The University of Mary Washington has been named host for the 2006 NCAA Division III Men’s Tennis Championships May 17-22, 2006. This marks the first time UMW has hosted the national championships.
UMW Athletic Director Ed Hegmann feels victorious. “Having traveled to and coached at 19 NCAA tennis national championship tournaments on various campuses throughout the country, it has always been my personal dream to host this prestigious event at home,” Hegmann said.
The key, he said, is that UMW now has a comprehensive “world class” on-campus tennis complex. In addition tao the 12 fully-lighted outdoor courts with seating for 600 at the Battleground Athletic Complex, UMW now boasts an adjacent state-of-the-art six-court indoor tennis center. UMW also has been selected as host for the 2008 Division III Women’s National Tennis Championships.
“It’s a very exciting time,” said UMW men’s tennis coach Todd Helbling. “Hosting an event of the caliber of the national championships provides positive exposure not only for the school and the tennis program, but also the city of Fredericksburg.”
Helbling and his Eagles are seeking a fourth consecutive trip to the national quarterfinals. Behind All-American seniors Paul Bristow (who teamed with Dan Uyar ’04 to win the 2004 national doubles championship, the first ever by male athletes at UMW) and Jon Clair, as well as freshman All-American Randy Loden, the Eagles seem poised for another strong run toward their first team national championship.
The men’s championship tournament will begin on Wednesday, May 17, 2006, with team quarterfinal action. Matches will begin at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. On Thursday, May 18, semifinal matches will take place at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., with the consolation and championship matches scheduled for Friday, May 19, 2006, at 9 a.m. and noon.
The individual portion of the championship will begin on May 20, 2006, with singles round action starting at 9 a.m. and doubles round matches starting at 3 p.m. Singles quarterfinals and semifinals will take place on Sunday at noon and 2:30 p.m., with doubles semifinals starting at 4 p.m. The championship matches will be played on Monday, May 22, 2006, at 9 a.m.
Admission to the championships is free of charge, and the public is welcome and encouraged to attend.
Hegmann applauded alumni and other spectators who have undergone “distant and wearisome travels” over the years to see the Eagles win three national team championships, a doubles national championship and numerous top-10 national finishes. Now, he added, they “will have an opportunity to experience a true ‘home-court-advantage,’ as the Eagles strive for more national honors.”
– Clint Often