STALLIONS OPEN SEASON FEBRUARY 20

The Abraham Baldwin College Stallions’ tennis team will open the 2003 season at home on Feb. 20 at 3 p.m. against Gordon College.

ABAC Coach Alan Kramer said he is enthusiastic about the upcoming spring season.

“We have nine sophomores returning from last year’s national runners-up team,” Kramer said.  “I am excited about this group of players since I know their experience can be a huge factor if they understand how to play smart as a team. Our freshmen are also solid players who will challenge the sophomores daily.”

According to Kramer, key players this season include Gaston Verna, a sophomore from Argentina and last year’s number one player; German Dalmagro, a sophomore from Argentina and last year’s winner of number two flight in singles; Kotaro Noguchi, a sophomore from Japan who played incredible doubles for the team last year; and Jacobo Uribe, a sophomore from Colombia who played number five singles and was a semi-finalist at his flight.

“Everyone else will need to push themselves daily to compete with these leaders,” Kramer said. “If the players come together as a disciplined team, they will be tough to beat-- even when up against four-year schools. In terms of goals for the team this season, I would like for them to make All-America at each flight they play and to win a national championship as a team. My goal as coach is to set an example by representing the program with class.”

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