Another Great ITA Coaches Convention!

Coach Luteran and Dennis Ralston

Coach Luteran and Emilio Sanchez

I just got back 2 days ago from the 25th annual ITA Coaches Convention in Naples, FL. It was the sixth one that I have attended and once again I went to nearly every single speaker and presenter like a total tennis nerd. I love soaking it all in and coming back fired up to start the spring season with some brand new ideas. If you are interested in learning more about who some of the presenters were at this year's event, I copied the press release straight from the ITA site below.

~Coach Luteran

Legendary Guest Lineup Highlights 25th Annual ITA Coaches Convention
SKILLMAN, N.J. - The 25th annual ITA Coaches Convention took place at the Naples Grande Beach Resort in Naples, Florida, December 16-19, 2009, which featured four legends of the game: Dennis Ralston, Jose Higueras, Emilio Sanchez and Stan Smith. "The ITA Convention is always a very exciting time of the year for our Coaches Association," says ITA Executive Director David A Benjamin. "Besides being able to take in great clinics and workshops at a beautiful resort in a great city, the coaches also have their own special forum to meet and discuss the important issues concerning varsity college tennis."

Dennis Ralston, courtesy of Wilson Sporting Goods, will be the featured keynote speaker at the ITA Welcoming and Awards Banquet, and also give an on court clinic. A former U.S. Davis Cup player and captain (1968 - 1972), Dennis Ralston was elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1987 and the ITA Hall of Fame in 1983. Ralston is a winner of 27 national singles and doubles titles and a five-time winner of Grand Slam doubles titles, and after a stellar playing career, he was the first traveling coach on the pro tour. Chris Evert, Roscoe Tanner, Yannick Noah, Gabriela Sabatini and John Lloyd were among the tennis greats Dennis coached. Ralston was one of those rare individuals who was a Davis Cup winner both as a player and captain. In addition, Dennis Ralston served as the Head Men's Tennis Coach at SMU for a number of years, where his team was perennially one of the top-ranked squads, and his players, such as Rodney Harmon, among the best in men's college tennis. Since his active playing career, he has made a name as an outstanding educator and influencer in the coaching world.

Jose Higueras, courtesy of the USTA, is one of the great players from Spain, winning 16 singles titles between 1976 and 1984 and reaching a high-ranking of No. 6 in the world. As outstanding as he was a player, Higueras is even better known for coaching some of the all-time greats to Grand Slam titles, particularly on clay. Among those who have served under his tutelage are Michael Chang, Jim Courier, Pete Sampras, Todd Martin, Carlos Moya and most recently Robby Ginepri and Roger Federer. At the end of 2008, Higueras was appointed to the position of Director of Coaching for elite player development for the USTA.

Emilio Sanchez, courtesy of Academia Sanchez-Casal, is another Spanish great who achieved his major success on the pro tour in the late '80's and early '90's, particularly in doubles. In all, Sanchez claimed 15 singles titles, reaching as high as No. 7 in singles while amassing 50 doubles titles (including five Grand Slams), a No. 1 world ranking and a 1988 Olympics Silver Medal in doubles. After retiring in 1997, Sanchez captained the Spanish Davis Cup Team for three years before joining the Brazilian tennis confederation where he is currently stationed.

Stan Smith, courtesy of Prince, was elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1987 and inducted into the ITA Hall of Fame in 1984. .. Smith was a three-time ITA All-American at USC, winning the 1968 NCAA Singles title and the 1967 and 1968 NCAA Doubles title. On the pro tour, Stan Smith won the 1971 US Open Singles title and the 1972 Wimbledon Singles title, and was ranked # 1 in the world. In doubles, he and partner Bob Lutz, were considered one of the most successful doubles teams in tennis history, capturing four US Open titles and one Australian Open title Stan has appeared at every ITA Convention since its inception in 1985, and his clinics and workshops are always memorable.

Nearly 300 men's and women's college tennis coaches at all levels gather each year for the ITA Coaches Convention. The four-day convention is highlighted by some of the most influential people in the sport of tennis. In addition to offering clinics, panel discussions, awards banquet, a trade show and a chance to exchange ideas, the ITA Coaches Convention serves as the venue for the association's annual meetings, which includes its Board of Director and Operating Committee sessions.

Holiday Dinner and Baby Shower

Team gathers in Coach Luteran's basement to watch the fall highlight video at the annual Holiday Dinner.

The women's team threw a baby shower for Mrs. Luteran ("Coach Emily") and here they are playing baby bingo.

It is that time of year again when we have the whole team over for the annual Holiday Dinner at the Luteran House! It is a chance for everyone to take a break from studying for finals and gather somewhere off campus for some good food and conversation. It also gives my wife and I a chance to see some of the players who we haven't seen in a while because they have been hopefully spending all their time in the library! This year Coach Riskie made a fantastic highlight video compilation from the fall season and it got everyone pumped up to start the spring season in early February.

Prior to the Holiday Dinner, the women's team was kind enough to throw a baby shower for my wife. We are expecting our second child in early February and judging by the stack of pink gifts, the girls are really hoping for a baby girl this time!

Happy Holidays everyone!!

~Coach Luteran

On the Road Again!

The great Willie Nelson song, "On The Road Again," always comes to mind when we are in the heart of our recruiting season. We have been all over the region as of late meeting several great student-athletes and having many engaging conversations with parents and players alike. We were at the USTA College Days in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and New York City, the Girl's State Championships in Columbus, OH and Hershey, PA and we just recently visited some clubs in Erie, PA and the great city of Cleveland, OH (my hometown). Next week we will be spending a few days at some of the top junior programs in the Pittsburgh and Cleveland areas.

It is always fun to go watch various junior clinics around the country to see what kinds of drills coaches are doing with their students. It often sparks some new ideas for us and reinvigorates us for the spring season. Dec. 16-21 I will also be attending my sixth ITA Coaches Convention in Naples, FL where some of the best coaches in the world gather for a week of tennis education. Past presenters have included Brad Gilbert, Patrick McEnroe, Stan Smith, and Nick Bollettieri.

People often wonder what we do as coaches in between our fall and spring season and the answer is RECRUITING! We will take a couple of days off to enjoy Thanksgiving with our families, but then we will be right back "On the Road Again!"

~Coach Luteran

Fun at Port Farms!

Evan Gordon and Sara Longo practice their pumpkin launching skills.

Lucas Luteran sits on Elyse Schmitt's lap and enjoys the hay ride with Sara Longo.

Coach Luteran and son, Lucas, get ready to launch a pumpkin to infinity and beyond!

Lucas, Elyse, and Sara help bury Evan in the corn bed.

This past Sunday was a beautiful day to spend some time at Port Farms Pumpkin patch. I took my son Lucas and some of the tennis players joined in the fun. We played in the corn bed, slid on the giant slides, got muddy in the corn maze, had some cider, and brought out the inner child in all of us. Evan also spent his life savings trying to shoot a pumpkin through the target. (Send more money Mom and Dad!) It was a great day...until the Browns got killed again.

~Coach Luteran

Gators Make a Difference in the Community

Meadville, PA - 10/20/2009
Spending an afternoon painting bleachers at a local baseball field is not the average college students way of spending a Tuesday afternoon. The Allegheny tennis team took a break from their studies to participate in "Make a Difference Day" activities at the Lincoln Avenue baseball fields in Meadville. The team painted several sets of wooden bleachers to support an effort by the City of Meadville to beautify it's parks.

"Make a Difference Day" was originally scheduled for Saturday, October 17, but due to rain the project was rescheduled for Tuesday the 20th.

Gators Hold Free Tennis Clinic for Community

Getting warmed up on a chilly day.Max Hennessy gives a youngster quality instruction.
Nice follow through. Good job Coach Wyss!

10/18/2009 - Meadville, Pa.

The Gator tennis team had plenty of sunshine for the annual Free Tennis Clinic held this year at the Robertson Athletic Complex. Kids ranging in ages from 6 to 17 came from all over the surrounding Meadville area to participate in a morning filled with plenty of fun and high quality tennis instruction.

The Free Clinic is a way for the Gators to give back to the community and encourage kids to play tennis and have fun doing it. Kids participated in games and drills run by the Gator players and some were able to play out points against players.

The clinic wrapped up with Coach Luteran talking to the kids about some tennis fundamentals and his best attempt to encourage more of them to become Cleveland Browns fans. Captains Lauren Kristofco, Sara Longo, Jake Allmaras, and Ben Hurtuk awed the group with some fast paced tournament doubles points. Senior Evan Gordon capped the morning off with a truly impressive juggling performance. All of the participants received a Bryan Brothers poster.

Team Enjoys Fun Run at Woodcock Dam

On your mark...get set...Go!

Lauren and Janna set a good pace.

Gordo coming down the home stretch!

10/14/2009

Woodcock Dam was stormed by the men's and women's tennis teams for the annual "Fun Run at Woodcock Dam". Both teams jogged 1.5 miles along side the scenic Woodcock reservoir to enjoy some fun and team camaraderie.

Highlights include Evan Gordon's astonishing first place finish with everyone else coming in a distant second. Nice job Gordo! In other action, Max Hennessy laughed, Lauren Kristofco smiled, and Ben Hurtuk split his pants stretching (see first picture)! Oops. Just kidding Hurtuk fans!

The next fun activities for the Gator Tennis team are Make a Difference Day on Saturday October 17 and the Free Tennis Clinic on Sunday October 18.

Women Battle but Fall Short to Division I Rival Robert Morris in Fall Finale

Senior Meggie Oravec wins a point at #6 singles.

10/6/2009 10:39:39 PM

Box Score

MEADVILLE, Pa. -- The Allegheny women's tennis team closed out its fall season with a 5-4 defeat at the hands of Division I Robert Morris at the Robertson Complex on Tuesday. The Gators won three singles match and one doubles match.

Singles winners for Allegheny were Sara Longo, Alyssa Tom and Meggie Oravec at third, fourth and sixth singles.

Longo defeated Isabella Novella, 6-1, 6-2, while Tom handled Ekaterina Rudneva, 6-4, 6-1. Oravec earned her win over Carrie Reiss, 6-0, 6-1.

In third doubles competition, Tom and Janna Dickerson bested Reiss and Tiffany Meinert, 8-4.

Men Edged by Division 1 Foe Robert Morris in Final Match of Fall Season

10/6/2009 10:11:23 PM

Box Score

MEADVILLE, Pa. -- The Allegheny men's tennis team wrapped up its fall season with a 5-4 loss to Division I Robert Morris at the Robertson Complex on Tuesday. The Gators won three singles matches and one doubles match.

Uros Predic, Max Hennessy and Jonathan Jordan were singles winners for the Gators.

Predic defeated Igor Neves at third singles, 7-6, 2-6, 6-3, while Hennessy handled Grigory Sovko, 6-3, 6-2, at fourth singles. At sixth singles, Jordan bested Liran Braun, 7-6 (7-2), 4-6, 10-8.

Jordan and Alex Bonfiglio teamed for a point at third doubles. They beat Braun and Daniel Becker, 9-7.

The Gators will return to the courts on March 13 when they host John Carroll at noon.

Gators Buzzed the Competition at Oberlin Tourney

Nice Buzz Cuts Guys!

Max changed his major to buzz cuts!

The men's team competed at the First Annual Oberlin College tennis tournament the weekend of September 26 and 27. In addition to a full schedule of singles and doubles matches, star freshman and "team barber" Max Hennessy gave all the members of the travel squad matching buzz cuts! Nice job Max, the team looks great!

Read below for a recap of this weekends matches and check out some video clips highlighting the action!

9/28/2009 11:27:54 AM

OBERLIN, Ohio -- Four different singles players went 2-0 while one doubles team was 3-0, leading the Allegheny men's tennis team to a combined record of 20-8 over the weekend at the Oberlin Invitational.

Alex Bonfiglio, Max Hennessy, Ben Hurtuk and Mike Provenzano claimed two singles wins apiece for the Gators. Max Sosa and Danny Jacobs were the unbeaten doubles team.

In Bonfiglio's case, he defeated Leonid Vladiminov of Tiffin, 8-0, and Ben Godlove of Oberlin, 6-4, 6-4. Meanwhile, Hennessy handled John Carroll's Michael Finissi, 8-4, and Oberlin's Joe Leffler, 8-0.

Hurtuk won his matches over Michael Hulseman of John Carroll, 8-0, and Sam Towne of Oberlin, 8-4, while Provenzano was victorious against Matt Lachman of Baldwin-Wallace, 8-2, and John Carroll's Chad Ruehs, 8-3.

Sosa, Jacobs, Evan Gordon and Uros Predic also won singles matches at the tournament. Sosa defeated Oberlin's James Blankenship, 8-1; Jacobs beat Oberlin's Peder Davis, 8-5; Gordon handled John Carroll's Peter Nemes, 8-2; and Predic won over Sam Burris of Baldwin-Wallace, 8-2.

Sosa and Jacobs played a pair of John Carroll duos and one from Baldwin-Wallace to enjoy their perfect weekend as a doubles team. They claimed an 8-1 win over Bill Fitzgerald and Patrick Levandowski of John Carroll, an 8-5 victory over Andrew Orens and Justin Levin of Baldwin-Wallace and an 8-2 win over Phillip Varela and Edward Zalar of John Carroll.

Two other Gator teams had two victories over the weekend: the Hurtuk-Hennessy partnership and the Bonfiglio-Gordon duo. Hurtuk and Hennessy defeated Alex Trzeciak and Taylor Long of Baldwin-Wallace, 8-5, and Vladiminov and Santiago Revelo of Tiffin, 8-6. Meanwhile, Bonfiglio and Gordon handled Blankenship and Towne of Oberlin, 8-0, and Michael Hulseman and Ross Venzke of John Carroll, 8-5.

Provenzano and Predic had one doubles victory. They teamed for an 8-3 win against Trzeciak and Long.

The Gator men (3-1) will be in action next on Tuesday when they host Division I opponent Robert Morris. The match will begin at 4 p.m.

"Alex, You're driving him crazy!"


"Nice put away Sosa!"

Men's Tennis Down Grove City, 6-3

9/24/2009 10:35:53 PM

Boxscore

GROVE CITY, Pa. -- Uros Predic and Evan Gordon won their respective singles matches in three sets, helping the Allegheny men's tennis team hold off Grove City in a 6-3 victory on Thursday.

Predic came from behind to win the second singles match over Peter Davis, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, while Gordon claimed the fifth singles match against Caleb Fuller, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.

Mike Provenzano won at third singles for the Gators, defeating Bill Derocha, 6-2, 6-1, and Max Hennessy scored a point at fourth singles over Shaun Mills, 6-1, 6-1.

Allegheny claimed two doubles victories on the second and third tier. Gordon and Jonathan Jordan won the second singles versus Mills and Derocha, 8-5. At third doubles, Predic and Provenzano were 8-2 winners over Fuller and Anthony Rosselli.

The Gators (3-1) will be in action this weekend at the Oberlin Invitational on Saturday and Sunday.

Women's Tennis Take Down Grove City, 7-2

9/24/2009 10:14:23 PM

Boxscore

GROVE CITY, Pa. -- The Allegheny women's tennis team won five singles matches en route to a 7-2 win over Grove City in non-conference action on Thursday.

Lauren Kristofco, Elyse Schmitt, Sara Longo, Alyssa Tom and Janna Dickerson were singles winners for the Gators.

Kristofco claimed her victory in first singles, defeating Natalie Walten, 6-1, 6-2, while Schmitt won the second singles match over Megan Bennett, 6-3, 6-3.

Also, Longo, Tom and Dickerson claimed wins at third, fourth and sixth singles, respectively. Longo handled Stacy Moon, 6-1, 6-0; Tom defeated Kimberly Peterson, 6-1, 6-3; and Dickerson downed Christina Bedi, 6-2, 7-6 (7-2).

The Gators added two points in doubles action. At second doubles, Schmitt and Deborah Landau teamed up for an 8-5 win over Peterson and Lisa Baldwin, while in third doubles, Tom and Dickerson beat Walten and Reena Barnett, 8-5.

Allegheny (2-2) will be in action next on Tuesday, Sept. 29, when it hosts Division I foe Robert Morris. The match will begin at 4 p.m.

Women Compete at 2nd Annual Oberlin Invitational

The women's tennis team competed at the 2nd Annual Oberlin Invitational, September 18 - 20. The tournament allowed the players to play three singles and three doubles matches. Highlights included Janna Dickerson's three wins in singles play, Meggie Oravec's two singles wins, Deb Landau and Elyse Schmitt's two doubles wins, and Sara Longo's singles win over Denison.

After Saturday's action, the team ate dinner in nearby Vermilion and watched the sun set on Lake Erie.

Below is a video clip of Sara Longo winning her singles match against Denison's Alex Marcell.

Men Compete in Doubles Tourney at Div. I Niagara

The men competed in a tough doubles tournament at Niagara University Sept. 19-20 with some Div. I and Div. III schools. During the trip the team spent some time across the border at Niagara Falls in Canada and got a free trip on the Maid of the Mist. See below for video clips and pictures from the trip with everything from tennis action to team push ups at Niagara Falls.

Maid of the Mist Boat Tour

Ben Hurtuk finishing a Max Hennessy serve.

Doing a "team 15" at Niagara Falls.

Jake Allmaras and Uros Predic with quick hands at net.

Rainbow over the falls.

The team decides to let all the tourists know who we are.

Jake Allmaras not distracted by "the grunt"

Evan Gordon takes on a street juggler

Gators claim another win over Mercyhurst

9/15/2009 9:45:17 PM

Boxscore

MEADVILLE, Pa. -- The Allegheny men's tennis team claimed its second win in four days over Division II foe Mercyhurst, scoring a 6-3 decision at the Robertson Complex on Tuesday.

Mike Provenzano, Max Hennessy, Evan Gordon and Ben Hurtuk were singles winners for the Gators (2-1). Provenzano earned his win at third singles, defeating Adam Marnik, 7-5, 6-0, while Hennessy was victorious over Juan Franco, 6-3, 6-2, at fourth singles.

Also, Gordon handled Justin Tompkins at fifth singles, 6-3, 6-0, and Hurtuk won the sixth singles match against Mark Fuhry, 6-0, 6-1.

Allegheny won two of the three doubles matches. Hurtuk and Uros Predic teamed for an 8-3 win over Tompkins and Kyle King at second doubles while Gordon and Jonathan Jordan bested Franco and Marcus Zehnder at third singles, 8-3.

For Mercyhurst (1-3), King and Ron Heurich were singles winners and then duo of Heurich and Marnik claimed a doubles point.

The Gators will be in action next this weekend when they take part in the Niagara University Invitational on Saturday and Sunday.

AC women's tennis tripped up by Mercyhurst

9/15/2009 9:53:18 PM

Boxscore

MEADVILLE, Pa. -- The Allegheny women's tennis team suffered a 7-2 setback at the hands of Division II opponent Mercyhurst on Tuesday at the Robertson Complex.

Janna Dickerson scored the lone singles point for the Gators (1-2) while Deborah Landau and Elyse Schmitt earned a doubles victory.

Dickerson defeated Courtney Conway at sixth singles, 5-7, 6-2, 6-1, while Landau and Schmitt claimed an 8-5 decision over Samantha Zimmerman and McKenzie Cona in second doubles.

Singles winners for Mercyhurst included Cona, Kim Ezzo, Meghan Raynor, Jenna Raynor and Kelton Macke. Ezzo and Meghan Raynor teamed to win one doubles point while Macke and Jenna Raynor scored another.

The Gators will return to action this weekend when they take part in the Oberlin Invitational. The tournament will be Friday through Sunday.

Gator women's tennis opens season with runner-up finish at Heath Invite

Allegheny-St. Vincent boxscore

Allegheny-Case Western boxscore

MEADVILLE, Pa. -- The Allegheny women's tennis team defeated St. Vincent, 9-0, but then lost to Case Western, 5-4, to finish runner-up at the Nancy J. Heath Invitational at the Robertson Complex on Saturday.

Alyssa Tom, Deborah Landau and Janna Dickerson won two matches each at fourth, fifth and sixth singles, respectively, during the day.

Against St. Vincent, Tom defeated Rebecca Cenkner, 6-1, 6-1, while Landau was victorious against Nicole Peer, 6-3, 2-3 (ret.). Dickerson won her match over Megan Mahoney, 6-0, 6-0.

Lauren Kristofco, Elyse Schmitt and Sara Longo were also singles winners for the Gators (1-1). Kristofco won at first singles against Alexis Cup, 6-3, 6-0. At second singles, Schmitt handled Emily Morris, 6-2, 6-4, while at third singles, Longo bested Allie Botti, 6-3, 6-0.

In doubles competition, Kristofco and Longo renewed their partnership with an 8-0 first doubles win over Cup and Morris. Landau and Schmitt teamed for an 8-6 victory against Cenkner and Brittany Vignero at second doubles and Dickerson and Tamara Prairie defeated Peer and Jessica Paruch, 8-2, in third doubles.

In the loss to Case Western, Tom earned her win over Kathleen Evers, 6-3, 6-1. Landau defeated Cheyenne Chambers, 6-3, 6-4, and Dickerson was victorious against Corey Bowen, 6-4, 6-4.

Dickerson and Prairie earned the lone doubles point and improved their record to 2-0 with an 8-4 win over Bowen and Claudia Nieuwoudt.

In other matches on Saturday, Case Western won its semifinal match over Mercyhurst, 5-4. Mercyhurst then defeated St. Vincent in the tournament consolation match, 9-0.

Allegheny will play its next match on Tuesday when it hosts Mercyhurst at 4 p.m.

Gators open season at Heath Invitational, earn split

Allegheny-Carnegie Mellon boxscore

Allegheny-Mercyhurst boxscore

MEADVILLE, Pa. -- The Allegheny men's tennis team struggles in its first match of the season, falling to Carnegie Mellon, 9-0, but then rebounded for a 7-2 consolation win over Mercyhurst on Saturday at the Heath Invitational.

Singles winners against Mercyhurst included Alex Bonfiglio and Uros Predic at first and second singles, respectively. Bonfiglio defeated Mijo Cotic, 6-2, 6-4, while Predic handled Ron Heurich, 6-3, 4-6, 10-8.

Also for the Gators, Max Hennessy won the fifth singles match against Juan Franco, 6-2, 6-3, and Jonathan Jordan defeated Justin Tompkins, 6-1, 6-4, in sixth singles.

Allegheny swept doubles competition. Hennessy and Jacob Allmaras won on the first tier over Cotic and Adam Marnik, 9-8 (7-4). In second doubles, Predic and Ben Hurtuk teamed for an 8-6 win against Heurich and Kyle King, while, at third doubles, Jordan and Evan Gordon defeated Tompkins and Franco, 8-2.

In other matches on Saturday, Case Western advanced to the final with a 8-1 win over Mercyhurst. Carnegie Mellon won the final over Case Western, 8-1.

The Gators (1-1) will return to action on Tuesday. They will take on Mercyhurst again at 4 p.m.

2009 Fall Tennis Team Retreat

Nice Moves Coach!

Land Ho!!!

The men’s and women’s tennis team met at Woodcock Lake State Park on Saturday, September 5 to participate in the annual team retreat.

The fall retreat is a team bonding experience that grows and fosters relationships between new players, returning players, and coaches.

This year’s activities started with an hour of team building exercises facilitated by Alycia Mccullough of the ACCEL office (Allegheny College Center for Experiential Learning). These exercises focused on team bonding by taking players and coaches out of their comfort zones and interacting in a way that was unconventional but fun. Each activity focused on team pillars such as leadership, communication, and trust.

The players discussed their yearly goals, talked about off season work out plans, and played a trivia game that encompassed all things tennis. The day concluded with some good food and fun games led by our captains.

Four Gator Tennis Players Earn ITA Scholar Athlete Award

8/20/2009 1:42:04 PM

MEADVILLE, Pa. -- Allegheny men's tennis players Matt Chiricosta (Avon Lake, Ohio/Saint Ignatius) and Ryan Zipf (Cranberry Township, Pa./Seneca Valley) were named to the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Scholar-Athlete list after maintaining grade point averages of 3.5 or greater during the 2008-09 academic year.

To qualify for the award, individuals must be a varsity letterwinner, have a grade point average of at least 3.50 (on a 4.00 scale) for the current academic year and have been enrolled at their present school for at least two semesters.

Chiricosta, who graduated in May with a degree in political science, has now been an ITA Scholar-Athlete for four straight years. He also completed his collegiate career with four all-conference singles honors and four all-conference doubles honors. As a singles player, he was selected to the All-NCAC Second Team in 2006 and 2007. During his junior and senior years, he became a First Teamer. was named to the All-NCAC First Team in both singles and doubles.

In doubles, Chiricosta and teammate Ben Hurtuk were named to the All-NCAC Second Team. Chiricosta previously earned All-NCAC honors in 2006, 2007 and 2008, with then-teammate Andrew Zipf. Chiricosta and Zipf were First Teamers in '06 and '08 and Second Teamers in '07.

Ryan Zipf earned his ITA award during his freshman year, compiling an 0-4 record in singles matches and 2-5 slate in doubles matches with teammate Jacob Allmaras.

Allegheny women's tennis players Janna Dickerson (Fort Collins, Colo./Poudre) and Lauren Kristofco (Hollidaysburg, Pa./Bishop Guilfoyle) were named to the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Scholar-Athlete list after maintaining grade point averages of 3.5 or greater during the 2008-09 academic year. Both players were awarded by the ITA for the first time.

To qualify for the award, individuals must be a varsity letterwinner, have a grade point average of at least 3.50 (on a 4.00 scale) for the current academic year and have been enrolled at their present school for at least two semesters.

As a freshman, Dickerson carried a 14-10 record in singles and was 13-10 with numerous doubles partners.

Kristofco is a two-time All-NCAC First Team selection in singles play and a two-time All-NCAC Second Team choice in doubles with teammate Sara Longo. In her two years as a Gator, Kristofco has identical 23-24 records in both singles and doubles play.

Tim Riskie Joins Allegheny Tennis Staff

We are happy to welcome Tim Riskie on board as of August 10th. He is the new full time assistant men's and women's tennis coach. Coach Riskie played at Washington College where his team was twice ranked 15th in the country and went to the national tournament all four years. He was an ITA Academic All American and he was ranked #11th in the country in doubles.

Coach Riskie served as the assistant coach for two years at Div. I Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA where he got his masters in public communication. Prior to coming to Allegheny College, Riskie was working at the Middlestates USTA office in Valley Forge, PA and teaching tennis at Ron Jaworski's Riverwinds Golf and Tennis Center in West Deptford, NJ. Coach Riskie will be a great addition to the program and I look forward to working with him on a daily basis.

~Coach Luteran

Recruiting at the USTA National Clay Courts

Stadium Court at the Delray Beach Tennis Center

Clay courts at the Delray Beach Swim and Tennis Club

I just returned from the USTA National Clay Courts in Delray Beach, FL where I attended the College Coaches Expo and had a chance to watch several hundred of the best juniors in the country. It was extremely hot and humid, but there was a lot of great tennis to watch and most of the coaches from the top college teams in the country were there. I met some fantastic student-athletes and I hope to see some of them in a Gator Tennis uniform in the future!

~Coach Luteran

The Courts Are Finished!

The courts are ready to be used. My son Lucas, age 2, was the first to play on them. He loved them and he thought they were perfect for his all court game. We have new drainage around the whole facility and we widened the walk way and extended it all the way to the end of court 6 and court 12. We now officially have the same surface as the US Open, including the new 4 inch baselines that are used at the Open. They look fantastic!

~Coach Luteran

New Courts Are Almost Finished!

The court resurfacing project is proceeding nicely. The courts have been paved and now we just have to let them cure for a month before the final layer of paint goes on. They should be finished some time in July. I can't wait!

~Coach Luteran

Congratulations Seniors!

Congratulations to Jackie Conrad and Matt Chiricosta, our senior graduates. Jackie Conrad graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science & Economics and a minor in Communication Arts. Jackie was a three-time Alden Scholar winner. Jackie will be attending Lehigh University next fall seeking a Master's degree in Political Science. Matt Chiricosta graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a minor in Writing. Matt was a two-time Alden Scholar winner as well as the recipient of the Irwin and Alice Gertzog Prize awarded to the student writing the best senior essay on U.S Politics. Matt was also an ITA Scholar-Athlete all four years at Allegheny College. Matt will be attending law school at the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law next fall. Jackie and Matt will be deeply missed next year and we wish them the best of luck with their future endeavors.

Resurfacing Project Officially Started

The resurfacing project at the Allegheny College tennis courts has officially begun as of Monday, May 4th. All 12 courts are being resurfaced with the blue and green US Open Deco-Turf courts. The drainage system is also being completely replaced. The courts will be ready for use by the end of the summer. We will post new pictures of the progress every couple weeks.

~Coach Luteran

Gator trio claims All-NCAC accolades

May 5, 2009

CLEVELAND, Ohio - A trio of Allegheny College women's tennis players has received All-North Coast Athletic Conference postseason honors, including sophomore Lauren Kristofco (top right) who was named to the All-NCAC First Team for singles play. She and fellow sophomore Sara Longo (top left) teamed for a Second Team selection in doubles while freshman Elyse Schmitt (bottom left) was an honorable mention.

Kristofco finished with a record of 12-13, including a 1-2 mark in NCAC East Division action, as Allegheny's top singles player. The First Team accolade is her second in a row.

As the Gators' No. 1 doubles team, Kristofco and Longo had a 12-12 overall record and a 2-1 slate in division play. They also earned All-NCAC Second Team honors in 2008.

Schmitt played on four different tiers -- Nos. 2-5 -- during her first collegiate season. She put together a 15-9 record, winning all seven matches as Allegheny's No. 4 or 5 player and going 7-3 as the No. 3 player. In division play, she was 1-2.

Chiricosta, Hurtuk claim All-NCAC honors

May 5, 2009

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Allegheny College senior men's tennis player Matt Chiricosta (top left) earned All-North Coast Athletic Conference honors for the fourth consecutive year, earning First Team honors for singles play. He and his doubles partner, junior Ben Hurtuk (top right), were named to All-NCAC Second Team.

With the accolade, Chiricosta completes a collegiate career which saw him claim four all-conference singles honors and four all-conference doubles honors. As a singles player, he was selected to the All-NCAC Second Team in 2006 and 2007. During his junior and senior years, he became a First Teamer.

Chiricosta finished his senior year with a 12-8 record as the Gators' No. 1 player, including a 2-1 mark in NCAC East Division play. In doubles, Chiricosta and Hurtuk amassed a 15-7 slate with a 2-1 record in division play.

Chiricosta earned All-NCAC honors in 2006, 2007 and 2008, also, with then-teammate Andrew Zipf. Chiricosta and Zipf were First Teamers in '06 and '08 and Second Teamers in '07.