by Nick Growall
Staff writer
Southeastern’s tennis program took part in its first ever Rock the Courts event Sept. 18, bringing tennis to the community of Durant.
The event, which coach Shawn Hamil hopes to be the first of many, raised over $1,000 for the tennis program.
“The Rock the Court tournament was a great success,” Hamil said.
“The purpose of the fundraiser was to raise money for the program while connecting with various community leaders to promote tennis in our area. It promotes tennis, and it promotes fun.”
Every Southeastern tennis player from both men’s and women’s teams were involved in the event. The players were paired with a community leader of Durant, and these teams competed in a 16-team bracket.
The winning combo of the event was the team of junior Laercio Lobo of the men’s tennis team and James Dry who held off sophomore Billy Haugen and Jared Hyatt in the final by a score of 7-5.
“I just think it’s great for the community,” said Hyatt, who works at the Student Bible Center on campus. “First off we help Southeastern tennis get some publicity out for them. And it’s always great to give kids something they can play for a lifetime.”
According to Hamil, “The event had great competition, music and lighthearted fun with some players dressing as famous tennis players and rock stars.”
One of the costumed community leaders was Kent Rogers of Marcos Pizza, who donned an Andre Agassi outfit. “It’s prototypical Andre Agassi, and, in fact, I kind of find it hard to find a difference between he and myself. I’m super athletic just like Andre in my mind,” said Rogers.
Along with Hyatt and Rogers, the community leaders were Dr. John Conley, Tod Nelson, Jessica Conley, James Robinson, Jimmy Fernandez, Phillip Ashley, Dr. Ming-Shan Su, Kelly Green, Layne Heitz, Tim Albright, Josh Michaels, James Dry and Tony Romas.
Although early in the year, Hamil feels good about the upcoming season.
“I feel great about how our team is working hard in order to compete with the best schools in the country,” said Hamil. “Last week we played our first competition of the year and went 13 wins and 3 losses in match play.
“Hopefully we can continue this positive momentum through the rest of the year.”
The Southeastern men’s tennis team will play next at Austin College on Oct. 1 and at Oklahoma Baptist University on Oct. 5.
The women’s team will also play at Austin College on Oct. 1, as well as North Central Texas College on Oct. 9.
Staff photo by Shannon Hutcherson
Tennis players mingle while waiting for the first-ever Rock the Court tournament to begin. In this collaborative tournament, Savage Storm tennis players partnered with players in the community in doubles matches.