raiders to a 78-6 record in ing all-OVC honors were freshmen. Oliver OVC matches since taking over the Blue Feb. 14 @ #3 Mississippi State L 4-3 Foreman completed the season with an 11-10 Feb. 26 Troy State W 6-1 Raider program in 1988. overall record (4-1 in the OVC) and 9-6 with The Blue Raiders non-conference sched- Feb. 28 Georgia Tech L 4-3 various doubles’ partners (6-0 in the OVC). Mar. 4 ! Texas Christian L 4-1 ule, which annually ranks as one of the the Robert Gustafsson, who spent most of Mar. 5 ! Colorado W 4-1 toughest in the region, was equally as chal- the season as the Blue Raiders number two Mar. 5 ! Tulsa L 4-2 lenging during 1999. During the first two weeks seed, ended the year with a 14-8 overall record Mar. 6 ! Minnesota L 4-3 of the season, Middle Tennessee traveled to (6-0 in the OVC). Mar. 14 Belmont W 4-0 perrenial powers Ole Miss and Mississippi Michael Chamberlain had the highest Mar. 18 $ Texas A&M L 4-0 State both of whom were ranked in the top winning percentage of any Blue Raider play- Mar. 19 $ North Carolina L 4-2 Mar. 20 $ Wake Forest W 4-3 five in the nation. ing as the sixth seed with a record of 11-3 in The tennis team would go on to pick up Mar. 24 Georgia State L 6-1 singles play. Michael also recorded a perfect Mar. 26 Vanderbilt L 5-2 victories over traditionally tough opponents conference season by going 7-0 in singles play. Georgia Tech, Colorado, Wake Forest, Mar. 28 Louisville W 5-2 Mar. 31 South Alabama L 4-3 Vanderbilt, and Louisville. Other non-confer- Apr. 2 Tulane L 7-0 ence wins during the season were over Troy Apr. 3 Southwestern Louisiana L 4-3 State and Belmont. Apr. 9 UAB L 5-2 Struggling early in the season to find their Apr. 11 *Eastern Kentucky W 7-0 identity and cohesiveness, the Blue Raiders Apr. 11 *Morehead State W 7-0 began the year by dropping ten of their first Apr. 13 *Tennessee Tech W 5-2 fifteen matches. Apr. 13 *Tennessee State W 7-0 “We started as many as six freshmen dur- Apr. 18 * Tennessee-Martin W 6-1 ing the season, and we were constently rotat- Apr. 18 * Murray State W 6-1 ing the line-up trying to find the best mix of Apr. 23 *& Eastern Kentucky W 4-0 guys to put on the court”, commented Coach Apr. 24 *& Tennessee-Martin W 4-0 Apr. 25 *& Tennessee Tech L 4-3 Short. Four consecutive losses to South Ala- *OVC Match bama, Tulane, SW Louisiana, and UAB left the & OVC Tournament; Nashville, Tennessee Blue Raiders at a dismal 6-14 heading into the ! HEB Invitational; Corpus Christi, Texas OVC schedule. Michael Chamberlain led the Blue Raiders with a .720 $ National Blue-Gray; Montgomery, Alabama win percentage in 1999. ------8 19991999 STATISTICSSTATISTICS aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Individual Statistics Singles Records By Seed

Player Dual Tourn. Totals Player 1 2 3 4 5 6 Dual OVC Tourn. Total Pct. Mehdi Belbacha 15-7 0-0 15-7 Mehdi Belbacha 0-0 2-0 2-2 7-3 2-1 2-0 15-7 5-1 0-0 15-7 .682 Chaz Chappell 0-0 6-3 6-3 Chaz Chappell 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 6-3 6-3 .667 Michael Chamberlain 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 10-3 11-3 7-0 7-4 18-7 .720 Michael Chamberlain 11-3 7-4 18-7 Oliver Foreman 1-0 3-5 5-4 2-2 0-0 0-0 11-10 4-1 5-6 16-16 .500 Oliver Foreman 11-10 5-6 16-16 Robert Gustafsson 0-2 8-4 5-2 1-0 0-0 0-0 14-8 6-0 0-0 14-8 .636 Robert Gustafsson 14-8 0-0 14-8 Dustin Kane 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 1-0 1-0 1-3 2-3 .333 Dustin Kane 1-0 1-3 2-3 Olle Nystrom 0-0 0-0 0-1 3-0 4-5 3-4 10-10 3-1 4-7 14-17 .452 Olle Nystrom 10-10 4-7 14-17 Mark Pellerin 0-0 0-1 0-1 0-2 5-2 2-1 7-7 5-0 10-6 17-13 .567 Mark Pellerin 7-7 10-6 17-13 Shayne Podbury 0-0 1-0 2-1 1-2 3-3 1-0 8-6 7-0 0-2 8-8 .500 Shayne Podbury 8-6 0-2 8-6 Matt Walker 5-17 0-1 0-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 5-19 3-4 5-6 10-25 .286 Matt Walker 5-19 5-6 5-19 Default 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 1.000 Totals 86-67 38-37 121-106 Totals 6-19 14-9 16-11 15-9 16-10 19-9 86-67 41-7 38-37 121-106 .533

Doubles Dual Tourn. Totals Doubles Records By Seed Gustafsson/Nystrom 3-2 0-0 3-2 Podbury/Walker 1-5 0-0 1-5 Player 1 2 3 Dual OVC Tourn. Total Pct. Chamberlain/Belbacha 5-5 0-0 5-5 Gustafsson/Nystrom 0-1 0-0 3-1 3-2 0-0 0-0 3-2 .600 Pellerin/Walker 2-0 0-0 2-0 Podbury/Walker 0-1 1-3 0-1 1-5 0-1 0-0 1-5 .167 Gustafsson/Chamberlain 5-5 0-0 5-5 Chamberlain/Belbacha 4-4 0-1 1-0 5-5 2-1 0-0 5-5 .500 Walker/Nystrom 3-5 0-0 3-5 Pellerin/Walker 1-0 1-0 0-0 2-0 1-0 0-0 2-0 1.000 Gustafsson/Chamberlain 0-4 4-1 1-0 5-5 3-1 0-0 5-5 .500 Pellerin/Belbacha 7-2 0-0 7-2 Walker/Nystrom 0-3 2-2 1-0 3-5 1-0 0-0 3-5 .375 Foreman/Chamberlain 0-1 0-0 0-1 Pellerin/Belbacha 0-0 3-1 4-1 7-2 1-0 0-0 7-2 .778 Podbury/Foreman 0-1 0-0 0-1 Foreman/Chamberlain 0-1 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-0 0-0 0-1 .000 Walker/Chamberlain 0-4 0-0 0-4 Podbury/Foreman 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-1 0-0 0-0 0-1 .000 Pellerin/Foreman 8-3 3-3 11-6 Walker/Chamberlain 0-4 0-0 0-0 0-4 0-0 0-0 0-4 .000 Belbacha/Nystrom 1-1 0-0 1-1 Pellerin/Foreman 0-0 5-2 3-1 8-3 6-0 3-3 11-6 .647 Walker/ Gustafsson 1-1 0-0 1-1 Belbacha/Nystrom 0-0 1-0 0-1 1-1 0-0 0-0 1-1 .500 Belbacha/Foreman 1-2 0-0 1-2 Walker/Gustafsson 0-1 0-0 1-0 0-1 1-0 0-0 1-1 .500 Podbury/Pellerin 1-0 0-0 1-0 Belbacha/Foreman 1-1 0-1 0-0 1-2 0-0 0-0 1-2 .333 Walker/ Belbacha 2-1 0-0 2-1 Podbury/Pellerin 0-0 0-0 1-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 1.000 Walker/Belbacha 2-1 0-0 0-0 2-1 2-1 0-0 2-1 .667 Nystrom/Kane 1-0 0-0 1-0 Nystrom/Kane 0-0 1-0 0-0 1-0 1-0 0-0 1-0 1.000 Chamberlain/Kane 1-0 0-0 1-0 Chamberlain/Kane 0-0 0-0 1-0 1-0 1-0 0-0 1-0 1.000 Nystrom/Podbury 0-1 0-0 0-1 Nystrom/Podbury 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-1 0-1 0-0 0-1 .000 Foreman/Nystrom 0-0 2-3 2-3 Foreman/Nystrom 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 2-3 2-3 .400 Chappell/Kane 0-0 1-1 1-1 Chappell/Kane 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-1 1-1 .500 Chappell/Walker 0-0 3-1 3-1 Chappell/Walker 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 3-1 3-1 .750 Chamberlain/Pellerin 0-0 4-3 4-3 Chamberlain/Pellerin 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 4-3 4-3 .571 Totals 42-39 13-11 55-50 Totals 8-21 18-11 16-7 42-39 18-5 13-11 55-50 .524 Individual Doubles Records Miscellaneous Win-Loss Three Setters/Tiebreakers . All Matches ...... 14 15 .483 Player 3-Sets Tie Breaks Player Record OVC Pct. Mehdi Belbacha ...... 1-2 4-0 Home Matches ...... 2 4 .333 Chaz Chappell ...... 1-0 3-0 Mehdi Belbacha 16-11 5-2 .612 Michael Chamberlain ...... 4-2 0-1 Away Matches ...... 6 6 .500 Oliver Foreman ...... 8-5 2-4 Chaz Chappell 4-2 0-0 .667 Neutral Site ...... 6 5 .545 Robert Gustafsson ...... 3-0 2-1 Dustin Kane ...... 1-0 0-0 Michael Chamberlain 11-15 6-2 .423 OVC Matches ...... 8 1 .889 Olle Nystrom ...... 5-6 2-4 OVC Tournament ...... 2 1 .667 Mark Pellerin ...... 2-3 1-1 Oliver Foreman 14-13 6-0 .519 Shayne Podbury ...... 0-3 0-1 vs. Ranked Opponents ...... 4 12 .250 Robert Gustafsson 9-8 4-1 .529 Matt Walker ...... 2-3 3-4 vs. Top Ten Opponents ...... 0 2 .000 Team Totals ...... 27-24 17-16 Dustin Kane 3-1 2-0 .750 aaaaaaaaaaa In January ...... 1 0 1.000 Chamberlain/Pellerin ...... 1-0 Olle Nystrom 9-12 1-0 .429 In February ...... 1 3 .250 Foreman/Pellerin ...... 1-0 Nystrom/Walker ...... 1-0 Mark Pellerin 25-11 8-0 .694 In March ...... 4 8 .333 Belbacha/Pellerin ...... 1-0 In April ...... 8 4 .667 Podbury/Walker ...... 0-1 Shayne Podbury 2-7 0-2 .222 Chamberlain/Walker ...... 0-1 Indoors ...... 2 1 .667 Matt Walker 12-17 5-2 .414 Nystrom/Podbury ...... 0-1 Outdoors ...... 12 14 .462 Team Totals ...... 4-3 ------9 BLUEBLUE RAIDERRAIDER HISTORYHISTORY aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

All-Americans All-OVC Individual National Honors Singles Singles NCAA Tournament Appearances 1997 Fred Niemeyer Year Player *Seed 1968 Jean Prevost #1 1994 Paul Goebel/Fred Niemeyer (Doubles) Doubles 1969 Mike Albano #1 1995 Fred Niemeyer (Singles) 1994 Paul Goebel 1973 Geoff Gilchrist #3 1996 Anthony DeLuise/Fred Niemeyer (Doubles) 1974 Doug Miedaner #6 Fred Niemeyer 1975 Geoff Gilchrist #3 1997 Anthony DeLuise/Fred Niemeyer (Doubles) 1996 Anthony DeLuise 1976 Geoff Gichrist #2 Anthony DeLuise (Singles) Fred Niemeyer Doug Meidner #4 David McNamara/Julius Robberts (Doubles) Lesse Durchman #5 1979 Peter Heffernan #1 1998 David McNamara (Singles) 1980 Dale Short #1 David McNamara/Julius Robberts (Doubles) 1981 Mark Tullock #2 1985 David Wehrle #3 Mike Feltman #4 Region III Indoor Qualifying Champ 1990 Craig Haslem #2 1994 Fred Niemeyer 1991 Nick Sheumack #1 Paul Gobel #3 David Thornton #4 ITA Region III Senior Player of the Year Johan Franzen #6 1997 Fred Niemeyer 1992 Keith Harietha #2 Patrick Zackrisson #5 1993 Patrick Zackrisson ITA Region III Coach of the Year Dominic Hannan 1997 Dale Short David Thornton Paul Goebel Keith Harietha Fred Niemeyer is MT’s only three time all-American, 1994 Shane Scrutton once in singles and twice as a doubles player. He also Fred Niemeyer earned the OVC Player of the Year three consecutive Mark Follett years. Paul Goebel Patrick Zackrisson 1995 Fred Niemeyer OVC Players of the Year Mark Follett Marshall Brown 1968 John Prevost Julius Robberts 1969 Mike Albano Patrick Zackrisson 1979 Peter Heffernan 1996 Anthony DeLuise 1980 Dale Short Marshall Brown 1991 Nick Sheumack Mark Follett 1993 Keith Harrietha David McNamara 1994 Shane Scrutton Fred Niemeyer 1995 Fred Niemeyer Julius Robberts 1996 FredNiemeyer/Anthony DeLuise 1997 Fred Niemeyer 1997 Fred Niemeyer Anthony DeLuise Blue Raider Male Athlete of the Year David McNamara 1996 Julius Robberts Marshall Brown Julius Robberts Anthony DeLuise reached the NCAA Tournament on Jim Madrigal three different occassions, twice in doubles and once 1998 David McNamara in singles. He was also a two-time all-OVC selection. Marshall Brown Julius Robberts Jim Madrigal Shane Podbury Mark Pellerin OVC Coach of the Year Matt Walker Stephane Floricien 1965 Buck Bouldin 1999 Mark Pellerin Shane Podbury 1968 Buck Bouldin Oliver Foreman 1976 Clyde Smithwick Robbert Gustafsson 1979 Dick LaLance Michael Chamberlain Doubles 1991 Dale Short 1976 Doug Meidner/Lesse Durchman #2 1992 Dale Short 1979 Stuart Thompson/Peter Roberts #1 1993 Dale Short Peter Hefferna/Tony Fernandez #2 1994 Dale Short 1988 IlmarMulti/Rich Gray #3 1991 Nick Sheumack/David Thornton #2 1995 Dale Short Marshall Brown is one of five MT tennis stars to earn Johan Franzen/Rick Soller #3 1996 Dale Short all-OVC honors four consecutive years. Paul Goebel, 1992 Paul Goebel/Keith Harrietha #1 1997 Dale Short Fred Niemeyer, Julius Roberts and Patrik Zackrisson Erik West/David Thornton #2 are the other four. *Players were not selected by seed after 1992. ------10 NCAANCAA CHAMPIONSHIPSCHAMPIONSHIPS aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa 1995 NCAA Region III Qualifying Tournament-First Round Gainesville, FL May 5, 1995

#1 Florida-4, #8 Middle Tennessee-0 Singles Florida Middle Tenn. Winner Score No. 1 Damon Henkel vs. Fred Niemeyer Stopped No. 2 Jason Appel vs. Patrik Zackrisson UF 6-1, 6-1 No. 3 Wayne Boich vs. Julius Robberts Stopped No 4 Randy Baldemor vs. David McNamara UF 6-3, 6-2 No. 5 Brook Blain vs. Marshall Brown UF 6-2, 6-4 No. 6 Dave Balogh vs. Mark Follett Stopped Doubles

Front (L-R): Keith Harrietha (Coach), Paul Goebel (Coach), Dale Short (Coach), and Rob Williams (Coach). Back No. 1 Boich-Fitzgerald vs. Brown-Niemeyer Stopped (L-R): Patrik Zackrisson, Chris Quinn, Julius Robberts, Fred Niemeyer, Marshall Brown, and player no longer No. 2 Baldemor-Henkel vs. McNamara-Quinn UF 8-1 with team. Not Pictured: Anthony DeLuise, Mark Follett, and David McNamara No. 3 Blain-Glover vs. Follett-Robberts UF 8-6 1996 NCAA Region III Qualifying Tournament-First Round Baton Rouge, LA May 10, 1996 #7 Alabama-4, #2 Middle Tennessee-3 Singles Middle Tennessee Alabama Winner Score No. 1 Anthony DeLuise vs. Marco Mazotta UA 6-7, 7-6, 7-5 No. 2 Fred Niemeyer vs. Rashid Hassan MT 7-5, 6-3 No. 3 David McNamara vs. Ariel Rivero MT 7-6, 6-2 No 4 Julius Robberts vs. Alin Taranga UA 6-4, 6-2 No. 5 Marshall Brown vs. Chris Lopez UA 6-3, 6-4 No. 6 Mark Follett vs. Karim Zaher UA 6-2, 6-1 Doubles No. 1 Brown-Neimeyer vs. Mazotta-Johnson Stopped No. 2 Follett-Robberts vs. Hassan-Taranga MT 8-3 Front (L-R): David McNamara, Fred Niemeyer, Julius Robberts, Marshall Brown, Back (L-R): Bobby Patterson No. 3 DeLuise-McNamara vs. Rivero-Layman MT 8-3 (Mgr.), Rob Williams (Coach), Mark Follett, Anthony DeLuise, Kelly Pedigo, Jeff Jorge, Dale Short (Coach) 1997 NCAA Region III Qualifying Tournament-First Round Gainesville, FL May 9, 1997 #2 Middle Tennessee-5, #7 Florida International-1 Singles Middle Tennessee Florida International Winner Score No. 1 Fred Niemeyer vs. Gustavo Lopez MT 7-5, 7-6 (5) No. 2 Anthony DeLuise vs. Eduardo Saenz FIU 6-3, 7-5 No. 3 David McNamara vs. Federico DePetris Stopped No 4 Julius Robberts vs. R. Schtscherbyna MT 6-1, 7-5 No. 5 Jim Madrigal vs. Jaime Fillol MT 6-1, 6-2 No. 6 Stephane Floricien vs. Gustavo Alba MT 6-3, 6-2 Doubles No. 1 McNamara-Robberts vs. Fillol-Lopez MT 8-4 No. 2 DeLuise-Niemeyer vs. Rodriguez-Rivero MT 8-5 Front (L-R): Julius Robberts, Fred Niemeyer, Marshall Brown, Calvert Cook. Back (L-R): David McNamara, Anthony DeLuise, Belal Hamadeh, Jim Madrigal, Head Coach Dale Coach. No. 3 Brown-Madrigal vs. Alba-Auffray MT Stopped Second Round Middle Tennessee at the NCAA #3 Alabama-4, #2 Middle Tennessee-3 Singles Middle Tennessee Alabama Winner Score No. 1 Fred Niemeyer vs. Francisco Rodriguez UA 6-2, 6-7(1), 6-2 Championships No. 2 Anthony DeLuise vs. Rashid Hassan MT 6-3, 6-4 MT No. 3 David McNamara vs. Chris Lopez UA 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-3 Year Seed Opponent (seed) Location Result No. 4 Julius Robberts vs. Ariel Rivero UA 6-2, 7-6(4) No. 5 Jim Madrigal vs. Alin Taranga UA 6-0, 6-0 1995 8 University of Florida (1) Gainesville, FL Florida: 4-0 No. 6 Stephane Floricien vs Karim Zaher MT 7-6(3), 6-1 1996 2 University of Alabama (7) Baton Rouge, LA Alabama: 4-3 Doubles 1997 2 Florida International (7) Gainesville, FL MT: 5-1 No. 1 McNamara-Robberts vs. Hassan-Taranga MT 8-2 2 University of Alabama (3) Gainesville, FL Alabama: 4-3 No. 2 DeLuise-Niemeyer vs. Rodriguez-Rivero MT 8-5 No. 3 Brown-Madrigal vs. Lopez-Zaher MT Stopped ------11 Blue Raiders in the NCAA Championships/Collegiate Grand Slam/Rankings NCAA Singles Championships NCAA Doubles Championships 1995 Athens, GA 1994 South Bend, IN Fred Niemeyer def. Paul Goldstein (Stanford) 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 Andy Zurcher/Todd Wilson (Notre Dame) def. Goebel/Niemeyer 6-3, 6-1 Brett Hanson #5 (Southern California) def. Niemeyer 6-4, 6-0 1996 Athens, GA 1996 Athens, GA Mitch Sprengelmeyer (Clemson) def. Anthony DeLuise 6-2, 4-1 ret. DeLuise/Niemeyer def. John Costanzo/Peter Pusztai (Michigan) 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 Chris Mahoney/Pablo Montana (Tennessee) def. DeLuise/Niemeyer 4-4 ret. 1997 Los Angeles, CA Fred Niemeyer #2 def. Cary Franklin (Illinois) 6-3, 1-6, 6-1 Anthony DeLuise def. Mitch Sprenglemeyer (Clemson) 6-3, 6-4 1997 Los Angeles. CA Niemeyer # 2 def. Pavel Kudrnac (Oklahoma State) 6-3, 6-4 George Bastl/Kyle Spencer (USC) def. McNamara/Robberts 7-6 (2), 7-6 (4) Kevin Kim (UCLA) def. DeLuise 6-3, 7-5 Mittry Arnold/Tom Blake (Harvard) def. DeLuise/Niemeyer 6-4, 7-6 (1) Niemeyer #2 def. Johan Landsburg (Ole Miss) 6-3, 7-5 George Bastl (Southern California) def. Niemeyer #2 6-1, 7-6 (3) 1998 Athens, GA 1998 Athens, GA McNamara/Robberts def. Bastl/Spencer (USC) 4-6, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (6) David McNamara def. Michael Jessup (Pepperdine) 7-5, 6-4 Caballero/Williams (New Mexico) def. McNamara/Robberts 7-5 (6), 6-4 Ryan Wolters (Stanford) def. McNamara 7-5, 6-2 Middle Tennessee In The Collegiate Grand Slam ALL-AMERICAN HARDCOURT NATIONAL CLAY COURT NATIONAL INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS CHAMPIONSHIPS CHAMPIONSHIPS CHAMPIONS QUARTERFINALIST FINALIST 1997 Jullius Robberts/David Mcnamara (D) 1996 Fred Niemeyer 1997 Fred Niemeyer Fred Niemeyer/Anthony DeLuise (D) SEMIFINALIST QUARTERFINALIST 1996 Fred Niemeyer/Anthony DeLuise (D) ROUND OF 16 1996 Fred Niemeyer/Anthony DeLuise (D) Anthony DeLuise 1997 Julius Robberts/David McNamara (D) 1996 Anthony DeLuise ROUND OF 16 ROUND OF 16 1997 Anthony DeLuise 1997 Anthony DeLuise 1996 Anthony DeLuise Anthony Blue Raiders in the Fred DELUISE Final National Rankings NIEMEYER 1996 Doubles Rank (t-10) Singles 1994 Doubles Rank (15) 1996 Singles Rank (73) 1994 ...... Shane Scrutton (82) 1995 Doubles Rank (43) 1995 ...... Fred Niemeyer (61) 1995 Singles Rank (61) 1997 Doubles Rank (25) 1996 ...... Anthony DeLuise (73) 1996 Doubles Rank (t-10) 1997 Singles Rank (39) ...... Fred Niemeyer (65) 1996 Singles Rank (65) 1997 ...... Anthony DeLuise (39) 1997 Doubles Rank (25) ...... David McNamara (93) 1997 Singles Rank (4) ...... Fred Niemeyer (4) 1998 ...... David McNamara (39)

Doubles Paul 1994 ...... Paul Goebel/Fred Niemeyer (15) Julius 1995 ...... Fred Niemeyer/Julius Robberts (43) GOEBEL 1996 ..... Anthony DeLuise/Fred Niemeyer(t-10) Robberts 1994 Doubles Rank (15) 1997 ...... Anthony DeLuise/Fred Niemeyer (25) 1995 Doubles Rank (43) ..... David McNamara/Julius Robberts (16) 1997 Doubles Rank (16) 1998 ..... David McNamara/Julius Robberts (13) 1998 Doubles Rank (13)

David Shane McNAMARA Scrutton 1997 Doubles Rank (16) 1995 Doubles Rank (82) 1997 Singles Rank (93) 1998 Doubles Rank (13) 1998 Singles Rank (38) David McNamara and Julius Robberts teamed up to win Middle Tennessee’s only Collegiate Grand Slam title in 1997. The duo ranked 16th in the nation in 1997 and 13th in 1998. ------12 ALL-TIMEALL-TIME LETTERWINNERSLETTERWINNERS aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Michael Hammond ...... 1967-68 A Dominic Hannan ...... 1992-93 R Paul Adler ...... 1970-71 Keith Harrietha ...... 1992-93 Jeffrey Raper ...... 1987-89 Michael Albano ...... 1970-71 Graeme Harris ...... 1980-83 Garnet Rather ...... 1951-52 Jack Albino ...... 1966-68 Todd Harris ...... 1970-71 Julius Robberts ...... 1995-98 Charles Anderson ...... 1960-61 James Harvey ...... 1963 Peter Roberts ...... 1978-79 Claude Austin ...... 1931-32 Craig Haslem ...... 1987, ‘89-91 Allen Ross ...... 1964-65 Samuel Hastings ...... 1964 B W.M. Hatcher ...... 1951-52 S Worthy Babb ...... 1960-61 Ted Sauls ...... 1982-84 Les Barreau ...... 1973 Robert Schull ...... 1964-65 Jerry Barysko ...... 1971-74 Shane Scrutton ...... 1994 Wilson Bates ...... 1982-83 Richard Self ...... 1984 Peter Beare ...... 1982-85 James Seymour ...... 1965-67 Charles Beckham ...... 1968-71 Keith Harrietha Nick Sheumack ...... 1988-91 Mehdi Belbacha ...... 1999- 1992-93 Dale Short ...... 1977-80 Homer Beliles ...... 1949-50 Randall Shubert ...... 1979, ‘81 Fred Blair ...... 1964 Meyer Shulman ...... 1973-75 Fredrick Bonny ...... 1960-61 James Sides ...... 1951-52 Buddy Boyd ...... 1963-64 Horace Smiley ...... 1949-50 Rufus Brandon ...... 1937-39 Clyde Smithwick ...... 1973-75 Marshall Brown ...... 1995-98 James Snapp ...... 1964 Terence Harrens ...... 1970-71 Rick Stoller ...... 1991 Robert Brown ...... 1959-60 Charles Summers ...... 1964 Joesph Buchanon ...... 1958-89 Chad Hebert ...... 1992 Richard Burch ...... 1964 Peter Heffernan ...... 1977-80 James Burgener Eugene Holloway ...... 1930-31 T Maxie Horton ...... 1958-59 Bernie Butler ...... 1963-64 Herman Tarpley ...... 1946-47 Bob Butterfield ...... 1974-76 Stuart Thompson ...... 1978-79 I David Thornton ...... 1990-93 C Mike Iffert ...... 1989 John Trondson ...... 1992-93 Paulo Tuffalo ...... 1984 Bud Caldwell ...... 1957 Mark Tulloch ...... 1980-83 Joesph Cannon ...... 1950-51 J John Carroll...... 1986 Charles Cate ...... 1949-50 Herman Jackson ...... 1929-30 V Thomas Cathey ...... 1950-52 Robert Jones ...... 1934-37 Paul Valentincic ...... 1969-72 Michael Chamberlain ...... 1999- Ted Jones ...... 1971-73 Ken Ventimiglia ...... 1983-86 Anson Chilcutt ...... 1983-86 Hal Christianson ...... 1954 K Darren Christie ...... 1979 W William Clark ...... 1950-52 Dustin Kane ...... 1999- Steve Wakefield ...... 1966-68 Chris Coffee ...... 1988-89 Eustace Kigongo ...... 1971-73 John Waldrop ...... 1960-61 Cal Cook ...... 1997 Chris King ...... 1986-89 Matt Walker ...... 1998-99 Herbert Cooper ...... 1930-31 Christopher King ...... 1956 Danie Wallace ...... 1978-81 Lee Covington ...... 1957 Glen Kinnard ...... 1946-47 Homer W. Watson...... 1960-61 Robert Cransford ...... 1957-58 David Wehrle ...... 1984-86 L Erik West ...... 1992 James White ...... 1954-55 D Chuck LaLance ...... 1985-86, ‘88 Jack Whitley ...... 1965-67 Jerry Davidson ...... 1960-61 Chris Lettl ...... 1993 Rob Williams ...... 1990-91, ‘94 Charles Davis ...... 1929-30 G.P. Long ...... 1950-53 Bates Wilson ...... 1980-82 John Delcarmen ...... 1988-89 Donald Wright ...... 1963-64 Anthony DeLuise ...... 1994-98 M Neil Wright ...... 1964-67 David Dowell ...... 1965-66 Peter Duff ...... 1965-66 Jim Madrigal ...... 1997 Andre Duhamie ...... 1960-61 Thomas Magner ...... 1967-70 Brain Duncan ...... 1989-92 Elmer Malone ...... 1929-30 Charles Duncan ...... 1954-55 William Martin ...... 1946-47 Lassie Durchman ...... 1974-77 Lee Mayo ...... 1970-71 E N James Earle ...... 1981-84 William Nelson ...... 1946-47 David Nickels ...... 1981-82 Fred Niemeyer ...... 1994-97 F Wally Norwick ...... 1971-73 Michael Feltman ...... 1983-85 Olle Nystrom ...... 1999 Tony Fernandez ...... 1977-80 Mark Follett ...... 1994-1996 O Frank Ford ...... 1949-50 Oliver Foreman ...... 1999- Andrew Oxner ...... 1992-93 Stephane Floricien ...... 1997-98 Johan Franzen ...... 1988-91 P George Fuggel ...... 1970-71 Charles Fuller ...... 1966-69 Thomas Parks ...... 1961-62 Patrik Zackrisson played from Mike Patrick ...... 1976-79 1992-95 and was a four-time all- Clarence Paulson ...... 1959 OVC selection. G Kelly Pedigo ...... 1995-96 Hester Gibbs ...... 1960-62 Mark Pellerin ...... 1998- Geoff Gilchrist ...... 1973-76 Ronnie Persons ...... 1970-71 Paul Goebel ...... 1991-94 Roland Persson ...... 1985 B.B. Gracey ...... 1939-41 Peetri Pihko ...... 1974-76 George Grau ...... 1946-47 C.D. Pinkleton ...... 1950-51 Y Taylor Green ...... 1935-38 Shayne Podbury ...... 1998- Ronnie Guess ...... 1961-64 John Prevost ...... 1965-68 Ed Young ...... 1991-92 Robert Gustafsson ...... 1999- H Q Z Robert Hallum ...... 1958-59 Chris Quinn ...... 1994-95 Patrik Zackrisson ...... 1992-95 Belal Hamadeh ...... 1997-98 Marshall Zurita ...... 1983 ------13 THETHE UNIVERSITYUNIVERSITY aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Founded on September 11, 1911, In its earliest day, MTSU was a teach- MTSU is the oldest, largest, and fastest- ers college and still educates more teach- growing public university in Middle Ten- ers than any school in Ten- nessee. MTSU for the past two years has nessee. It also has one been ranked as the number one college of the largest Re- choice of midstate high school valedicto- cording Industry rians and salutatorians in an independent programs in the survey. nation and strong The University has a long-term his- programs in Busi- tory and commitment to educating middle ness, Aero- Tennesseans, and with an enrollment over space, and 18,933 students, educates more people Agriscience. in this region than any other school. Of Academic the almost 60,000 total alumni, approxi- programs are en- mately 90 percent were born in Tennes- riched through the see, and the vast majority remain in Middle establishment of Tennessee after graduation. Chairs dedicated to Over Middle Tennessee’s existence the support of a particular the past 88 years, the University has seen discipline. Two Chairs, funded by gifts to West Russell Middle Tennessee opened the University Foundation, are ad- Chair in Manu- one of the premiere state-of- MTSU - THE TENNESSEE BOARD ministered through the Economics facturing Excel- the art libraries in January of and Finance department. The lence, The 1999. OF REGENTS LARGEST AND FAST- Chairs are the Martin Chair of In- Katherine Davis Murfree Chair in Dyslexic surance and the Weatherford Studies, The John C. Miller Chair of Ex- Chair of Finance. cellence in Equine Reproductive Physiol- EST GROWING UNIVERSITY MTSU houses nine Chairs of Ex- ogy, and The Mary E. Miller Chair of Ex- cellence, established with a com- cellence in Equine Health. remarkable growth. MTSU has grown from bination of private, university and state MTSU is also the site of two Centers a 100-acre campus with 125 students and funds. They are The Jennings Jones Chair of Excellence established by the Tennes- 19 faculty members to a 500-acre cam- in Free Enterprise, The Jennings and see General Assembly. The Centers of Ex- pus with over 750 faculty. Rebecca Jones Chair in Urban and Re- cellence include The Center for Historic A comprehensive university, MTSU gional Planning, The John Seigenthaler Preservation and The Center for Popular offers over 140 undergraduate programs Chair in First Amendment Studies, The Dr. Music. in its five colleges--Basic and Applied Sci- Carl Adams Chair in Health Care Services, ences, Business, Education The National Health Corporation Chair in andBehavorial Science, Liberal Arts, and Nursing, The Robert E. and Georgiana Mass Communication--and over 55 graduate programs, including doctoral degrees. MTSU is the only area institution that has developed a comprehensive Aca- demic Master Plan that will implement 20- plus strategies that will take the university into the next century. An important component of the Academic Master Plan was the establishment of an Honors Col- lege - a proposal which was approved by the Board of Regents and became a real- ity in Fall 1998. The University's progress and forward momentum is clearly evident by the on- going list of capital projects on the MTSU campus. The new Library opened for student use in January 1999. Also it is an- ticipated that the Greek Row Project will be completed by the beginning of the Spring 2000 semester. In all, there has been over $200 million in construction projects this decade that have been completed or are currently The Business and Aerospace Building is among the $200 million in construction projects completed on underway. the Middle Tennessee campus in this decade. It opened for classes in the spring of 1998. ------14 LEEATHLETICLEE DIRECTOR FOWLERFOWLER aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Lee Fowler, a member of the presti- coach and an administrator. youths aged 12 and under to encourage gious NCAA Men’s Basketball Selection Just prior to his coming to Middle early involvement with the MSU program. Committee, is in his sixth year as athletic Tennessee, Fowler held the post of asso- Through a system of commercial spon- director at Middle Tennessee. Fowler, ciate athletic director and director of the sorships, he was able to build an enroll- who has been involved in college athlet- Tiger Clubs at Memphis State University. ment of more than 1,000 youngsters. ics for the past 29 years, became MTSU’s He was elevated to those posts in From 1971 to 1974, Fowler was a AD in 1994. 1986 after having served as assistant starter on a Vanderbilt University basket- While at Middle basketball coach since 1979, helping the ball team that won one Southeastern Con- Tennessee, he has Tiger basketball squad attain national ference championship and had an overall proven himself as recognition. record of 59 wins against only 21 losses, an administrator. As assistant AD and head of the the best three-year record in Commodore The Blue Raiders Tiger Clubs, Fowler increased athletic history. won four straight fund-raising at Memphis State from After graduating from Vanderbilt in Ohio Valley Confer- $634,000 in 1985 to a total of $3,059,000 1974, he was an assistant Commodore Lee Fowler ence Men’s All in 1993. In addition, he added more than basketball coach until joining the Mem- Athletic Director Sports Trophies $550,000 to the Athletic Scholarship En- phis State staff in 1979. He received his (1996-99) and had dowment Fund through the Tiger Clubs master’s degree from Memphis State in the highest com- Auction and golf outings. 1986. bined point total (men and women) of any He also coordinated and imple- Lee and his wife, Carol, have three other OVC school in 1996. mented priority seating plans for Mid- daughters: Ashley, Kristin and Carlee. Proof also comes in the classroom. South Coliseum and later for the 20,142- Under his watch, Middle Tennessee won seat Pyramid when the Tigers moved its first Ohio Valley Conference Academic their basketball operations from the former Achievement Banner in 1996. to the latter structure in 1991. BLUE RAIDER ATHLETICS In 1998, Fowler moved the Blue At MSU, he developed corporate Raider football team into the newly-reno- sponsorship packages of $60,000 each UNDER FOWLER vated Floyd Stadium where capacity went for total sales of more than $400,000. June 13, 1994 - Named Athletic Director from 13,421 to 31,000. This past season, He also inaugurated the Tiger Cub Fowler spearheaded a season ticket Club for Since his hiring, the Blue Raiders have campaign that set Blue Raider won 16 Ohio Valley Conference Champion- records with a total of 16,127 ships and made 13 appearances in NCAA sold. Tournament play. In the season opener against Tennessee State, The men have won three OVC All- the Blue Raiders set teh Sports Trophies and the department as a OVC attendance record whole earned an OVC Academic Achieve- with 27,568 fans in at- ment Banner. tendance. A native of The 1999 season marks a new era at nearby Columbia, Middle Tennessee with I-A football. Under Tenn., Fowler was a star-caliber bas- his direction, the stadium has been ex- ketball player at panded to 31,000 seats. both Columbia High School and Facility additions and improvements in- Vanderbilt Univer- clude a new baseball fieldhouse (Spring sity before moving 1998), new track/soccer facility (Summer to a distinguished 1999) and continued enhancements of the career as both a softball field (Lights/Spring 1997).

During the summer of 1997, Fowler re- Lee Fowler has over- seen a great deal of ceived the honor of being named to the change and improve- NCAA Men's Basketball Selection Commit- ment during his tenure at tee. Middle Tennessee ------15 PRESIDENTDR.DR. JAMESJAMES WALKERWALKER aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Dr. James E. Walker came to Middle worry about how it will get done, that sets Tennessee on February 1, 1991, and him apart from many executives. That's WALKER HIGHLIGHTS since that time has been the catalyst for true leadership, a willingness to challenge the University's new sense of energy and people to try new things and not worry February 1, 1991 - Named President dynamic growth into one of the premier about failure." Enrollment has risen by 20.6 percent from the universities in the state. Dr. Joseph E. Johnson, president of figure of 14,865 students prior to his hiring. This President Walker has worked tire- the University of Tennessee system, had increase has coincided with rising academic stan- lessly and spent many hours discussing this to say when Dr. Walker was chosen dards making it that much more amazing. MTSU and higher education. Walker ac- to head the NCAA Committee on Athlet- Middle Tennessee is the fastest growing uni- cepts a minimum of 100-120 speaking en- ics Certification. versity in the state and most likely in the Southeast gagements each "President Walker is a superb leader Region. year, ranging from in higher education and in intercollegiate a handful of under- athletics," Johnson said. "I am delighted Although the University has grown so quickly, the academic standards have as well with the aver- graduate students with his selection to the NCAA Commit- age ACT score for the freshman class rising each at a hall meeting to tee on Athletics Certification. He will be a year with a 22 as the average last year. 300 college presi- significant asset." dents at the na- In addition to his appointment as chair The University itself has grown by leaps and tional conference of of the prestigious NCAA committee on ac- bounds evidenced by the many construction crews on campus. Over $130 million in building projects the American Asso- creditation, Walker serves on numerous have been completed or are in the process of ciation of State Col- boards and organizations across the state completion/beginning since February 1991. leges and Universi- and nation. He has served as chair of the Dr. James Walker ties in Atlanta. Regional Partnership Initiative of the Due to efficiency methods implemented un- President der Dr. Walker, Middle Tennessee has saved almost He has an in- Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, as $4 million during his term. That has allowed the Uni- tense interest in the president of the Middle Tennessee Coun- versity to provide new technology and better services MTSU family and has spoken at midnight cil of the Boy Scouts of America, Director to students and faculty. to hourly employees on the overnight shift, on the Board of Sun Trust Bank, One Hun- occasionally eats in campus dining halls dred Black Men, and the Nashville Sym- He is the secretary-treasurer of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. He with students, and also participates in phony among many others. served as president of the Middle Tennessee Boy regular open forums for faculty and staff MTSU, and indeed colleges and uni- Scout Council in 1998. to discuss issues of interest. There is likely versities across the nation, have benefited not a more accessible college president from his enthusiasm, and dedication to the The economic impact of the University for the in the state, who spends more time talk- promotion of higher education. middle Tennessee region is over $250 million annually. ing and listening to his many constituents. Walker, and his wife, Gwenn, are the Enrollment at MTSU has grown to parents of two daughters, Jamell and Aerospace, Business/Accounting/Finance, over 18,933 students under his guidance Jabrina. Recording Industry and Agriscience are recognized and the University is the fastest growing by people in their industry as top-quality programs. university in the state. In Fall 1997, MTSU became the largest university in the Ten- nessee Board of Regents system (FTE) and is now second largest in the state. Equally important is that MTSU is at- tracting some of the top students to its campus and for the last three years, en- tering freshmen have scored above state and national averages on college entrance exams. Last fall, MTSU had its brightest freshman class ever with a class average of 21.8 on the ACT. Walker also rates high praise from lo- cal executives and community leaders, like Dallas Reynolds, regional vice president for State Farm's South Central office in Murfreesboro. "I have often said that nothing gets done until someone gets an idea, a new idea that even that person may have no idea how it will be accomplished," Reynolds said. "That's how new ground is broken. "I see Dr. Walker as a visionary. He is very down-to-earth, a person that would fit in well with almost any group of people. Dr. James E. Walker, who has been the catalyst behind Middle Tennessee’s recent jump to I-A But it's his willingness to think big and not football, is seen here escorting 1998 Homecoming Queen Carmen Jones. ------16 ACADEMICACADEMIC CENTERCENTER aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

The student-athletes at Middle Tennes- see State received a welcomed New Year’s gift when they returned to campus for the 1999 Spring semester. The new Student-Athlete Enhancement Center opened its doors on January 4th to the delight of all student-athletes, coaches and administrators. “We are very grateful that Larry Counts – Director of Athletic Relations – saw our need for an academic center for the student- athletes and sacri- Jeanne Massaquoi ficed the proposed Director Blue Raider Room for mation regarding the NCAA rules and regula- The new Academic Enhancement Center gives MT boosters for our tions available to student-athletes. Blue Raider athletes a library-like atmosphere n cause,” said Jeanne Massaquoi, director. “The In an effort to accommodate the student- order to study, work on the cmputer or be tutored. Center became a joint effort between athletics athletes’ busy schedules, the center is open and academics when Dr. Barbara Haskew, from 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. Monday through Provost and vice president of Academic Af- Thursday and from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on fairs, provided the funds to furnish the building. Friday. The Center uses an innovative time- We have always appreciated the support we clock system activated by the student’s ID card receive from both areas in helping our student- for daily and weekly reports. Tutors in various athletes progress toward their degrees and subjects are scheduled in the tutoring rooms this Center is a perfect example of that collabo- throughout all hours of operation. Plans for rative effort.” expanding the computer area to accommo- Community Involvement The Center, which is located in the newly date twenty additional computers are already Reading Raiders Program renovated Johnny “Red” Floyd football sta- underway with a projected completion date of dium, houses the academic support system this fall. The Reading Raiders program began in the sum- and the B.R.A.S.S. (Blue Raider Athlete’s Skills Despite the move and upgraded facility, the mer of 1993 and was designed to allow MTSU athletes the opportunity to give back to the com- for Success) Life mission of the Center remains to help student- munity by getting involved in the lives of the Skills Program for all athletes utilize skills like teamwork that were community’s children. Within this program, NCAA Division I stu- learned on the field and turn them into positive Middle Tennessee athletes serve as role mod- dent-athletes at the preparation for life after college. The Center is University. els and motivators in encouraging the impor- also committed to meeting the changing needs tance of reading and proper study skills to stu- Blue Raider student- of student-athletes. The Center also continues dents in the Murfreesboro City Extended Schools athletes can take ad- to promote partnerships between University, Program. vantage of the library- the NCAA, and the Murfreesboro community like atmosphere as to help achieve its goals. Wynnifred Counts B.R.A.S.S. Assistant Director they report for their The Student-Athlete Enhancement Center required study hall is just one way that Middle Tennessee is The B.R.A.S.S. program is another vehicle that hours under the helping to prepare student-athletes for life af- encourages student-athletes to become involved watchful eyes of the Director, Mrs. Massaquoi ter college. Programs such as B.R.A.S.S. help in service activities. The MTSU athletic department, through the B.R.A.S.S. program, became and the Assistant Director and B.R.A.S.S. student-athletes learn to take personal re- the state’s first to take an active role in the Spe- Coordinator, Mrs. Wynnifred Counts. The Cen- sponsibility for their lives after college and help cial Olympics. This relationship is strengthened ter consists of two administrative offices, eight them become self-sufficient. By taking advan- every year, as the student-athletes begin to look fully equipped individual and group tutor rooms, tage of these opportunities, student-athletes a computer area, restrooms and 80 spacious as forward to working with the Special Olympi- can get far ahead of their competitors in the ans as much as the Olympians look forward to study carrels equipped with task lighting. Other game of life. interacting with college athletes. services provided by the Center includes registration, pre-registration, study skills, and career planning. The Center will also make infor------17 WEIGHTWEIGHT ROOMROOM aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

nine Wynmor platforms, and nine York classes, and other functions are held in this half-racks. The equipment space. The meeting room is fully equipped with list continues to grow high tech audiovisual equipment to enhance from there. Hammer the learning of students using the space. Strength equipment This newest addition to the Blue Raider rounds out the room athletic facilities is the crown jewel for all Middle with five ground-base Tennessee athletes. Each team is preparing to jammers, a dead lift, a take full advantage of the weight room begin- leg press, a leg curl, ning in the fall of 1999, and the resulting and a leg extension. championships should not be far behind. Other Hammer Strength equipment in the facility includes a bench press, a military press, a row machine, neck machine, pull- It is often said that the path to athletic greatness leads through the weight room. It up, and pull-over. certainly rings true at Middle Tennessee, but An impressive array Blue Raider teams have a decided advantage of dumbbells is also pro- over most of their opponents. vided for the student-ath- The addition to Johnny “Red” Floyd Sta- letes’ use. Two sets each of dumbbells ranging dium also allowed for a 10,000-plus square foot weight room facility adjacent to the north from five to 150 pounds end zone for use by all Middle Tennessee are kept on racks around student-athletes and the end result is a strength the room. Mirrors ring the training area that rivals any in the country. The walls of the room to help weight room has been lauded by many people student-athletes ensure that they are using proper as better than any in the immediate area, form throughout their workouts. including SEC and Conference USA schools. 20,714½ pounds of plates and dumbbells Cardiovascular equipment such greet student-athletes upon their entrance into as treadmills and stationary bikes the facility, but the sheer volume of weights is are also available for use. not the most impressive aspect of the room. It Fringe benefits may also be found in the weight room. A television with cable and a is equipped with nine Wynmor power racks, state-of-the-art sound system has been installed for the enjoyment of the student-athletes. Two offices for the strength coaches are lo- WEIGHT ROOM FACTS cated in the room, along with restrooms and a Location: Behind the North small hospitality area. stands of Floyd Stadium The weight room also provides direct ac- Size: Over 10,000 square feet cess to the football stadium and a large Date Opened: May 14, 1999 meeting room. The meeting room is Total Weight: 20714.5 pounds used not only by the Blue Raider football Builder: Turner Construction team on game days and for film breakdown, but Coordinator: Matt Riley press conferences, HPERS Strength Coach ------18 MIDDLEMIDDLE TENNESSEETENNESSEE AREAAREA aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa MURFREESBORO NASHVILLE Located at the geographic center of the state of Tennessee, Located just thirty minutes away is the captial of the state of Murfreesboro is the home of Middle Tennessee State University. Lo- Tennessee. Much like Rutherford County, the Nashville area cated just 32 miles southeast of Nashville, Murfreesboro is one of the has seen a boom in growth over the past few years. Nashville fastest growing communities in the state. boast some of the states most well known attractions. The city was founded in 1811, but was originally known as Music Row, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Opryland Ho- Cannonsburgh. The name was changed to Murfreesboro after only 33 tel, which is the largest hotel and convention center in the United days in honor of Revolutionary War Col. Hardy Murfree, who was one States are just a few of Nashville’s attractions. Presently under of the early settlers in the town. construction is the Opryland Mills entertainment and shopping Geographically, Murfreesboro has thrived due to its proximety to complex, which will be one of the largest mall/entertainment cen- three major interstate routes in the state of Tennessee and its location ters in the country. between Nashville and Chattanooga. Also, the middle Tennessee area Nicknamed “Music City” Nashville is a hot bed of rising mu- is located at the demographic center of 70% of the population of the sicians and song writers. Along second avenue, a multitude of United States. Atlanta, Birmingham, Knoxville, Memphis, and Louis- clubs and an array of live musical venues can be found. ville, Ky., are all within a three-hour drive of Murfreesboro. These fac- Nashville’s growth and development has also lured the pro- tors combine to generate considerable growth in the Murfreesboro area. fessional sports world into Middle Tennessee. The world-class Industry has become an important cornerstone of the economy of Gaylord Entertainment Center was completed in 1996 and is Murfreesboro during this time. Manufacturers such as Aladdin, Nissan, now home to a number of professional sports organizations. The Bridgestone/Firestone, and Georgia Pacific have located to the Nashville Kats of the Arena Football League recently completed Murfreesboro/Rutherford County area. Recently, sev- their second year of competition and the NHL’s Nashville Preda- eral shopping centers, restaurants, and other divisions tors began prowling the ice in the fall of 1998. In addition, have helped Murfreesboro become one of the most the arena has state-of-the-art lighting and acoustic capa- sought-after communties in the midstate region. bilities to draw major music, entertainment and sport- Murfreesboro is the largest city in Rutherford ing events. The arena also is home to the Tennes- County with an estimated population of 52,000. The see Sports Hall of Fame. county, as a whole, is home to approximately The NFL’s Tennessee Titans begin their third 150,000 residents. Rutherford County has seen un- season in Nashville and first as the Titans after precedented growth over the past few years. A study carrying the Oilers name for two years. Re- showed that the population in the county increased cently built Adelphia stadum will be the new 25% from 1990 to 1995. home for the Titans. Located on the east bank of Murfreesboro is growing by leaps and bounds, but Adelphia Stadium: Home of the Cumberland River overlooking downtown Nash- still has managed to retain most of the small town charm the Tennessee Titans. ville is the brand new 67,000-seat stadium. that made it so appealing years ago. Even though the town has gone through massive change in recent times, there are still some things that stay the same. It remains a quality place to raise children, work, and carry on day-to-day activities. It is these qualities that will keep Murfreesboro growing in a positive way. Gaylord Entertaniment Center: Home to the Predators and Kats.

The Nashville Predators facing the Buffalo Murfreesboro’s Sabres in their inaugural season. Historic Courthouse ------1919 AIRAIR RAIDERS-FACILITIESRAIDERS-FACILITIES aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa BLUE RAIDER FLEET BLUE RIADER TENNIS COMPLEX Middle Tennessee State is one of just a handful of universi- Middle Tennessee’s large tennis facility consists of 16 total ties in the country with its own fleet of planes. The University has courts, and eight varsity courts, which had lights installed in 1995. a total of 17 planes, including eight Cessna 152’s, three Cessna The complex also houses the Tennis Center, which features of- 172’s, two Cessna 172 RG’s, two Beechcraft Duchess planes, fices, team rooms, restrooms and an equipment storage facility. one Cessna 150 Tail Wheel and one Cessna 404. In the spring of 1999, a patio/reception area was added for view- The Cessna 404 will seat up to ten occupants. All other ing and posting of events. planes in the fleet will seat up to four. Fans who attend Housed at Murfreesboro Airport, the events at the complex planes are just minutes from the have the ability to sit in campus so that covered bleachers, which coaches, players, and seats up to 500 spectators. It athletic department per- also features a state-of-the-art sonnel can fly in and out of middle sound system. Tennessee on a moments notice. Aside from hosting Middle Tennessee matches, the com- The fleet is used for flying small teams at plex has played host to numerous Ohio Valley Conference Middle Tennessee to events and tournaments that championships, various state and regional USTA events, and otherwise would have been too far to attend without plan to host a major indoor event in the near future. The complex disrupting academic pursuits. The tennis teams use the planes to fly all over the southern region as well as other parts of the country where their schedule may take them. The teams use the planes nearly exclusively for their non-conference trips.

THE RACQUET CLUB During the summer of 1999, Middle Tennessee and The Racquet Club of Murfreesboro reached an agreement that would allow the Blue Raider and Lady Raider tennis programs priority access to the facility. The Racquet Club The facility will be a great boost to the program allowing for indoor instruction during the winter months when the tennis is the premier venue within the Ohio Valley Conference. Future teams are unable to get oudoors. plans also call for adding additional bleachers to accommodate The Racquet Club of Murfreesboro has nine total courts. the growing number of Blue Raider supporters The addition of They have four hardcourts, three clay courts, and two indoor locker rooms to the Tennis Center is also to be built sometime in courts. The Middle Tennessee tennis teams will be able to the near future. take full advantage of the two indoor courts. In addition, the Racquet Club is is expanding the Indoor facility to four which was schedule to be completed sometime in October. The additional courts will give the Blue Raiders and Lady Raiders an excellent indoor facility for practice and matches during the winter months.

Blue Raider Tennis Complex ------20 TRADITIONSTRADITIONS aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

what size the student must be who would LEGEND OF LIGHTINING BLUE RAIDER NICKNAME emulate Forrest. This was done, it is believed, In mythology, the winged horse posessed In the early days of athletics at Middle because there was only one uniform available superior cunning and speed. The thundering Tennessee State University, the teams were and a “good fit” was desired. In sensitivity to the African-American com- horse of the gods was entrusted to carry the known by several nicknames. Among these munity at the school, the figure of General awesome lightning bolts and could only be were Teachers, Normalities and Pedagogues. Forrest was abandoned. harnessed by a noble one with a pure heart. As In 1934, it was decided that the school For a time, the “unofficial” mascot for the with success in all things, it requires character needed a specific nickname, and during the Blue Raiders was a costumed, cartoon-like as well as talent and strength to mount and ride football season of that year, the Murfreesboro dog. A reasonable facsimile of a blue tick the fabled winged horse. Daily News Journal held a contest to name the hound, the affable character was dubbed “Ole This winged horse is a fitting symbol of a team. Blue.” university that has earned its wings and excels Charles Sarver, then a Middle Tennes- It was on January 17, 1998 that the cur- in many academic arenas, among them his- see football player and later principal at White rent mascot, “Lightning,” was born. The mas- toric preservation, teacher training, aerospace, County High School in Sparta, Tenn., won the cot was unveiled along with an attractive eye- political science, horse science and recording $5 prize for his entry of “Blue Raiders.” Sarver catching logo. The introduction of Lightning industry. But the winged horse is more than a later indicated he had “borrowed” the nick- gave an identity to the nickname Blue Raiders. symbol of physical accomplishment; it’s also a name of the Colgate Red Raiders, but substi- The unveiling was during a home basketball symbol of character and the correct wielding of tuted MTSU Blue for Colgate Red. game before a packed house at the Murphy power. Ever since that time, Middle Tennessee Center. The challenge of all great universities and athletic teams have been known as the Blue Promoting the extravaganza called on university athletic departments is to advance Raiders. the talents of many, but perhaps no one got student-athletes in character as well as ability, The symbol of Confederate General into the spirit as much as Athletic Director Lee to allow powerful steeds to soar at higher Nathan Bedford Forrest on a horse was first Fowler. He agreed to be in a photo conceived levels. This winged horse is a testimony to used about 1945, when then-university Presi- and executed by Jack Ross, director of photo- what Middle Tennessee students, athletes and dent Q.M. Smith instructed Public Relations graphic services, playing on the theme “Light- alumni represent. Director Gene Sloan to begin using the figure ning Strikes.” Originally planned as one of a For its nobility and character, the winged in conjunction with the nickname. series, the dramatic photo attracted attention horse was once immortalized in the stars. In 1965, the Student Government Asso- far beyond Murfreesboro, running as a news Now, with breathtaking speed and thundering, ciation established strict specifications as to item on Nashville television stations as well as unbridled power, lightning strikes, forevermore, USA Today. fear in the hearts of Blue Raider opponents! Through Ann Donnell, Speech and The- atre professor at Middle Tennessee, Ross Fight Song sought the help from Joy Hubbard, a theatre major, to do Fowler’s hair and make-up. Prepa- Blue Raiders ride on to vic-t’ry ration was time consuming, but the actual Never failing in the fight camera work wasn’t. Upholding honor and tradition Of the name that’s held most high Part of an extensive advertising campaign, coordinated by Doug Williams, director M-T-S-U marching onward of News and Public Affairs, included billboards, This will be our battle cry banners, table tents at restaurants, and post- For the one, true pride of the Blue ers, and also featured art design by Chris M-T-S-U Raiders Ride! Brady. Following is a look at the new logos:

Alma Mater Lightning entertains fans We sing thy praises, at a recent faithful guide of youth, Blue Raider Through all the ages basketball affirmed and strong in truth. game. Alma Mater, Middle Tennessee We proudly offer our hearts in loyalty.

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