COLONELSCOLONELS

1 EKUSports.com

General Information

Quick Facts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Head Coach Rob Oertel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Graduate Assistant Coach Anais Hamel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Volunteer Assistant Coach Rob Silver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32012 Rosters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Season Outlook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Men’s Player Profi les . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9Ohio Valley Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Women’s Player Profi les . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-132011 Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Eastern Kentucky University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Richmond & Surrounding Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Colonel Tennis Honors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Table of Contents

General InformationSchool Eastern Kentucky UniversityLocation Richmond, Ky.Founded/Enrollment 1906/16,600Nickname ColonelsColors Maroon (209) and whiteTennis Facilities Greg Adams Tennis Center (indoor) Coach Tom Higgins Tennis Courts (outdoor)Conference Ohio ValleyAffi liation NCAA Division IPresident Dr. Doug WhitlockAthletics Director Mark SandyAthletics Phone 859-622-2120

Coaching Staff Head Coach Rob OertelAlma Mater Wisconsin-Stout ’86Overall Division I Record 278-231 (21 seasons – men) 167-142 (13 seasons – women)Offi ce Phone 859-622-2133E-mail rob.oertel@eku.eduFax 859-622-8334Graduate Assistant Coach Anais HamelAlma Mater Eastern Kentucky ’10Volunteer Assistant Coach Rob SilverAlma Mater Missouri ’99

Athletic Public RelationsTennis Contact Michael ClarkOffi ce Phone 859-622-6170E-mail michael.clark@eku.eduFax 859-622-5108Internet www.EKUSports.com

Mailing AddressAthletic Public Relations521 Lancaster Ave.Alumni Coliseum 115Richmond, KY 40475

Overnight AddressSame as above

Quick Facts

Writing, Editing and Design:Michael Clark, Director of Athletic Public Relations using Adobe InDesign CS5 and Photoshop CS5Editorial Assistance:Kevin Britt on, Simon Gray, Dan McBride, Rob OertelPhotos:Chris Radcliff e, Tim Webb, Eastern

Kentucky University Archives, Ohio Valley Conference, Mark Pearson, Darrell Lovitt Special Thanks:Kevin Britt on, Steve Fohl, Simon Gray, Dan McBride, Rob Oertel

Credits

ekueku

2EKUSports.com

Coaching Staff

Rob OertelRob Oertel

Head Coach • 11th Season at EKU

Alma Mater: Wisconsin-Stout, 1986

2011, 2010, 2009, 2007 OVC Men’s Tennis Coach of the Year 1995 MVC Men’s Tennis Coach of the Year

Rob Oertel is entering his 11th season as the head coach for both the men’s and women’s tennis teams at Eastern Kentucky. The last few seasons have been memorable ones for the Colonels as the EKU men earned a berth in both the 2011 and 2010 NCAA championships while the women advanced to the NCAAs in 2009.

In his 10 years at EKU, Oertel has taken the Colonels from the cellar of the OVC to a consistent contender in the season-ending OVC tournament. He has coached 30 All-OVC players, fi ve OVC Players of the Year, three Academic All-Americans, one OVC Freshman of the Year and one OVC Sportsmanship Award winner while in charge of the Eastern program.

Oertel has more than 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 fi nish in the conference tournament.

Oertel earned the 1995 MVC Coach of the Year award as ISU fi nished 18-9 overall with key victories over Tulsa, Purdue,

Name: Rob OertelHometown: West Allis, Wis.Born: Feb. 5, 1964

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)

The Oertel File

Oertel’s Division I Career Coaching Record

MenYear School Record1990 Indiana State 13- 101991 Indiana State 14- 101992 Indiana State 10- 111993 Indiana State 15- 91994 Indiana State 12- 131995 Indiana State 18- 91996 Indiana State 13- 111997 Denver 7- 71998 Denver 4- 161999 Denver 5- 142000 Denver 16- 82002 Eastern Kentucky 10- 132003 Eastern Kentucky 14- 102004 Eastern Kentucky 12- 132005 Eastern Kentucky 11- 162006 Eastern Kentucky 11- 152007 Eastern Kentucky 18- 112008 Eastern Kentucky 16- 122009 Eastern Kentucky 18- 92010 Eastern Kentucky 18- 92011 Eastern Kentucky 21- 5Totals (21 seasons) 278- 231

WomenYear School Record1990 Indiana State 5- 131997 Denver 13- 71999 Denver 7- 82002 Eastern Kentucky 7- 152003 Eastern Kentucky 13- 112004 Eastern Kentucky 13- 132005 Eastern Kentucky 15- 122006 Eastern Kentucky 14- 102007 Eastern Kentucky 12- 132008 Eastern Kentucky 19- 72009 Eastern Kentucky 22- 62010 Eastern Kentucky 14- 162011 Eastern Kentucky 13- 11Totals (13 seasons) 167- 142

Kansas and Marquett e. In addition, Indiana State won its fi nal 12 regular season dual matches to earn a berth in the NCAA team championships. The Sycamores advanced to the fi nal 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 adminis-tration. Oertel has further enhanced his extensive coaching experi-ence 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 deco-rated athletes to ever play for the Wisconsin-Stout Blue Devils. He became the fi rst tennis player in Blue Devil history to earn All-American honors while also playing on four consecutive confer-ence 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. He was named to the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) All-Time Men’s Tennis team in 2011.

COLONELSCOLONELS

3 EKUSports.com

Coaching Staff

Anais HamelAnais Hamel

Graduate Asst. Coach • 2nd Season at EKU

Alma Mater: Eastern Kentucky, 2010

Anais Hamel is in her second year with the Colonel coaching staff after spending the previous two years playing on the EKU tennis team. Hamel served as the 2010 team captain and was a part of the 2009 Ohio Valley Conference championship squad.

Now a member of the coaching staff , Hamel is responsible for on-court coaching, handling administrative tasks and executing miscellaneous duties off the court. Hamel is also working towards completing her master’s degree in business administration at EKU.

Name: Anaïs HamelHometown: Tours, FranceBorn: April 13, 1987

Education: Eastern Kentucky (B.S., Economics, 2010)

Collegiate Coaching Experience: Eastern Kentucky (Grad. Assistant Coach, 2011-present)

The Hamel File

Rob SilverRob Silver

Volunteer Asst. Coach • 2nd Season at EKU

Alma Mater: Univ. of Missouri, 1999

Rob Silver is in his second season as a volunteer assistant coach for the Eastern Kentucky tennis team. Silver played collegiate ten-nis at the University of Missouri where he served as team captain in 1997 and 1998.

Silver is a certifi ed personal trainer with Heartfi t Lexington. In his spare time, he enjoys weight lifting, skiing, reading and spending time with his son, Jeremy.

Name: Rob SilverHometown: Lexington, Ky.Born: April 18, 1978

Education: Missouri (B.S., History and Broadcast Journalism, 1999)

Collegiate Coaching Experience: Eastern Kentucky (Volunteer Assistant Coach, 2011-present)

The Silver File

Men’s Team RosterName Ht. Wt. Cl. Hometown (Previous School)Craig Campbell 5-10 155 Fr. Perth, Australia (Univ. of Western Australia)Jan Dombrowski 6-2 205 Jr. Witt en, Germany (Brescia Univ.)Philip Janz 5-11 180 Sr. Queensland, Australia (Sunshine Coast Grammar School)Hugo Klientovsky 6-3 180 Sr. Colombe, France (University Pierre Mendes France)Joao Maio 5-8 155 So. Porto, Portugal (Externato Augusto Simoes)Emilio Piriz 5-11 165 Sr. Badajoz, Spain (Colegio Santa Teresa Badajoz)Carles Pons 6-1 165 Sr. Barcelona, Spain (Jesus-Maria St. Gervasi)Niklas Schroeder 6-4 180 Sr. Erwitt e, Germany (Staedtisches Gymnasium Erwitt e)Parul Verma 5-10 176 Sr. Chandigarh, India (D.A.V. Model School Sector 15-A)

Women’s Team RosterName Ht. Cl. Hometown (Previous School)Amandine Faouzi 5-6 Fr. Mareil Sur Mauldre, France (Centre National d’ Education a distance)Melissa Gerritsen 5-6 Fr. Ilpendam, Netherlands (OSG Willem Blaeu)Marcela Jimenez 5-5 Fr. Ensenada, Mexico (Universidad Auto’noma de Baja California)Kristina Labeja 5-8 Fr. Riga, Latvia (Riga Secondary School #94)Saioa Oscoz 5-9 So. Pamplona, Spain (San Fermin)Milena Poff o 5-3 So. Joinville, Brazil (Celso Ramos)Carmen Rodriguez 5-7 Fr. Toledo, Spain (Universidad Pontifi cia Comillas Madrid)

PronunciationsJan Dombrowski – yahnAmandine Faouzi – AH-mahn-deen FOW-zeeMarcela Jimenez - HIM-en-ezHugo Klientovsky – KLI-en-TOV-skee Kristina Labeja – lah-BAY-ahJoao Maio – jah-WOW MAY-ohSaioa Oscoz – sigh-OH-ah AHS-kohthMilena Poff o – muh-LAY-nuh POH-foh

Head Coach Rob Oertel – or-TELLGrad. Asst. Anais Hamel – ah-nah-EECE hah-MELL

In her two years on the Eastern tennis team, Hamel was a solid contributor on a very deep team. Hamel spent most of her senior season playing No. 4 and No. 5 singles for the Colonels where she posted a team-best 8-1 record against OVC opponents.

Off the court, Hamel enjoys traveling, hanging out with friends and listening to music.

ekueku

4EKUSports.com

Season Outlook

The Eastern Kentucky University men’s tennis team is com-prised of a talented and deep senior class that has its sights set on a fourth straight Ohio Valley Conference regular season title.

“[Our seniors] have a chance to do something very special,” four-time OVC Coach of the Year Rob Oertel said. “There aren’t many athletes in the country in any sport that can say that they have won four titles in four years as a collegiate student-athlete.”

There are six seniors on the 2011-12 roster and fi ve were a part of the starting line-up last spring. Four of those seniors – Philip Janz, Hugo Klientovsky, Emilio Piriz and Parul Verma – were un-defeated in singles matches against OVC opponents one year ago.

The Colonels have won 23 consecutive OVC regular season matches dating back to 2008. In that span, Eastern Kentucky has also captured two conference tournament championships and advanced to the 2010 and 2011 NCAA championships.

The biggest question mark facing the Colonels heading into the start of the dual match season is who will replace Alex Das at the No. 1 position. Das was EKU’s top player the last four seasons and earned OVC Player of the Year honors twice (2010 and 2011).

Three players are in the running to take over the No. 1 spot – Klientovsky, Janz and Niklas Schroeder. Klientovsky fi nished 17-4 overall in 2011 playing mainly at the No. 2 position behind Das. Two of his four setbacks were three-set losses to quality oppo-nents from Purdue and Kentucky.

Schroeder, who spent his junior season at No. 3 singles, has stepped up his game and could challenge for the top position this spring. He is one of the bett er indoor tennis players on the roster and arguably the best doubles player.

Janz is in his third year on the squad and has yet to lose an OVC singles match (13-0). Janz, the team’s No. 4 player each of the last two years, has a steady all-around game and can batt le from the baseline or win points at the net.

Sophomore Joao Maio is one of the few underclassmen looking to crack the top six. Coach Oertel has noted that Maio has shown the most improvement on the team from last season to this point.

“His work ethic has shown through,” Oertel said. “He’s been really focused this year and it has shown in his play. Most players get rewarded for all of their hard work that they’ve put in and I hope he does.”

One newcomer joined the team this spring – Craig Campbell of Australia.

“He is not making a big impact in the line-up right now, but that doesn’t mean I’m disappointed,” Oertel said. “He’s a skilled tennis player who will certainly contribute to our team before it’s all over this season. I am hoping that Craig will increase our depth and quality in doubles.”

The 2012 spring schedule is one of the best in EKU history and features fi ve teams among the top 30 nationally in the preseason polls – No. 2 Virginia, No. 7 Kentucky, No. 13 Tennessee, No. 29 Indiana and No. 30 Louisville. The OVC tournament is set for April 20-22 in Nashville, Tenn.

The Colonel men’s tennis team has made two straight trips to the NCAA tournament and hopes to add a third visit in 2012.

The Colonel Men

The Colonel Women Five of the seven players on the Eastern Kentucky University

women’s tennis team are freshmen, but head coach Rob Oertel believes he could be dealing with a special group in 2012.

“From one to seven the talent level is as good as any team I’ve ever had,” Oertel said. “All fi ve freshmen are very talented and have good tennis IQs.”

The entire team had an unbelievable fall season, posting a 37-15 (.711) overall record in singles against some quality compe-tition. Four players represented EKU at the ITA regional tourna-ment in Memphis, Tenn. Freshman Amandine Faouzi picked up a fi rst round win over Chatt anooga’s Alexa Flynn and nearly knocked off 13th-seeded Marie Casares of Vanderbilt before fall-ing in three sets, 7-5, 2-6, 6-1.

“The big unknown with this group is our doubles,” Oertel said. “I hope our doubles can be in the middle of the road as far as performance, I know our singles is going to take us a long way.”

Faouzi is shaping up to be the No. 1 player in the line-up. She plays a very strong counter-punching game, but has the ability to take the ball on the rise.

“Amandine is as competitive as they come,” Oertel said. “She has the heart of a lion and that is defi nitely her greatest strength.”

Three other freshmen enrolled at EKU in the fall season – Me-lissa Gerritsen, Kristina Labeja and Carmen Rodriguez. Gerritsen has a big serve and forehand that can do some damage on the ten-nis court. Labeja has a unique style of play that can frustrate the opposition. Meanwhile, Rodriguez dominated the lower brackets

in the fall tournaments (7-1) thanks to a strong forehand wing.

Marcela Jimenez, the fi fth freshman, joined the team mid-year and is still a litt le bit of an unknown factor on the team. Coach Oertel believes that Jimenez has the po-tential to play in the middle of the line-up thanks to her court speed and solid forehand.

The remaining two players on the roster – Saioa Oscoz and Milena Poff o – are sophomores and played in the middle of the line-up in 2011. Oscoz relies on her baseline game to win matches as she fi nished 4-4 in OVC singles last year.

Poff o enjoyed one of the best fall seasons of anyone on the roster with an 8-2 record. She went 6-2 against OVC competition as a freshman mainly at the No. 5 position.

If the Colonels can overcome their lack of experience in match play, they could be in the hunt for the program’s second conference title in the last four years.

COLONELSCOLONELS

5 EKUSports.com

Player Profi les

Philip JanzPhilip Janz

5-11 • 180 • Senior

Hometown: Queensland, Australia

2011 All-OVC second team selection

Janz has a steady all-around game that has no glaring weak-nesses … can batt le from the baseline or win points at the net … will be one of three Colonels likely to batt le for the No. 1 spot in 2012 … has not lost an OVC singles match heading into the 2012 spring season (13-0) … spent most of the 2011 season at No. 4 singles … fi nished second on the team with 18 dual match singles victories last year … teamed with Niklas Schroeder to win the deciding doubles match (No. 2) in the 2011 OVC championship match against Austin Peay … spent most of the 2010 season split-ting time between No. 4, No. 5 and No. 6 singles … fi nished his sophomore year with nine straight singles wins including a three-set decision at Jacksonville State … played No. 1 doubles with Niklas Schroeder in 2010 … joined the squad in the fall of 2009 … comes from an impressive tennis background in Queensland … he was ranked among the top-100 Australian players in the open division … reached No. 4 in the Queensland under-18 single rank-ings 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 earning fi rst team All-OVC honors and helping the team win yet another OVC title … after graduating, he hopes to become a sports psychologist.

Name: Philip Brian JanzBorn: June 27, 1990Parents: Terry and Sue JanzSiblings: Kirstin (27)Major: Psychology

The Janz File

Hugo KlientovskyHugo Klientovsky

6-3 • 180 • Senior

Hometown: Colombe, France

2010, 2011 All-OVC fi rst team selection

Klientovsky should be an impact player towards the top of the line-up once again in 2012 … likes to att ack 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 … fi nished the 2011 season with eight straight singles victories and 10 consecutive doubles wins… played all but one match at No. 2 singles as a junior … two of his four dual match losses last year were in three sets to opponents from Purdue and Kentucky … teamed up with Alex Das to win both No. 1 doubles matches in the 2011 OVC tournament … made a run to the quarterfi nals of the Division II bracket at the 2010 Southern Intercollegiates … posted victories over opponents from Vanderbilt, Elon and Alabama at the South-ern Intercollegiates … fi nished the 2010 spring season at No. 3 singles where he went 6-1 against OVC competition … concluded the 2010 season with nine straight wins at No. 3 doubles with Carles Pons, including an 8-6 victory over Louisville in the NCAA tournament … won the regional tournament of Dauphine-Savoie when he was 17 years old … his hobbies include skiing, soccer and playing video games … he wants to be OVC Player of the Year, win the 2012 OVC title and earn a win in the NCAA tourna-ment.

Name: Hugo KlientovskyBorn: June 3, 1988Parents: Alexandre and Christine KlientovskySiblings: Thomas (26)Major: Economics

The Klientovsky File

ekueku

6EKUSports.com

Player Profi les

Emilio PirizEmilio Piriz

5-11 • 165 • Senior

Hometown: Badajoz, Spain

Piriz possesses solid strokes off both wings … provides quality depth to the line-up … will be in a batt le for a spot in the start-ing line-up … is 9-0 all-time against OVC competition … he won seven of eight singles dual matches as a junior playing any-where from No. 4 to No. 6 singles … played No. 6 singles for the Colonels at the 2011 OVC tournament … went 4-0 against OVC competition last year which included three-set wins over oppo-nents from Eastern Illinois and Jacksonville State … played in 14 dual matches as a sophomore, mainly at the No. 5 and No. 6 spots … one of seven Colonels to post at least 10 dual victories in 2010 … earned the decisive point in the 4-3 win over Dayton in 2010 … trailed 5-2 in the fi rst set against Dayton before ratt ling off 11 of the fi nal 13 games … also picked up the deciding point in the 4-3 victory over Wright State as a freshman thanks to a three-set win at No. 6 singles … reached as high as No. 310 in the Span-ish 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 favorite hobby is to go to the beach during the summer while listening to Spanish music … his educational goal is to complete his collegiate degree with the best grades possible.

Name: Emilio PirizBorn: July 6, 1990Parents: Emilio Piriz Campos and María Teresa FernandezSiblings: NoneMajor: International business

The Piriz File

Carles PonsCarles Pons

6-1 • 165 • Senior

Hometown: Barcelona, Spain

2010 All-OVC second team selection

Pons has a reliable backhand … volleys surprising well for a clay court player … always seems to be happy out on the court … should be a contributor in the bott om half of the starting line-up … has played anywhere between No. 3 and No. 6 singles in his three years at EKU … won the White bracket at the 2011 Ball State Fall Invitational … he defeated IUPUI’s Thomas Gans in the fi nals, 6-3, 6-3 … went 8-4 in singles dual matches as a junior, mainly at No. 6 singles … went 7-0 in OVC singles matches in 2010, winning all seven matches in straight sets … concluded his sophomore season with nine straight wins at No. 3 doubles with Hugo Klientovsky, including an 8-6 victory over Louisville in the NCAA tournament … as a freshman, clinched the 4-3 win over Jacksonville State thanks to a three-set victory at No. 6 singles … went 5-1 in OVC singles action and 4-0 in doubles with Alex Das in 2009 … his highest Spanish national ranking ever is No. 400 … also played soccer in high school … enjoys all types of sports, lis-tening to music and traveling … he has his sights set on winning the OVC title again and advancing in the NCAA tournament … he would like to become a tennis coach when he is done playing competitively.

Name: Carles Pons EscanillaBorn: April 16, 1989Parents: Miquel Pons and Mercé EscanillaSiblings: Ruth (33)Major: Sports management

The Pons File

COLONELSCOLONELS

7 EKUSports.com

Player Profi les

Niklas SchroederNiklas Schroeder

6-4 • 180 • Senior

Hometown: Erwitte, Germany

2011 All-OVC second team selection 2010 All-OVC fi rst team selection

Schroeder is one of the bett er indoor tennis players on the squad … potentially the best doubles player on the roster… will be in the hunt for the top spot in the line-up as a senior … spent his junior season playing No. 3 singles … one of fi ve players to total at least 15 singles dual match victories in 2011 … dropped a three-set heartbreaker at Purdue last year, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-7 (3) … teamed with Philip Janz to win the deciding doubles match (No. 2) in the 2011 OVC championship match against Austin Peay … split time between No. 1 and No. 2 singles as a sophomore … tallied a straight-set win at No. 1 singles against Dayton in 2010, helping the Colonels pull out a 4-3 decision … went 5-2 against OVC competition in 2010 … teamed up with Philip Janz to go 8-5 at No. 1 doubles as a sophomore … fi nished the 2009 campaign at the No. 4 singles position … tied for the team lead with six OVC singles victories as a freshman (6-2) … rallied for a three-set vic-tory in the 2009 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 three years ago … played on the same club team as former Colonel Lars Gratz ki … also participated on the soccer and badminton teams in high school … in his spare time, he enjoys playing soccer and basketball as well as traveling … his tennis goals include winning a fourth straight OVC regular season title … after graduating, he would like to earn a master’s degree and eventually become an athletics director.

Name: Niklas SchroederBorn: Jan. 8, 1989Parents: Werner and Barbara SchroederSiblings: Gerrit (20)Major: Sports management

The Schroeder File

Parul VermaParul Verma

5-10 • 176 • Senior

Hometown: Chandigarh, India

Verma has good touch and feel with the ball … fi ts perfectly into the middle of the singles line-up … posted a 5-0 OVC singles record as a junior at the No. 5 spot … played 12 three-set matches in the 2010-11 season while going 8-4 in those contests … won the clinching match in the 2011 OVC tournament as he defeated Austin Peay’s Remi Calleja, 6-3, 4-6, 6-0 … notched three wins on the way to the Flight 2 bracket title at the 2010 UTC Steve Baras Fall Classic … also advanced to the fi nals of the UVA Classic black bracket with three more victories … fi nished fall 2010 season with a 9-3 singles record … went 6-5 in dual matches as a sophomore mainly at No. 5 and No. 6 singles … three of his six wins came in three sets … tied for second on the team with 13 singles dual victories in 2009 … tallied a straight-set victory at No. 5 singles in the 2009 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 … in his spare time, he enjoys listening to Indian music and hanging out with friends …he wants to help the team win its fi rst NCAA tournament match this year … after graduating, he would eventually like to become a head tennis coach or teaching professional.

Name: Parul VermaBorn: Oct. 13, 1990Parents: Charan Preet Verma and Kiran VermaSiblings: Pavel (23), Pavika (18)Major: Sports management

The Verma File

ekueku

8EKUSports.com

Player Profi les

Jan DombrowskiJan Dombrowski

6-2 • 205 • Junior

Hometown: Witten, Germany

Dombrowski adds depth to the Colonel line-up … only saw action in one dual match as a sophomore … joined the Colonel squad in the fall of 2010 … possesses a good knowledge of the game … played at Brescia University in Owensboro, Ky., as a freshman … was the under-16 singles champion and doubles runner-up in his state … cracked the top-500 German list when he was 16 and played at the German national championships … also played soccer when he was in high school … his hobbies in-clude listening to music and hanging out with friends … he hopes to graduate with a 3.5 GPA … one of his tennis goals is to eventu-ally crack the top-100 German list.

Name: Jan Hendrik DombrowskiBorn: July 2, 1989Parents: Guenter and Roswitha DombrowskiSiblings: Kai (41)Major: International business

The Dombrowski File

Joao MaioJoao Maio

5-8 • 155 • Sophomore

Hometown: Porto, Portugal

Maio will contend for plenty of playing time as a sophomore … one of the most improved players on the roster heading into the spring … won the Volunteer singles bracket at the 2011 Ten-nessee Fall Invitational … captured the title with a 7-6, 3-6, 6-3 decision over Davidson’s Kevin Moore … he fi nished 8-2 in dual singles matches last year, mainly at No. 6 singles … rallied for a three-set win at Stetson over the 2011 spring break trip … joined the EKU team last spring … climbed all the way to No. 2 in the Portugal junior rankings and No. 23 in the senior rankings … he is focused on improvement in all aspects of his tennis game … wants to help the Colonels reach another NCAA tournament … also participated in judo in high school … earned six ATP doubles points … in his spare time, he enjoys listening to music, hanging out with friends and playing soccer.

Name: Joao MaioBorn: Nov. 2, 1991Parents: Joao and Marganida MaioSiblings: Maria (2)Major: Economics

The Maio File

COLONELSCOLONELS

9 EKUSports.com

Player Profi les

Ohio Valley ConferenceEntering its 64th year, the Ohio

Valley Conference continues to build on the success that has made it the nation’s eighth-oldest NCAA Division I conference.

In May 2011 the OVC expand-ed for the second time in four years, adding Belmont University which will begin competition in

the 2012-13 academic year. The addition of Belmont will give the OVC 12 members, the most the league has had at one time in its illustrious history. The move added a second team in the city of Nashville and was the fi rst addition to the league since SIU Ed-wardsville joined in 2008. SIUE will begin regular season competi-tion this season (2011-12) and be eligible for postseason the same year Belmont joins the league.

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, 2009. She is currently one of just fi ve females to be the head of a Division I conference, and one of just eight to lead a Division I conference all-time.

The OVC’s proud history 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, fi rst 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.

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, ten-nis, track and volleyball for women. In addition, the OVC also sponsors the combined men’s and women’s sport of rifl e.

University of Akron 1978-87Austin Peay State University 1962-presentEast Tennessee State University 1957-78Eastern Illinois University 1996-presentEastern Kentucky University 1948-presentUniversity of Evansville 1948-52Jacksonville State University 2003-presentUniversity of Louisville 1948-49Marshall University 1948-52Middle Tennessee State University 1952-00Morehead State University 1948-presentMurray State University 1948-presentSamford University 2003-08Southeast Missouri State University 1991-presentSouthern Illinois Univ. Edwardsville 2008-presentUniversity of Tennessee at Martin 1992-presentTennessee State University 1986-presentTennessee Technological University 1949-presentWestern Kentucky University 1948-82Youngstown State University 1981-88

OVC All-Time Member List

Craig CampbellCraig Campbell

5-10 • 155 • Freshman

Hometown: Perth, Australia

Campbell joined the team in the spring … could be a contribu-tor in doubles this season … has the skills to compete at this level … needs to improve his strength and conditioning … he was the captain of his state’s under-18 team … won the under-16 division of the Geraldton Easter Open … ranked in the 300s of the Austra-lian national rankings … he hopes to improve as much as possible in his fi rst year on the squad … also played soccer and basketball in high school … his hobbies include cars, going to the beach and playing just about any kind of sport.

Name: Craig Robert CampbellBorn: July 20, 1992Parents: Gregory and Linda CampbellSiblings: Taryn (22), Candice (15)Major: Accounting and fi nance

The Campbell File

ekueku

10EKUSports.com

Player Profi les

Saioa OscozSaioa Oscoz

5-9 • Sophomore

Hometown: Pamplona, Spain

Oscoz is one of two returnees on the roster … expected to com-pete for a spot in the middle of the line-up … there is still a lot of potential left in her game … relies heavily on her ground strokes … split her freshman year between No. 3 and No. 4 singles … went 4-4 in OVC singles matches last year … ended her freshman season by winning fi ve of six doubles matches with Jessica Al-buquerque at the No. 1 spot … climbed as high as No. 103 in the Spanish national rankings … twice won the regional tournament to advance to the national junior tournament … also participated in basketball in high school … her hobbies include shopping, going out to eat and hanging out with friends … her tennis goals include helping the team win its second OVC title.

Name: Saioa OscozBorn: June 1, 1992Parents: Peio Oscoz and Yolanda CobSiblings: Eneko (18), Mikel (16)Major: Chemistry

The Oscoz File

Milena Poff oMilena Poff o

5-3 • Sophomore

Hometown: Joinville, Brazil

Poff o is in her second year on the squad … can hit a variety of ground strokes and possesses a reliable serve … a very confi dent player on the court … should be a fi xture in the starting line-up … won the No. 3 bracket at the Ball State Fall Invitational thanks to a three-set win over Ball State’s Ashlyn Rang … teamed up with Kristina Labeja to win three matches and advance to the round of 16 at the 2011 ITA Fall Regionals … fi nished second on the team with six OVC singles victories last year (6-2), mainly at the No. 5 spot … earned a hard fought third-set tie-breaker win against Duquesne (7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (6)) to propel EKU to a 4-3 victory … also won the deciding match versus Morehead State in three sets … joined the squad in the spring of 2011 … competed in 10 national championships and 16 regional championships in the last fi ve years … climbed all the way to No. 2 in the Brazilian junior national rankings … won the second biggest tournament in Brazil – The Best of Brazil Masters … also competed in swimming and soccer in high school … enjoys swimming and playing volleyball in her spare time … her EKU goals include earning a collegiate degree and improving her tennis game.

Name: Milena Poff oBorn: June 2, 1992Parents: Marcio and Kátia Poff oSiblings: Felipe (20), Camila (17)Major: Apparel design

The Poff o File

COLONELSCOLONELS

11 EKUSports.com

Player Profi les

Amandine FaouziAmandine Faouzi

5-6 • Freshman

Hometown: Mareil Sur Mauldre, France

Faouzi could step in right away as the team’s No. 1 player … plays a tough counter-punching game, but can also take the ball on the rise … a true competitor … captured the No. 2 bracket at the Ball State Fall Invitational … did not drop a game in the championship match … advanced to the round of 32 at the 2011 ITA Fall Regionals … lost to the 13th seed from Vanderbilt, Marie Casares, in three sets … her hobbies include reading, working on the computer, listening to music and watching movies.

Name: Amandine FaouziBorn: Nov. 21, 1993Parents: Alain and Patricia FaouziSiblings: Manon (16), Léo (13), Mathis (6)Major: Business

The Faouzi File

Melissa GerritsenMelissa Gerritsen

5-6 • Freshman

Hometown: Ilpendam, Netherlands

Gerritsen should compete for a spot in the upper half of the line-up … her serve and forehand are major weapons in her game … improved patience and fi tness will help her rise to the top of the line-up … advanced to the fi nals of two fall tournaments while winning the No. 5 bracket at the Ball State Invitational … won all three matches at Ball State in straight sets … posted an overall singles record of 7-2 in the fall … reached as high as No. 65 in the Dutch national rankings … she enjoys reading and drawing in her spare time … used to take taekwando lessons.

Name: Melissa GerritsenBorn: Aug. 22, 1992Parents: Ton and Tineke GerritsenSiblings: NoneMajor: Communications

The Gerritsen File

ekueku

12EKUSports.com

Player Profi les

Marcela JimenezMarcela Jimenez

5-5 • Freshman

Hometown: Ensenada, Mexico

Jimenez joined the team in the spring … she could be a factor in the starting rotation … her strengths include her court speed and forehand … reached as high as No. 23 in Mexico’s 21-and-un-der division … her best ranking in Southern California’s 18-and-under division was No. 17 … also played basketball in middle school … in her spare time, she enjoys reading and taking pictures … her tennis goals are to help the team qualify for the NCAA tournament.

Name: Marcela Jimenez-RamosBorn: Oct. 3, 1991Parents: Marco Jimenez and Leticia RamosSiblings: Marco (24), Alejandra (16)Major: Economics

The Jimenez File

Kristina LabejaKristina Labeja

5-8 • Freshman

Hometown: Riga, Latvia

Labeja plays a very unique style of tennis that often frustrates the opposition … possesses uncanny anticipation … expected to fi ll a spot in the middle of the line-up … only dropped four games total on the way to winning the No. 6 bracket at the Ball State Fall Invitational … teamed up with Milena Poff o to win three matches and advance to the round of 16 at the 2011 ITA Fall Regionals … her hobbies include listening to music, watching movies and playing volleyball … she wants to help the team achieve the best record possible.

Name: Kristina LabejaBorn: Aug. 29, 1992Parents: Igors Labejs and Alla LabejaSiblings: Irina (23), Alise (14)Major: Marketing

The Labeja File

COLONELSCOLONELS

13 EKUSports.com

Player Profi les

13-11 Overall, 5-3 OVC (5th)

Date Opponent ResultJan. 28 East Tennessee State 0- 7 LJan. 29 Xavier 3- 4 LFeb. 4 Georgetown College 7- 0 WFeb. 4 Univ. of the Cumberlands 7- 0 WFeb. 5 Chicago State 5- 2 WFeb. 11 Northern Kentucky 7- 0 WFeb. 12 Dayton 4- 3 WFeb. 18 Cumberland (Tenn.) 7- 0 WFeb. 19 at Kentucky 0- 7 LFeb. 25 at #49 Marshall 0- 7 LFeb. 26 Duquesne 4- 3 WMar. 7 at Stetson 1- 6 LMar. 8 at Embry-Riddle 1- 6 LMar. 9 at Flagler 4- 5 LMar. 18 Austin Peay* 4- 3 WMar. 19 UT Martin* 3- 4 LMar. 25 at Murray State* 3- 4 LMar. 26 at Eastern Illinois* 7- 0 WApr. 1 SIU Edwardsville 6- 1 WApr. 2 Jacksonville State* 3- 4 LApr. 5 at Morehead State* 4- 3 WApr. 8 at Southeast Missouri* 7- 0 WApr. 9 at Tennessee State* 7- 0 WApr. 15 vs. Morehead State1 1- 4 L1OVC tournament at Paducah, Ky. ~ 2NCAA tournament at Urbana, Ill.Boldface denotes a home match ~ Asterisk (*) denotes OVC match

2011 Women’s Tennis Results

21-5 Overall, 7-0 OVC (1st)

Date Opponent ResultJan. 15 Union College 7- 0 WJan. 15 Univ. of the Cumberlands 6- 0 WJan. 22 at #24 Virginia Tech 0- 7 LJan. 23 at #1 Virginia 0- 7 LJan. 29 Georgetown College 8- 0 WFeb. 5 Xavier 7- 0 WFeb. 5 Chicago State 7- 0 WFeb. 11 Northern Kentucky 7- 0 WFeb. 18 Cumberland (Tenn.) 7- 0 WFeb. 18 Dayton 7- 0 WFeb. 26 at Purdue 2- 5 LMar. 7 at Stetson 6- 1 WMar. 8 at Embry-Riddle 5- 2 WMar. 9 at Flagler 5- 2 WMar. 18 Austin Peay* 5- 2 WMar. 22 at #14 Kentucky 0- 6 LMar. 26 at Eastern Illinois* 7- 0 WApr. 1 SIU Edwardsville 6- 1 WApr. 2 Jacksonville State* 6- 1 WApr. 5 at Morehead State* 5- 2 WApr. 8 at Murray State* 7- 0 WApr. 9 at Tennessee State* 7- 0 WApr. 10 at Tennessee Tech* 7- 0 WApr. 16 vs. Jacksonville State1 4- 0 WApr. 17 vs. Austin Peay1 4- 1 WMay 13 vs. #18 North Carolina2 0- 4 L

2011 Men’s Tennis Results

Carmen RodriguezCarmen Rodriguez

5-7 • Freshman

Hometown: Toledo, Spain

Rodriguez will be in the hunt for a starting spot in the rotation this spring … she can control a match with her strong forehand … had an impressive fall season by going 7-1 overall in singles … advanced to a pair of fi nals in two fall tournaments while winning the Singles G bracket at the Kentucky Invitational … she defeated Kansas’ Amy Barnthouse in a third-set tie-breaker to claim that title … in her free time, she enjoys shopping and going to the cinema … her tennis goals include helping the team win the 2012 OVC title.

Name: Carmen RodriguezBorn: Dec. 23, 1992Parents: Juan Manuel and M’Antonia RodriguezSiblings: Gonzalo (20), Manuel (9)Major: International Business

The Rodriguez File

ekueku

14EKUSports.com

The University

Eastern Kentucky University is known as the Campus Beauti-ful, 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 att ractive 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 off ers more than 160 degree programs and features an excellent 17-1 student-to-faculty ratio. The University serves more than 16,500 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 confl ict between the northern and southern branches of Ken-tucky’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 confl ict, Central Col-lege 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 of-fered 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 class-room. 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 numer-ous worldwide research projects. It also educates a vast majority of the law enforcement offi cers in the Commonwealth.

The University also boasts 17 championship sports at the NCAA’s Division I level, competing in the Ohio Valley Confer-ence. The Colonels’ history includes several national champion-ships, conference titles and NCAA tournament appearances. However, the best is yet to come as the school’s athletic depart-ment is committ ed 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 at-tractive 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.

COLONELSCOLONELS

15 EKUSports.com

City of Richmond

Richmond is home to many interesting and convenient activi-ties. 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 Regis-ter of Historic Districts, it is one of Kentucky’s fi nest restored 19th Century commercial districts.

Arts and entertainment take center-stage with the Eastern Kentucky University theatre program. They off er 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 commu-nity involvement.

There is never any lack of recreational activities in Richmond. An array of parks and recreational centers across the city off ers something for everyone. Lake Reba Recreational complex includes golf, litt le league baseball and softball fi elds, soccer, fi shing and a water park which opened in the summer of 2008.

If it’s shopping you want, downtown Richmond can accom-modate you. Locally owned businesses line the historic streets of downtown Richmond with everything from fi ne antiquities to exquisite jewelry. There is a wide variety of stores at the brand new Richmond Centre as well. The outdoor mall off ers shoppers convenience and style.

Dining isn’t hard to fi nd 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 off ers a variety of tastes made to satisfy.

Never far from mainstream, Richmond off ers 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. Rich-mond’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 Ken-tucky 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.

A Brief Richmond HistoryRichmond 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 bitt erly opposed by about 300 residents of the Milford area and a fi ght 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 offi cially named Richmond in honor of Miller’s birthplace, Richmond, Va.

--From www.richmond.ky.us

ekueku

16EKUSports.com

Colonel Honors

Men’s Tennis

Women’s TennisOhio Valley Conference Championships 2009

OVC Player of the Year 1980 – Deanna Addis 1988 – Nikki Wagstaff 1989 – Nikki Wagstaff 2006 – Meredith Giles 2009 – Alexandra Sitnikova 2011 – Jessica Albuquerque

All-Conference Players 1979 – Mandy Jackson (singles) 1980 – Deanna Addis (singles) 1983 – Susan Wilson (singles) 1984 – Claudia Porras (singles), Kristi Spangenberg (singles) 1987 – Tina Peruzzi (singles) 1988 – Nikki Wagstaff (singles), Pam Wise (singles) 1989 – Nikki Wagstaff (singles) 1990 – Yael Soresman (singles), Samantha Roll (singles), Tina Peruzzi/Samantha Roll (doubles) 1992 – Amy Scott (singles) 2003 – Lindsay Herrera 2005 – Lindsay Herrera, Meredith Giles 2006 – Meredith Giles 2007 – Svetlana Pimenova, Lucia Vojtkova 2008 – Svetlana Pimenova, Alexandra Sitnikova 2009 – Myriem Mhirit, Svetlana Pimenova, Alexandra Sitnikova 2010 – Myriem Mhirit 2011 – Jessica Albuquerque, Anouk Faure, Myriem Mhirit

OVC Coach of the Year 1992 – Sandy Martin

Ohio Valley Conference Championships 1951, 2009, 2010, 2011

OVC Player of the Year 1975 – Joe Shaheen 2010 – Alex Das 2011 – Alex Das

All-Conference Players 1963 – Sam Nutt y/Lewie Heil (doubles) 1966 – Lindy Riggins (singles) 1967 – Mike Jeff ries/Tom Davis (doubles) 1968 – Tom Davis (singles) 1975 – Joe Shaheen (singles) 1983 – David Ghanayem (singles), David Ghanayem/Todd Clements (doubles) 1998 – Jamey Sellars 2003 – John Kellert 2006 – Lars Gratz ki 2007 – Florian Kiefer, Lars Gratz ki 2008 – Alex Das, Mel Segota 2009 – Alex Das 2010 – Alex Das, Hugo Klientovsky, Carles Pons, Niklas Schroeder 2011 – Alex Das, Philip Janz, Hugo Klientovsky, Niklas Shroeder

OVC Freshman of the Year 2008 – Alex Das

OVC Sportsmanship Award 2002 – Alvin Cheng

OVC Coach of the Year 1966 – Jack Adams 2007 – Rob Oertel 2009 – Rob Oertel 2010 – Rob Oertel 2011 – Rob Oertel Alvin Cheng

Alex Das Niklas Schroeder

Anouk Faure Svetlana Pimenova

Nikki Wagstaff