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general information
Table of Contents
Quick Facts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Head Coach Rob Oertel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Graduate Assistant Coach Fred Goncalves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
The Colonel Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2010 Rosters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Season Outlook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Men’s Player Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Women’s Player Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-12
2009 Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2009 in Review. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
EKU President Dr. Doug Whitlock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
EKU Director of Athletics Mark Sandy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Eastern Kentucky University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Athletic Support Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Richmond &amp; Surrounding Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Ohio Valley Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Colonel Tennis Honors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Quick Facts
General Information
School
Location
Founded/Enrollment
Nickname
Colors
Tennis Facilities
Conference
Aﬃliation
President
Athletics Director
Athletics Phone

Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, Ky.
1906/16,200
Colonels
Maroon (209) and white
Greg Adams Tennis Center (indoor)
Coach Tom Higgins Tennis Courts (outdoor)
Ohio Valley
NCAA Division I
Dr. Doug Whitlock
Mark Sandy
859-622-2120

Coaching Staff
Head Coach
Alma Mater
Overall Division I Record
Oﬃce Phone
E-mail
Fax
Graduate Assistant Coach
Alma Mater

Rob Oertel
Wisconsin-Stout ’86
237-217 (19 seasons – men)
140-115 (11 seasons – women)
859-622-2133
rob.oertel@eku.edu
859-622-8334
Fred Goncalves
Eastern Kentucky ’08

Athletic Public Relations
Tennis Contact
Oﬃce Phone
E-mail
Fax
Internet

Credits
Writing, Editing and Design:
Michael Clark, Director of Athletic
Public Relations using Adobe
InDesign CS4 and Photoshop CS4
Editorial Assistance:
Kevin Britton, Simon Gray,
Dan McBride, Rob Oertel
Photos:
Chris Radcliﬀe, Tim Webb, Eastern
Kentucky University Archives,

Ohio Valley Conference, Mark
Pearson, Darrell Lovitt
Printing:
Post Printing Co., Lexington, Ky.
Charles Smith, Sales Representative
Special Thanks:
Kevin Britton, Steve Fohl, Simon
Gray, Dan McBride, Rob Oertel

Mailing Address
Athletic Public Relations
521 Lancaster Ave.
Alumni Coliseum 115
Richmond, KY 40475

Overnight Address
Same as above

1

Michael Clark
859-622-6170
michael.clark@eku.edu
859-622-5108
www.EKUSports.com

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coaching staff
The Oertel File
Name: Rob Oertel
Hometown: West Allis, Wis.
Born: Feb. 5, 1964

Rob
Oertel
Title: Head Coach
Year at EKU: Ninth Season
Alma Mater:
Wisconsin-Stout, 1986

Education:
Wisconsin-Stout (B.S., Business Administration, 1986)
Indiana State (M.S., Physical Education, 1991)
Collegiate Coaching Experience:
Wisconsin-Stout (Head Coach, 1989)
Indiana State (Head Coach, 1990-96)
Denver (Head Coach, 1997-2000)
Eastern Kentucky (Head Coach, 2002-present)


2007, 2009 OVC Men’s Tennis Co-Coach of the Year

1995 MVC Men’s Tennis Coach of the Year
Rob Oertel is entering his ninth season as the head coach for
both the men’s and women’s tennis teams at Eastern Kentucky.
The 2009 season was a memorable one for the Colonels as both the
men and women went undefeated against OVC competition for
the first time in program history. The EKU women went on to earn
a berth in the 2009 NCAA championships.
In his eight years at EKU, Oertel has taken the Colonels from
the cellar of the OVC to a consistent contender in the seasonending OVC tournament. He has coached 18All-OVC players,
two OVC Players of the Year, one OVC Freshman of the Year, one
Academic All-American and one OVC Sportsmanship Award winner while in charge of the Eastern program.
Oertel has almost 20 years experience as a Division I head
coach after previously serving four years at Denver and seven at
Indiana State. He handled both the men’s and women’s programs
at Indiana State during the 1989-90 season as well as at Denver in
the 1996-97 campaign and spring of 1999.
“One of my primary goals when I took this position was to
raise this program to national respectability,” Oertel said. “I can
say with great pride that we are now at that level. I hope we can
keep building on our achievements.”
The University of Denver was a Division II program when
Oertel took the helm in 1996. By his fourth season, he lifted the
Pioneers to a very competitive status at the Division I level with an
overall record of 16-8.
Before joining the Pioneer staﬀ at Denver, Oertel recorded an
overall record of 95-73 with the Indiana State men’s tennis team.
During the 1994-95 season, Oertel guided the Sycamores to a
regular season Missouri Valley Conference co-championship and
second-place finish in the conference tournament.

Oertel earned the 1995 MVC Coach of the Year award as ISU
finished 18-9 overall with key victories over Tulsa, Purdue, Kansas
and Marquette. In addition, Indiana State won its final 12 regular
season dual matches to earn a berth in the NCAA team championships. The Sycamores advanced to the final 24 in the 1995 NCAA
tournament before falling to Arizona State.
A native of West Allis, Wis., Oertel graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in 1986 with a degree in business administration. In 1988, he began his coaching career at St. Mary’s Catholic
School in Monroe, Mich., as the assistant coach. Next, he assumed
the head coaching reins at his alma mater, Wisconsin-Stout, before
moving to Indiana State.
In 1991, he earned his master’s of science degree from Indiana
State in physical education with an emphasis in sports administration. Oertel has further enhanced his extensive coaching experience by working with players of all ages as a tennis pro in the Fiji
Islands, Michigan and Wisconsin.
As a collegiate tennis player, Oertel was one of the most decorated athletes to ever play for the Wisconsin-Stout Blue Devils.
He became the first tennis player in Blue Devil history to earn AllAmerican honors while also playing on four consecutive conference championship teams.
Oertel’s NCAA Division III national ranking peaked at No. 13
in singles and No. 4 in doubles during his senior campaign. In
1996, Oertel was inducted into the Wisconsin-Stout Athletics Hall
of Fame.

Oertel’s Division I Career Coaching Record

2

Men

Women

Year School
Record
1990 Indiana State
13- 10
1991 Indiana State
14- 10
1992 Indiana State
10- 11
1993 Indiana State
15- 9
1994 Indiana State
12- 13
1995 Indiana State
18- 9
1996 Indiana State
13- 11
1997 Denver
7- 7
1998 Denver
4- 16
1999 Denver
5- 14
2000 Denver
16- 8
2002 Eastern Kentucky 10- 13
2003 Eastern Kentucky 14- 10
2004 Eastern Kentucky 12- 13
2005 Eastern Kentucky 11- 16
2006 Eastern Kentucky 11- 15
2007 Eastern Kentucky 18- 11
2008 Eastern Kentucky 16- 12
2009 Eastern Kentucky 18- 9
Totals (19 seasons)
239-217

Year School
Record
1990 Indiana State
5- 13
1997 Denver
13- 7
1999 Denver
7- 8
2002 Eastern Kentucky
7- 15
2003 Eastern Kentucky 13- 11
2004 Eastern Kentucky 13- 13
2005 Eastern Kentucky 15- 12
2006 Eastern Kentucky 14- 10
2007 Eastern Kentucky 12- 13
2008 Eastern Kentucky 19- 7
2009 Eastern Kentucky 22- 6
Totals (11 seasons)
140-115

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coaching staff
Fred
Goncalves
Title: Graduate Asst. Coach
Year at EKU: Second Season
Alma Mater:
Eastern Kentucky, 2008

Fred Goncalves is in his second year with the Colonel coaching staﬀ after spending the previous four years playing on the
EKU tennis team. Goncalves served as the 2008 team captain and
helped the men’s team finish third in the OVC standings.
Now a member of the coaching staﬀ, Goncalves is responsible
for on-court coaching, handling administrative tasks and executing miscellaneous duties oﬀ the court. Goncalves is also working
towards completing his master’s degree in sports administration
at EKU.
In his four yours on the Eastern tennis team, Goncalves was a
solid contributor on a very deep team. Goncalves spent most of
his senior season playing No. 4 and No. 5 singles for the Colonels
where he tallied a 5-4 record against OVC opponents. As a junior,
the lefty went 8-2 in dual matches including 5-1 against league
competition.
Oﬀ the court, Goncalves enjoys listening to music and going
to the beach. His future goals include owning his own tennis
academy.

The Goncalves File
Name: Frederico Goncalves
Hometown: Porto, Portugal
Born: March 27, 1986
Education:
Eastern Kentucky (B.S., International Business, 2008)
Collegiate Coaching Experience:
Eastern Kentucky (Grad. Assistant Coach, 2009-present)

The Colonel Club
For more information about joining the Colonel Club and being
an essential part of the esteemed tradition that is Eastern Kentucky University Athletics, please contact the EKU Colonel Club
oﬃce by calling 859-622-2046 or e-mailing Treka Adams at
treka.adams@eku.edu.

The Colonel Club operates within the same principles of
Eastern Kentucky University – an institution entering its second
century as a school of opportunity. The Department of Athletics’
development organization helps provide an elite experience for
more than 300 of the University’s most dedicated students.
The generous financial support provided by the Colonel Club
facilitates the department’s overall mission of graduating studentathletes, developing individuals who display integrity at all times,
winning Ohio Valley Conference championships and participating
in postseason competition.
Colonel Club members – loyal alumni, parents and friends –
are proud that their tax-deductible contributions provide vital
resources for all aspects of Colonel Athletics, including scholarships, travel expenses, equipment, academic support and many
other areas.
In addition to the pride of knowing that they have helped improve the student-athlete experience, Colonel Club members can
receive benefits including, but not limited to:
• Invitations to annual Colonel Club events, including the golf
tournament, Fish Fry and much more
• Priority seating at Roy Kidd Stadium and Paul McBrayer Arena
• Priority for purchasing post-season tickets
• Preferred parking for football and basketball events
• Colonel Connection – a daily e-mail chronicling EKU Athletics
• Membership card and window decal
Methods of support include direct contributions, matching gifts,
gifts of securities, gifts-in-kind and planned gifts. All gifts to the
Colonel Club are recognized on a July 1st to June 30th fiscal year.

Anouk Faure (left) helped lead the Colonels to their first ever NCAA championships berth last spring while Wesley Ruttoh helped EKU capture its fourth
straight men’s cross country title in 2009.

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season outlook
The Eastern Kentucky University men’s and women’s tennis
teams enter the 2010 spring as the preseason favorites in the Ohio
Valley Conference. The men return all but one starter from a team
that went undefeated against conference opponents last year on
the way to the 2009 regular season title. Meanwhile, the women
hope to return to the NCAA tournament for the second consecutive year.
“This could be the most talented group of men I’ve coached in
my time at Eastern,” EKU head coach Rob Oertel said. “We expect
to build on last year’s run to the OVC tournament finals and make
it to the NCAAs this year. I don’t see any reason why we can’t accomplish that goal.”
Leading the way for the Colonel men is junior Alex Das Izquierdo, who could be a serious candidate for OVC Player of the
Year honors. Das, a two-time All-OVC pick, is 12-2 against OVC
competition in his two years playing No. 1 singles. This past fall,
Das picked up individual titles at the UTC Baras Fall Tennis Classic and the Louisville Winter Invitational.
Newcomer Hugo Klientovsky gives EKU a solid one-two
punch at the top of the line-up. Klientovsky, standing at 6-3, has a
big serve and likes to attack the net. His size and net play will not
only help in singles, but solidify the doubles teams as well.
Sophomores Niklas Schroeder and Carlos Valdenebro will
likely battle for spots in the middle of the starting rotation. Schroeder tied for the team lead with six OVC singles victories in 2009.
Valdenebro split time between No. 2 and No. 3 singles as a freshman while finishing with 11 victories.
Sophomores Emilio Piriz, Carles Pons Escanilla and Parul
Verma as well as newcomer Philip Janz give the Colonels quality
depth. Piriz, Pons and Verma combined to go 13-2 against OVC
foes one season ago. Pons clinched the 4-3 victory over rival Jacksonville State in 2009 thanks to a three-set triumph at No. 6 singles.
“Alex Das just breeds confidence for everyone else on the men’s
team,” Oertel said. “He’s the whole package – student, leader and
great tennis player.
“As for the women, it will be an exciting challenge to coach
them this year,” Oertel continued. “All of the players are a little
higher on the ladder than what their comfort zone has been.”
This could be a transition year for the Eastern Kentucky women
as the Colonels have to replace their top two players from the 2009

OVC championship squad. Candidates to fill the No. 1 position
include juniors Myriem Mhirit and Anouk Faure.
Mhirit, a 2009 All-OVC first team selection, became the first
Colonel to reach 30 victories in a season as she finished a combined 31-6 in the fall of 2008 and spring of 2009. The lefty put
together a 14-match winning streak in the middle of last spring
before tallying straight-set victories in both of her OVC tournament contests.
Faure split time between No. 4 and No. 5 singles as a sophomore, but won all nine of her OVC singles matches in straight sets.
Faure is another lefty who plays a steady baseline game and can
win points oﬀ both her forehand and backhand.
Newcomer Jessica Albuquerque de Brito could step into a topthree starting spot for the Colonels. Albuquerque is perhaps the
best ball striker on the team and should be able to compete well
in the OVC matches. The good news for EKU is that Albuquerque
still has plenty of room for improvement.
Senior Anais Hamel, sophomore Alyze Pagal and freshmen Catarina Branco and Esmira Gheisary will be in the hunt for the final
three spots in the line-up. Hamel, the lone senior on the team and
2010 captain, won both of her OVC singles matches last spring.
“We have a tough preseason schedule that should help us come
OVC season,” Oertel said. “I think our season will depend on
how well we play together and grow as a team. We could finish
anywhere from first to seventh in the OVC standings.”

Alex Das is a strong candidate for 2010 OVC Player of the Year.

Men’s Team Roster
Name
Alex Das Izquierdo
Philip Janz
Hugo Klientovsky
Emilio Piriz
Carles Pons Escanilla
Niklas Schroeder
Carlos Valdenebro
Parul Verma

Ht.
5-11
5-11
6-3
5-10
6-2
6-4
6-0
5-10

Wt.
155
190
180
165
160
170
160
167

Pronunciations
Cl.
Jr.
So.
So.
So.
So.
So.
So.
So.

Hometown
Valencia, Spain
Queensland, Australia
Colombe, France
Badajoz, Spain
Barcelona, Spain
Erwitte, Germany
Sevilla, Spain
Chandigarh, India

Previous School
El Plantio Intl. School of Valencia
Sunshine Coast Grammar School
University Pierre Mendes France
Colegio Santa Teresa Badajoz
Jesus-Maria St. Gervasi
Staedtisches Gymnasium Erwitte
I.E.S. Carlos Haya
D.A.V. Model School Sector 15-A

Women’s Team Roster
Name
Jessica Albuquerque
Catarina Branco
Anouk Faure
Esmira Gheisary
Anais Hamel
Myriem Mhirit
Alyze Pagal

Ht.
5-5
5-6
5-2
5-7
5-8
5-6
5-9

Cl.
Fr.
Fr.
Jr.
Fr.
Sr.
Jr.
So.

Hometown
San Luis, Brazil
Cascais, Portugal
Versoix, Switzerland
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Tours, France
Rabat, Morocco
Sevran, France

Previous School
C.I.E.R.
Secundaria de Cascais
College Rousseau
Kimep
Universite Francois Rabelais
Intl. Institute for Higher Education
La Sorbonne Universite Paris I
4

Jessica Albuquerque –
AL-boo-CARE-key
Esmira Gheisary – ESS-mur-uh
gee-SAUR-ee
Alex Das Izquierdo –
eez-key-AIR-doh
Anouk Faure – ah-NEWK four
Anais Hamel – ah-NEECE
hah-MELL
Hugo Klientovsky –
KLI-en-TOV-skee
Myriem Mhirit – muh-HEAR-it
Alyze Pagal – ah-LEEZ pah-GAL
Carles Pons Escanilla –
s-kahn-EE-ah
Carlos Valdenebro –
vol-den-A-broh
Head Coach Rob Oertel –
or-TELL

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player profiles
Alex
Das Izquierdo

Philip
Janz

Year: Junior
Ht.: 5-11 Wt.: 155
Hometown: Valencia, Spain
Previous School:
El Plantio Intl. School of Valencia

Year: Sophomore
Ht.: 5-11 Wt.: 190
Hometown: Queensland, Australia
Previous School:
Sunshine Coast Grammar School


2008, 2009 All-OVC first team selection

2009 ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District second team

2008 OVC Freshman of the Year

Janz joined the squad in the fall of 2009 … comes from an
impressive tennis background in Queensland … solidifies the
depth on the squad … has a steady all-around game that has no
glaring weaknesses … can battle from the baseline or win points
at the net … he was ranked among the top-100 Australian players
in the open division … reached No. 4 in the Queensland under-18
single rankings and No. 5 on the doubles list … also played cricket
in high school … enjoys playing video games and following collegiate sports … his tennis goals include breaking into the top half
of the starting line-up and helping the team win the OVC title.

Das Izquierdo should compete for 2010 OVC Player of the Year
honors … has the talent to compete with anyone in the nation …
plays from the baseline, but mixes his shots extremely well … 2010
team captain … captured two singles titles this past fall – the UTC
Baras Fall Tennis Classic and the Louisville Winter Invitational
… led EKU with a 17 dual singles victories in 2009 … went 6-0 at
No. 1 doubles with Carlos Pons as a sophomore … finished 6-1 in
OVC singles competition in both 2009 and 2008 … became the first
Colonel to ever win the OVC Freshman of the Year award … 2008
team MVP … went 15-3 in dual matches at No. 1 singles … won
14 of his final 15 singles matches in 2008 … won three matches on
the way to the flight ‘A’ finals of the 2007 UTC Fall Tennis Classic
… climbed as high as No. 352 in the 2007 Spanish national rankings … was a top-10 national player in the under-14 age group …
also played soccer in high school … he enjoys watching soccer,
the NBA and going to the movies … he wants to help the Colonels win the OVC title … after graduating, he hopes to become an
airline pilot.

The Janz File
Name: Philip Brian Janz
Born: June 27, 1990
Parents: Terry and Sue Janz
Siblings: Kirstin (25)
Major: Psychology

The Das Izquierdo File
Name: Alejandro Das Izquierdo
Born: Sept. 3, 1987
Parents: Jose Das and Carmen Izquierdo
Siblings: Paloma (3)
Major: Aviation

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player profiles
Hugo
Klientovsky

Emilio
Piriz

Year: Sophomore
Ht.: 6-3
Wt.: 180
Hometown: Colombe, France
Previous School:
University Pierre Mendes France

Year: Sophomore
Ht.: 5-10 Wt.: 165
Hometown: Badajoz, Spain
Previous School:
Colegio Santa Teresa Badajoz

Klientovsky could be an impact player in his first season as a
Colonel … likes to attack the net, but possesses a strong all-around
game … he will do whatever it takes to get a win … one of his
best weapons is his serve … his size and net play will help solidify
the doubles teams … won the regional tournament of DauphineSavoie when he was 17 years old … his hobbies include skiing,
soccer and playing video games … he hopes to help EKU reach
the NCAA tournament this spring.

Piriz possesses solid strokes oﬀ both wings … provides quality
depth to the line-up … will be in the battle for the No. 6 spot in
the starting line-up … played in 12 dual matches as a freshman,
mainly at the No. 6 spot … won all four OVC singles matches in
straight sets last year … picked up the deciding point in the 4-3
victory over Wright State thanks to a three-set win at No. 6 singles
… went 4-4 in doubles with Carlos Valdenebro in 2009 … reached
as high as No. 310 in the Spanish men’s national rankings … he
hopes to help the team win the OVC title this year … also played
soccer in high school … in his spare time, he likes to travel and
meet new people … his educational goal is to complete his collegiate degree in the United States.

The Klientovsky File
Name: Hugo Klientovsky
Born: June 3, 1988
Parents: Alexandre and Christine Klientovsky
Siblings: Thomas (24)
Major: Business marketing

The Piriz File
Name: Emilio Piriz
Born: July 6, 1990
Parents: Emilio Piriz Campos and Teresa Fernandez Capilla
Siblings: None
Major: International business

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player profiles
Carles
Pons Escanilla

Niklas
Schroeder

Year: Sophomore
Ht.: 6-2
Wt.: 160
Hometown: Barcelona, Spain
Previous School:
Jesus-Maria St. Gervasi

Year: Sophomore
Ht.: 6-4
Wt.: 170
Hometown: Erwitte, Germany
Previous School:
Staedtisches Gymnasium Erwitte

Pons Escanilla has a reliable backhand … volleys surprising
well for a clay court player … always seems to be happy out on
the court … could be a factor in the starting line-up … played anywhere between No. 3 and No. 6 singles as a freshman … clinched
the 4-3 win over Jacksonville State thanks to a three-set victory at
No. 6 singles … won six of his final seven singles matches last year
… went 5-1 in OVC singles action and 4-0 in doubles with Alex
Das in 2009 … also played soccer in high school … enjoys all types
of sports, listening to music and traveling … he has his sights set
on all-conference accolades.

Schroeder is one of the better indoor tennis players on the
squad … should play somewhere in the middle of the line-up …
potentially the best doubles player on the roster … mixes his serve
extremely well … finished the 2009 campaign at the No. 4 singles
position … tied for the team lead with six OVC singles victories
last year (6-2) … rallied for a three-set victory in the Morehead
State contest … split time at No. 1 and No. 2 doubles as a freshman … teamed up with Parul Verma to go 5-1 in OVC matches
… played on the same club team as former Colonel Lars Gratzki
… also participated on the soccer and badminton teams in high
school … in his spare time, he enjoys playing soccer and basketball.

The Pons Escanilla File
Name: Carles Pons Escanilla
Born: April 16, 1989
Parents: Miquel Pons and Mercé Escanilla
Siblings: Ruth (31)
Major: Sports management

The Schroeder File
Name: Niklas Schroeder
Born: Jan. 8, 1989
Parents: Werner and Barbara Schroeder
Siblings: Gerrit (18)
Major: Sports management

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player profiles
Carlos
Valdenebro

Parul
Verma

Year: Sophomore
Ht.: 6-0
Wt.: 160
Hometown: Sevilla, Spain
Previous School:
I.E.S. Carlos Haya

Year: Sophomore
Ht.: 5-10 Wt.: 167
Hometown: Chandigarh, India
Previous School:
D.A.V. Model School Sector 15-A

Valdenebro should be a regular in the starting line-up for the
Colonels this year … hits a surprisingly flat ball for a Spanish
player … can finish points from the forehand side … spent the majority of his freshman season at No. 2 and No. 3 singles … helped
EKU pull out a 4-3 victory over Wright State last year thanks to a
three-set triumph at No. 4 singles … won all three of his three-set
matches in 2009 … split time with Mel Segota and Emilio Piriz in
doubles as a freshman … reached as high as No. 380 in the Spanish men’s national rankings … also played soccer in high school
… he hopes to eventually earn a master’s degree and become an
engineer.

Verma has good touch and feel with the ball … should be in
the mix for a starting position … tied for second on the team with
13 singles dual victories in 2009 … split time between No. 4 and
No. 5 singles as a freshman … tallied a straight-set victory at No. 5
singles in the OVC championship match against Jacksonville State
… teamed up with Niklas Schroeder to go 5-1 in OVC matches at
No. 2 doubles … as a junior, he was ranked No. 10 in the Indian
under-18 bracket and No. 2 in the under-16 bracket … played in
the Indian Davis Cup under-16 camp … won numerous singles
and doubles super series matches … he hopes to help EKU reach
its first-ever NCAA tournament … in his spare time, he enjoys
listening to country music and hanging out with friends.

The Valdenebro File
Name: Carlos Valdenebro
Born: Feb. 25, 1990
Parent: Maria Dolores Tinaut
Siblings: Javier (23)
Major: Engineering

The Verma File
Name: Parul Verma
Born: Oct. 13, 1990
Parents: Charan Preet Verma and Kiran Verma
Siblings: Pavel (21), Pavika (17)
Major: Sports management

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player profiles
Jessica

Catarina
Branco

Albuquerque de Brito
Year: Freshman
Height: 5-5
Hometown: San Luis, Brazil
Previous School:
C.I.E.R.

Year: Freshman
Height: 5-6
Hometown: Cascais, Portugal
Previous School:
Secundaria de Cascais

Albuquerque joined the squad in the spring of 2010 … probably the best ball striker on the team … could be a top three player
for EKU this year … there is still a lot of room for improvement in
her game … also played volleyball and table tennis in high school
… named best tennis player of the year in Maranhaõ-Brazil five
times in a row … ranked among the top 20 singles and doubles
players in Brazil’s under-18 age group … in her spare time, she
enjoys listening to music and hanging out with friends … her educational goals include graduating from EKU with honors.

Branco has a surprising amount of power in her game considering she grew up playing on clay courts … has the confidence and
desire to be a top-flight tennis player … she needs to add a bit of
finesse to her game … will compete for a spot in the starting lineup … reached No. 6 in the 2007 Portugal junior singles rankings
… finished third in nationals as a part of the Quinta da Marinha
Tennis Academy, Cascais Club … she enjoys going to the movies,
listening to music and hanging out with friends … her tennis goals
include helping the Colonels win another OVC title.

The Albuquerque File
Name: Jessica Albuquerque de Brito
Born: Dec. 27, 1991
Parents: Sebastiao B. de Brito Filho and Adriana Albuquerque de Brito
Siblings: None
Major: Psychology

The Branco File
Name: Catarina P. Du Breuil Hirt Branco
Born: Sept. 15, 1990
Parents: José Paulo Branco and Mónica Maria Branco
Siblings: Gregorij (20)
Major: Undeclared

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player profiles
Anouk
Faure

Esmira
Gheisary

Year: Junior
Height: 5-2
Hometown: Versoix, Switzerland
Previous School:
College Rousseau

Year: Freshman
Height: 5-7
Hometown: Almaty, Kazakhstan
Previous School:
Kimep

Faure is expected to fill one of the top spots in the Colonel
line-up this spring … handles match pressure extremely well … a
very mature player … likes to play a baseline game and is strong
oﬀ both wings … split time between No. 4 and No. 5 singles in her
two other years on the team … won all nine of her OVC singles
matches last year in straight sets … picked up a straight-set win
in the 2009 OVC championship match at No. 5 singles … finished
20-6 in singles dual matches last year … teamed up with Jemma
Euers to go 14-6 in doubles in 2009 … went 12-6 at No. 4 singles as
a freshman … went to three sets in 11 matches in 2008 … teamed
with Vera Heimeroth for most of her freshman season at No. 3
doubles … climbed as high as No. 280 in the Switzerland national
rankings … a two-time semifinalist in Geneva’s championships …
in her spare time, she enjoys gymnastics, snowboarding, traveling
and meeting new people … her tennis goals are to have the best
Swiss ranking possible and win another OVC ring.

Gheisary joined the team in the spring of 2010 … possesses a
good mix of ground strokes … once her comfort level improves,
she could jump to a whole new level on the tennis courts … will
compete for one of the final spots in the EKU line-up … reached
No. 7 in the 2008 Kazakhstan singles rankings … participated in
the 2002 World Junior Championships in Indonesia … also played
basketball and ran track in high school … when not playing tennis, she enjoys watching soccer, going to the movies and surfing
the internet … she hopes to help the Colonels advance to their
second straight NCAA tournament.

The Faure File
Name: Anouk Faure
Born: April 29, 1988
Parents: Manuel and Stephanie Faure
Siblings: Shannon (14)
Major: Fine arts, interior design

The Gheisary File
Name: Esmira Teimurovna Gheisary
Born: March 4, 1990
Parents: Teimur and Nailiya Gheisary
Siblings: None
Major: Business and technology

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player profiles
Anais
Hamel

Myriem
Mhirit

Year: Senior
Height: 5-8
Hometown: Tours, France
Previous School:
Universite Francois Rabelais

Year: Junior
Height: 5-6
Hometown: Rabat, Morocco
Previous School:
Intl. Institute for Higher Education

2009 All-OVC first team selection

Hamel is the lone senior on the team and was elected 2010 team
captain … possesses solid groudstrokes from both sides … does
not make many errors on the tennis court … adds depth to a very
talented line-up … played on occasion as a junior mainly at No. 5
or No. 6 singles … won both of her 2009 OVC singles matches in
straight sets … two of her four losses last year came in three sets
… she also played rugby in high school … in her spare time, she
enjoys traveling, hanging out with friends and listening to music
… she played the drums for six years … her tennis goals are to
earn a spot in the starting line-up and help the team win a second
straight OVC championship.

Mhirit enjoys playing tennis from the baseline and has excellent
hand-eye coordination … expected to be one of the top players on
the squad in 2010 … first Colonel to reach 30 wins in a season as
she finished a combined 31-6 in singles in 2008-09 … put together
a 14-match winning streak in the spring of 2009 … won both of
her 2009 OVC tournament singles matches in straight sets at No. 3
singles … teamed up with Nadja Barz to go 10-2 at No. 3 doubles
last year … won two ‘Flight B’ singles titles at Evansville and
Cincinnati in the fall of 2008 … spent her freshman year playing
No. 4 and No. 5 singles … won nine straight singles matches in the
middle of 2008, all in straight sets … won the No. 4 singles match
in the 2008 OVC semifinals against TTU’s Kay Ngiam … only
played four doubles matches as a freshman … a top-eight player
in the Moroccan 18-and-under age group … participated in the
2003 Arabic championships … enjoys traveling, hanging out with
friends and going to the beach … she wants to help the Colonels
earn another OVC title.

The Hamel File
Name: Anäis Hamel
Born: April 13, 1987
Parents: Richard and Corinne Hamel
Siblings: None
Major: Economics

The Mhirit File
Name: Myriem Mhirit
Born: April 20, 1989
Parents: Abdehatif Mhirit and Assia Tazi
Siblings: Ghita (16)
Major: Computer science

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player profiles
2009 Women’s Tennis Results

Alyze
Pagal

22-6 Overall, 9-0 OVC (1st)
Date
Jan. 24
Jan. 24
Jan. 25
Jan. 29
Jan. 30
Feb. 7
Feb. 8
Feb. 14
Feb. 20
Feb. 20
Feb. 27
Feb. 27
Mar. 3
Mar. 9
Mar. 10
Mar. 11
Mar. 21
Mar. 27
Mar. 28
Mar. 29
Apr. 3
Apr. 4
Apr. 7
Apr. 10
Apr. 11
Apr. 18
Apr. 19
May 9

Year: Sophomore
Height: 5-9
Hometown: Sevran, France
Previous School:
La Sorbonne Universite Paris I
Pagal is a consistent all-court player … has solid volleys for
being raised on clay courts … needs to take her game to another
level for the Colonels to be successful this spring … should fill
a spot in the middle of the starting line-up … played sparingly
in 2009, mainly at No. 6 singles … won both of her conference
matches in straight sets last year … also played basketball and
soccer in high school … she enjoys going to the movies, skiing and
music … her tennis goals are to win as many matches as she can
and go back to France a stronger player.

Opponent
Wright State
Xavier
at #32 Ohio State
East Tennessee State
at #22 Kentucky
Chattanooga
Indiana State
Southeastern Louisiana
Univ. of the Cumberlands
Cumberland Univ.
Georgetown College
Northern Kentucky
Cincinnati
at Embry-Riddle
at Stetson
at Jacksonville
at Eastern Illinois*
at Southeast Missouri*
at Murray State*
at Tennessee State*
Jacksonville State*
UT Martin*
at Morehead State*
at Tennessee Tech
at Austin Peay*
vs. Jacksonville State1
vs. Murray State1
vs. #16 Fresno State2

Result
7- 0
W
4- 3
W
0- 7
L
5- 2
W
0- 7
L
7- 0
W
4- 3
W
5- 2
W
6- 0
W
6- 1
W
6- 0
W
7- 0
W
3- 4
L
4- 3
W
2- 5
L
3- 4
L
7- 0
W
7- 0
W
6- 1
W
6- 0
W
5- 2
W
5- 2
W
7- 0
W
6- 0
W
6- 0
W
4- 2
W
4- 0
W
0- 4
L

2009 Men’s Tennis Results

The Pagal File
Name: Alyze Pagal
Born: June 16, 1989
Parents: Jean Claude Pagal and Marie Bun Aphay
Siblings: Ambroze (18)
Major: Economics

18-9 Overall, 8-0 OVC (1st)
Date
Jan. 16
Jan. 17
Jan. 31
Jan. 31
Feb. 7
Feb. 13
Feb. 13
Feb. 17
Feb. 21
Feb. 21
Feb. 28
Feb. 28
Mar. 9
Mar. 10
Mar. 11
Mar. 15
Mar. 20
Mar. 21
Mar. 28
Mar. 29
Apr. 3
Apr. 4
Apr. 7
Apr. 10
Apr. 11
Apr. 18
Apr. 19
1

Opponent
Gardner-Webb
at #44 Indiana
Chattanooga
Xavier
Minnesota
Georgetown College
Wright State
at #39 Louisville
Univ. of the Cumberlands
Cumberland Univ.
Northern Kentucky
Abilene Christian
at Embry-Riddle
at Stetson
at Jacksonville
at #21 Kentucky
at Indiana State
at Eastern Illinois*
at Murray State*
at Tennessee State*
Jacksonville State*
UT Martin*
at Morehead State*
at Tennessee Tech*
Austin Peay*
vs. Murray State1
vs. Jacksonville State1

Result
6- 1
W
0- 7
L
6- 1
W
1- 6
L
1- 6
L
6- 1
W
4- 3
W
0- 7
L
7- 0
W
7- 0
W
7- 0
W
4- 3
W
1- 6
L
0- 7
L
2- 5
L
0- 6
L
5- 2
W
6- 1
W
6- 1
W
6- 0
W
4- 3
W
5- 2
W
5- 2
W
4- 3
W
5- 2
W
4- 1
W
1- 4
L

OVC tournament at Paducah, Ky. ~ 2NCAA tournament at Urbana, Ill.
Boldface denotes a home match ~ Asterisk (*) denotes OVC match

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2009 in review

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eku president
Dr. Doug Whitlock
Title: University President
Year at EKU: Third year
Alma Mater: Eastern Kentucky, 1965, ’66

Dr. Doug Whitlock’s love aﬀair with Eastern began when he
arrived on his hometown campus as a first-generation undergraduate student in 1961.
It continued unabated throughout a 38-year career in various
administrative and teaching roles at EKU, including a five-year
stint as Vice President for Administrative Aﬀairs, from 1998-2003.
His last three years of service were as a half-time faculty member
in the Department of Computer Science.
As he addressed faculty and staﬀ at a campus-wide convocation on Aug. 15, 2007, just two days after being named President
for the interim, Dr. Whitlock recalled the tremendous diﬀerence
the institution he cherishes has made in his own life.
(The Eastern faculty) “largely made me what I was then and
am now,” he said.

In February 2009, Dr. Whitlock was on hand at the State Capitol to announce the
partnership between Eastern Kentucky University and General Atomics to examine the potential for a cellulose-derived biodiesel fuel industry in Kentucky.

“I will admit to you that I love Eastern, and when my
service in the presidency is finished, if I have helped
more of you love her too, then I will have done my job.”

After two years of active duty with the U.S. Army, Dr. Whitlock
returned to Eastern in 1968 to serve as Director of Publications.
Three years later, he was named Director of Public Information.
In 1976, he was tapped by President J.C. Powell to serve as Executive Assistant to the President, continuing in that role through
the administration of President Hanly Funderburk.
As Vice President for Administrative Aﬀairs, Dr. Whitlock was
responsible for Facilities Services, Public Safety, Information Technology and Delivery Systems, Media Resources, and University
Farms. For a portion of his tenure, he also served as the institution’s chief financial oﬃcer.
Dr. Whitlock has long been an active participant in community
life, serving since 1999 on the Madison County School Board,
including two terms as chair. He also has served as a consultant
with the Kentucky School Boards Association. He is an Elder and
past board chair in the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
He and his wife, Joanne, have been married 39 years and have
two grown children, Robert and Janet.
At his first convocation as President, Dr. Whitlock oﬀered
faculty and staﬀ one gauge by which his stint as President may be
judged:
“I will admit to you that I love Eastern, and when my service
in the presidency is finished, if I have helped more of you love her
too, then I will have done my job.”

– President Whitlock –
On Oct. 22, 2007, the interim label was removed and now, as
EKU’s 11th President, Dr. Whitlock is devoted to upholding the
rich tradition of his alma mater while guiding her to even greater
heights of excellence.
After earning two degrees from Eastern – a bachelor’s degree in
history and social science in 1965 and a master’s degree in history
a year later – Dr. Whitlock earned his doctoral degree in higher
education from the University of Kentucky in 1981.

Did You Know …
… Dr. Whitlock holds two degrees from Eastern Kentucky
University – a bachelor’s degree in history and social science as
well as a master’s degree in history.

EKU President Dr. Doug Whitlock and his wife, Joanne.

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director of athletics
Mark Sandy

2008-09 EKU Athletics Highlights
• 40 student-athletes earn their collegiate diploma
• Women’s soccer captures its fourth-straight OVC sportsmanship award
• Women’s tennis qualifies for the NCAA tournament for the
very first time
• Men’s and women’s cross country each capture the OVC title
for the third straight year
• Football reaches the NCAA FCS playoﬀs for a record 19th time
• Softball player Shyenne Hussey earns All-OVC accolades for
the third consecutive season
• Men’s basketball player Mike Rose leads the nation in threepoint shooting at 48.1 percent
• Trey Bowling (men’s golf) and Joseph Maina (men’s track &amp;
field) each qualify for the NCAA championships

Title: Director of Athletics
Year at EKU: Fifth year
Alma Mater: Concord College, 1974

In four years under Mark Sandy’s guidance as Director of
Athletics at Eastern Kentucky University, the Colonels have enjoyed success at both the national and conference levels while also
achieving in the classroom.
During the 2008-09 school year, the Colonels captured their
first OVC Institutional Sportsmanship Award, while four sports
won their respective league championships – men’s cross country,
women’s cross country, football, and women’s tennis. In addition,
the football and women’s tennis teams earned a spot in their respective sport’s NCAA championships. Individually, two studentUnder Sandy’s guidance, Eastern Kentucky completed three
athletes qualified for national postseason tournaments and several
facility upgrades within the last year. Synthetic turf replaced the
Colonels received OVC Player of the Year honors.
natural grass football field at Roy Kidd Stadium. Gertrude Hood
“Success can be defined in many terms throughout the vast
Field, the home for EKU softball, underwent a series of improveenterprise known as collegiate athletics,” Sandy said. “Team acments which included a new scoreboard and a new backstop.
complishments and individual honors just begin to tell the story of Finally, the Colonel Golf and Learning Center opened for business
what I am most proud of after my fourth year as EKU’s Direcnext to Arlington Golf Course in the middle of June.
tor of Athletics. Success is our
Alumni Coliseum received
student-athletes developing into “Our department’s goal is to create a student-athlete
a facility enhancement in the
contributing members of society.
summer of 2006 with a newly
experience worthy of the proud EKU tradition. We
Success is our coaching staﬀ and
branded court and scoreboards,
intend to win with class, achieve success in the classtheir dedication to our studentwhile a new series of athletics
athletes.”
room, and strive for NCAA postseason competition in marks were created and unveiled
In the most recent NCAA
in April 2006. In December 2005,
every sport.”
Academic Progress Report (APR)
the University and department
– Mark Sandy –
released in the spring of 2009,
of athletics announced the creEastern Kentucky boasted several
ation of an Athletics Hall of Fame
quality rankings. Four EKU programs – football, men’s golf,
to commemorate distinguished individuals and teams on their
women’s golf, and men’s tennis – either met or exceeded the naaccomplishments and contributions to the tradition of Colonel
tional average in the multi-year APR, a measure of eligibility and
athletics.
retention of scholarship student-athletes. Meanwhile, football’s
On May 31, 2005, EKU announced the hiring of Mark Sandy
multi-year APR score of 968 was the highest among all Division I
as Director of Athletics. Prior to Eastern Kentucky, Sandy served
institutions in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the Ohio Valas senior associate athletics director for external operations at the
ley Conference. Men’s cross country, men’s tennis, and women’s
University of Richmond for five years.
golf received perfect scores of 1,000 on the APR for the 2007-08
While at Richmond, Sandy secured commitments of more than
academic year.
nine million dollars toward a $20 million Spider athletics campaign, and increased giving by 94 percent, while serving as an
administrator for the men’s and women’s basketball programs.
From 1997 to 2000, Sandy served as associate athletics director
at Miami (Ohio) University, where he was responsible for marketing and major gifts. He began his career as a high school mathematics and history teacher, in addition to coaching basketball and
baseball, and went on to serve as an assistant basketball coach at
the University of Evansville, Wake Forest University and Virginia
Military Institute.
Upon being hired, Sandy vowed that his priority would always
be to enhance the student-athlete experience, adding that increasing financial resources through fund-raising, ticket sales and
corporate partnerships would also be a focal point of the eﬀort.
Sandy was an all-conference baseball player and captain of the
basketball team at Concord College in West Virginia, where he
earned a bachelor’s degree in 1974. He went on to earn a master’s
of education degree from Lynchburg College.
The women’s tennis team earned its first-ever trip to the NCAA championships
He and his wife, Kitty, have two children, Kraig and Madison.

after going undefeated against OVC opponents in the spring of 2009.

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the university
Eastern Kentucky University is known as the Campus Beautiful, and for good reason.
The EKU campus is one of the most scenic college campuses in
the nation and it features several striking features. From the James
E. van Peursem Music Pavilion and the Ravine, to the Chapel of
Meditation and the Keen Johnson Building, EKU features some
of the most diverse and attractive locales on any college campus
anywhere.
However strong Eastern Kentucky University’s reputation is
for its visual aesthetics, the real character of the University can be
found in its students, faculty and staﬀ, and outstanding academic
programs.
EKU oﬀers more than 160 degree programs and features an
excellent 17-1 student-to-faculty ratio. The University serves more
than 16,200 students, which represent almost all 120 counties in
Kentucky, all 50 states and over 60 countries worldwide.
The University, which celebrated its centennial in the spring of
2006, had humble beginnings. EKU’s origins can be traced back to
a conflict between the northern and southern branches of Kentucky’s Presbyterian Church.
A group of alumni and supporters from the Southern branch
lost control of Centre College in Danville and set out to start their
own institution of higher learning. From that conflict, Central College was chartered in 1873 and the school opened in September of
1874.
Financial problems led to Central College’s consolidation into
Centre College in 1901, but Richmond’s place in higher education
did not move with Central College. Walters Collegiate Institute offered a preparatory curriculum for college-bound men and served
as a transitional institution between Central College and what
would become Eastern Kentucky University.
In 1906, the Kentucky General Assembly approved a bill that
would establish two normal schools in the eastern and western
parts of the state in order to prepare teachers to enter the classroom. The eastern school, which was located in Richmond, was
called the Eastern Kentucky State Normal School, later evolving
into the regional institution now known as Eastern Kentucky
University.
Modern-day EKU now encompasses three branch campuses in
Corbin, Danville and Manchester. The University also boasts one of
the state’s strongest distance learning programs, giving students from
around the world an opportunity to receive an EKU education.
EKU is also home to the College of Justice and Safety, which
educates students from around the world. As EKU’s Program of
Distinction, the College of Justice and Safety is involved in numerous worldwide research projects. It also educates a vast majority
of the law enforcement oﬃcers in the Commonwealth.
The University also boosts 17 championship sports at the
NCAA’s Division I level, competing in the Ohio Valley Conference. The Colonels’ history includes several national championships, conference titles and NCAA Tournament appearances.
However, the best is yet to come as the school’s athletic department is committed to ensuring that EKU student-athletes are
given the necessary resources to continue to compete at a national
level.
All told, Eastern Kentucky University provides a safe and attractive environment in which its students can learn and become
productive members of society. The lessons learned at EKU will
follow students for a lifetime and the performance of its graduates
will, in turn, continue to enhance the already strong regional and
national reputation of the University.

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athletic support services
Jack Ison Varsity Weight Room
Housed in the Moberly Building is Eastern Kentucky University’s varsity weight room, a state of the art facility which provides
EKU’s student-athletes the opportunity to enhance their abilities
by making use of top-of-the-line equipment.
The 5,000 square foot weight room contains 16,000 pounds of
total weight. Built in 2001, the facility features Eleiko model Olympic weights, York dumbbells with two sets each from five to 150
pounds and Nebula power stations and racks. Tools such as bands
and medicine balls are used as well to help round student-athletes
into peak shape.
Head strength and conditioning coach Jon-Michael Davis, along
with full-time assistant Chad Scott and graduate assistant Tony
Sarver, oversee all of EKU’s nearly 300 student-athletes. Their
eﬀorts are supplemented by the training room staﬀ, which is also
housed in the Moberly Building, allowing athletes the opportunity
for fast and convenient treatment.

EKU annually finishes among the leaders in the Ohio Valley Conference men’s
and women’s All-Sports Trophy standings and the Colonels have won the prestigious Ohio Valley Conference Academic Achievement Banner eight times (198892, 1994-95, 1997-98, 1999-00, 2001-02).

Bratzke Center
The Chad Bratzke Student-Athlete Academic Success Center
serves all student-athletes as a comprehensive academic resource
center. The Bratzke Center and staﬀ, located in Alumni Coliseum, is
designed to aid EKU’s student-athletes in all facets of their academic pursuits. Our goal is for student-athletes at EKU to have a great
athletic and academic experience, and graduate with Colonel pride.
Named after Chad Bratzke, the former EKU All-American and
Indianapolis Colts’ defensive lineman whose generous donation helped make the center possible, the Bratzke Center meets
the needs of current EKU student-athletes. The 3,000-square foot
Bratzke Center includes a tutoring center, a 27-station computer
lab, an academic advising oﬃce suite, a teaching classroom and
quiet study area.
Student-athletes at EKU come in and utilize the center for
studying, requesting and meeting with tutors, checking their
e-mail or stop by for advising. The professional staﬀ is trained to
work with student-athletes in advising, class scheduling, monitoring academic progress and assisting student-athletes with
academic success strategies.
The Bratzke Center employs tutors trained to assist studentathletes in many diﬀerent subjects. These tutors are a free service to EKU student-athletes and can be requested at any point
throughout the semester. Tutors are trained to work with students
and assist them in study skills, individual course instruction and
encourage academic success.
The Bratzke Center is headed by Dr. Randy Kennedy.

Bobby Barton Training Room
Eastern Kentucky’s student-athletes benefit from one of the finest athletic training facilities anywhere in the country.
The training room, named after longtime head athletic trainer
Dr. Bobby Barton, is located in the Moberly Building adjacent to
the athletic weight room and is open for use by any EKU studentathlete.
The large space is occupied by the most modern training and
rehabilitation equipment available. The training room features
several tables used during treatment and rehabilitation, taping
tables, a wet room that features whirlpools and a four-foot-deep
rehab pool that includes a submerged treadmill for aquatic rehab
exercises. The area also features all of the latest modalities, helping
get injured athletes back into the game as quickly as possible.
The athletic training room also houses an examination room
used by team doctors. The physicians are regularly on site and
perform evaluations, while assisting the training staﬀ in ensuring
the health of every student-athlete.
Director of Sports Medicine David T. Green supervises all of
EKU’s eﬀorts, and is joined by full-time assistants David Brajuha,
Tiﬀany Napier and Tim Pike, as well as a host of graduate assistants and students who are involved in the University’s athletic
training program.
For those sports that are primarily located in Alumni Coliseum,
there is a satellite training room area that features a treatment and
taping area as well as rehabilitation equipment.
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city of richmond
Richmond is home to many interesting and convenient activities. Whether it’s arts and entertainment, recreation, or shopping
and dining out you are looking for, Richmond has it all.
With more than 100 buildings in Richmond on the National
Register of Historic Places and three areas on the National Register
of Historic Districts, it is one of Kentucky’s finest restored 19th
Century commercial districts.
Arts and entertainment take center-stage with the Eastern
Kentucky University theatre program. They oﬀer several shows
each year from classical theatre to modern musicals. Local artistic
talents are on display year round at Gallery On Main. This is a
perfect showcasing of local talent and an opportunity for community involvement.
There is never any lack of recreational activities in Richmond.
An array of parks and recreational centers across the city oﬀers
something for everyone. Lake Reba Recreational complex includes
golf, little league baseball and softball fields, soccer, fishing and a
water park which opened in the summer of 2008.
If it’s shopping you want, downtown Richmond can accommodate you. Locally owned businesses line the historic streets
of downtown Richmond with everything from fine antiquities to
exquisite jewelry. There is a wide variety of stores at the brand
new Richmond Centre as well. The outdoor mall oﬀers shoppers
convenience and style.
Dining isn’t hard to find either. Family-owned and major chain
restaurants give Richmond a unique variety of menus. Local hot
spots include Madison Gardens, which is uniquely Richmond, to
restaurants such as Applebee’s, Logan’s Roadhouse, O’Charley’s
and Outback Steakhouse. Whatever your pallet craves, Richmond
dining oﬀers a variety of tastes made to satisfy.
Never far from mainstream, Richmond oﬀers the comforts of
simplicity with the convenience of the city.
Only 29 miles from Lexington and the Bluegrass Airport, Richmond is easily accessible to all travelers. Interstate 75 is a major
artery of both state and national motor transportation. Richmond’s
location on I-75 makes it an important factor in making the city a
commercial hub.
In fact, the ease of travel to and from Richmond makes the city
an ideal spot for those who enjoy outdoor activities.
Fort Boonesborough State Park is located only 12 miles from
EKU’s campus, while Natural Bridge State Park (63 miles) and
Cumberland Falls State Park (100 miles) are located nearby.
Also within easy driving distance of Richmond are the Kentucky Horse Park, the state capital in Frankfort, Herrington Lake,
My Old Kentucky Home at Bardstown, White Hall State Shrine
and thoroughbred horse racing at Keeneland.

Valhalla Golf Club
in Louisville hosted
the 2008 Ryder Cup.

The Kentucky Derby takes
place on the first Saturday
in May at historic Churchill
Downs in Louisville.

The state capital of Frankfort and
Lexington are both within an easy
hour drive from campus.

Main Street in downtown Richmond is right
around the corner from
the EKU campus.

A Brief Richmond History
Richmond was founded in 1798 by Colonel John Miller, a
Revolutionary War soldier. In 1798, the Kentucky Legislature
authorized the moving of the Madison County seat from nearby
Milford to land owned by Colonel Miller.
The move was bitterly opposed by about 300 residents of the
Milford area and a fight to retain the seat resulted between Dave
Kennedy, who represented the Milford location, and William
Kearly, who represented the new site.
Although history does not record the results of the brawl, the
county approved the move in March of 1798 and two acres of land
were purchased from Colonel Miller. Court was held in his barn.
On July 4, 1798, the site was oﬃcially named Richmond in
honor of Miller’s birthplace, Richmond, Va.

The National Corvette
Museum is located in
Bowling Green.

--From www.richmond.ky.us

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ohio valley conference
Entering its 62nd year, the Ohio
Valley Conference continues to build
on the success that has made it the nation’s eighth-oldest NCAA Division I
conference. For only the second time in
a decade, the Conference expanded by
adding Southern Illinois University Edwardsville as the league’s 11th member
in 2008. The move expanded the OVC’s
geographical footprint to the St. Louis
market and marked the first change in
membership since expanding to the state
Beth DeBauche
of Alabama (Jacksonville State, Samford)
OVC Commissioner
in 2003.
The 2009-10 school year saw a change in leadership as Beth DeBauche was named the seventh full-time Commissioner in league
history on July 28. She is currently one of just five females to be
the head of a Division I conference, and one of just eight to lead a
Division I conference all-time. The last three commissioners of the
OVC have moved onto jobs as the commissioner of the Big Ten,
Big 12 and the Mid-American Conferences.
The OVC’s proud past dates back to 1948, but seeds for the
new league were actually planted in 1941. It was then that Roy
Stewart, the athletics director at Murray State, Charles (Turkey)
Hughes, the athletics director at Eastern Kentucky, and Kelly
Thompson, the public relations director at Western Kentucky, first
broached the idea of forming a new conference. Discussions were
put on hold by World War II, but reemerged Feb. 27-28, 1948 at
the Kentucky Hotel in Louisville as the three original institutions
combined with Morehead State, Louisville and Evansville to form
the OVC.
In the late 1970s, women’s athletics began somewhat of a
rebirth on the national scene as the NCAA began sponsoring
and marketing women’s sports. Recognizing the need to provide
increased opportunities for female athletes, the OVC established
women’s championships in the sports of basketball, tennis and
track in 1977, with cross country and volleyball added over the
next four years. Those sports were initially governed by the Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW), but the
overall strength of women’s programs in the league was demonstrated by the automatic bids the OVC instantly received when the
NCAA became the governing body in 1982.
The league also had another historical moment in November 2008 when the NCAA awarded Nashville the 2014 NCAA
Women’s Division I Final Four. The OVC will serve as the host of
the prestigious event, which is one of the biggest sporting events
the city of Nashville can host. The event will be held at the Sommet Center in downtown Nashville.
Over its 61 years, OVC teams have garnered national championships and bowl games in football, along with national team or
individual titles in the sports of rifle, cross country, track and golf.

OVC All-Time Member List
University of Akron
Austin Peay State University
East Tennessee State University
Eastern Illinois University
Eastern Kentucky University
University of Evansville
Jacksonville State University
University of Louisville
Marshall University
Middle Tennessee State University
Morehead State University
Murray State University
Samford University
Southeast Missouri State University
Southern Illinois Univ. Edwardsville
University of Tennessee at Martin
Tennessee State University
Tennessee Technological University
Western Kentucky University
Youngstown State University

1978-87
1962-present
1957-78
1996-present
1948-present
1948-52
2003-present
1948-49
1948-52
1952-00
1948-present
1948-present
2003-08
1991-present
2008-present
1992-present
1986-present
1949-present
1948-82
1981-88

The playing field is not the only place where OVC athletes
are working hard. The league also recognizes excellence in the
classroom. Six Scholar-Athlete Awards are presented yearly to
male and female athletes, while others are commended for their
academic success by being Medal of Honor recipients or earning a spot on the Commissioner’s Honor Roll. Additionally, the
league annually presents one institutional Academic Achievement
Award, as well as separate team awards in each Conferencesponsored sport. Since the College Sports Information Directors
of American (CoSIDA) Academic All-America program began,
the Ohio Valley Conference has had 179 student-athletes honored
with the award, including 25 over the last three years (2006-07 to
the present).
Through the early years of the league, administrators wrestled
with fan behavior due to the close proximity of the Conference
members and the intense rivalries which developed. Just as it did
decades ago, the OVC took the leadership role on what has become a national issue. In 1995, the OVC implemented a first-of-itskind “Sportsmanship Statement,” a policy which promotes principles of fair play, ethical conduct and respect for one’s opponent.
The statement has become a model for others to follow across the
nation, and has answered the challenge of the NCAA Presidents
Commission to improve sportsmanship in collegiate athletics.
Additionally, the OVC annually presents the Steve Hamilton
Sportsmanship Award, in honor of the former Morehead State
student-athlete, coach and athletics director, to a junior or senior
student-athlete with significant athletic contributions who best
exemplifies the characteristics of sportsmanship and citizenship.
Most recently, the Conference has also implemented the OVC Institutional and Team Sportsmanship Awards, which are presented
to one institution and 18 sport-specific teams voted by their peers
to have best exhibited the standards of sportsmanship and ethical
conduct as outlined by the OVC and NCAA.
The Ohio Valley Conference sponsors the following sports:
baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, tennis and track
for men, and basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis,
track and volleyball for women. In addition, the OVC also sponsors the combined men’s and women’s sport of rifle.

OVC Contact Info.
Director of Media Relations:
Heather Brown
E-mail: hbrown@ovc.org
Oﬃce: 615-690-6687
Fax: 615-371-1788
Web site: www.ovcsports.com

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colonel honors
Men’s Tennis
Ohio Valley Conference Championships
1951, 2009

OVC Player of the Year
1975

–

Joe Shaheen

All-Conference Players
1963
1966
1967
1968
1975
1983

–
–
–
–
–
–

1998 –
2003 –
2006 –
2007 –
2008

–

2009

–

Sam Nutty/Lewie Heil (doubles)
Lindy Riggins (singles)
Mike Jeﬀries/Tom Davis (doubles)
Tom Davis (singles)
Joe Shaheen (singles)
David Ghanayem (singles)
David Ghanayem/Todd Clements (doubles)
Jamey Sellars
John Kellert
Lars Gratzki
Florian Kiefer
Lars Gratzki
Alex Das Izquierdo
Mel Segota
Alex Das Izquierdo

Alex Das Izquierdo

Women’s Tennis

OVC Freshman of the Year
2008

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Alex Das Izquierdo

Ohio Valley Conference Championships
2009

OVC Sportsmanship Award
2002

–

Alvin Cheng

OVC Player of the Year

Alvin Cheng

1980
1988
1989
2006
2009

OVC Coach of the Year
1966
2007
2009

–
–
–

Mel Segota

Jack Adams
Rob Oertel
Rob Oertel

–
–
–
–
–

Deanna Addis
Nikki Wagstaﬀ
Nikki Wagstaﬀ
Meredith Giles
Alexandra Sitnikova

All-Conference Players

Myriem Mhirit

1979
1980
1983
1984

–
–
–
–

1987
1988

–
–

1989
1990

–
–

1992
2003
2005

–
–
–

2006
2007

–
–

2008

–

2009

–

Alexandra Sitnikova

Mandy Jackson (singles)
Deanna Addis (singles)
Susan Wilson (singles)
Nikki Wagstaﬀ
Claudia Porras (singles)
Kristi Spangenberg (singles)
Tina Peruzzi (singles)
Nikki Wagstaﬀ (singles)
Pam Wise (singles)
Nikki Wagstaﬀ (singles)
Yael Soresman (singles)
Samantha Roll (singles)
Tina Peruzzi/Samantha Roll (doubles)
Amy Scott (singles)
Lindsay Herrera
Lindsay Herrera
Meredith Giles
Meredith Giles
Svetlana Pimenova
Lucia Vojtkova
Svetlana Pimenova
Alexandra Sitnikova
Myriem Mhirit
Svetlana Pimenova
Alexandra Sitnikova

OVC Coach of the Year
1992
20

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Sandy Martin

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