Racine Named ITA Division II Men's Tennis National Coach of The Year May 15, 2012
For Immediate Release:
University of West Florida Men's Tennis
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - As the No. 2 West Florida men's tennis team prepares to begin play at the NCAA Division II Championships on Wednesday, the Argonauts received good news on Tuesday as the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) announced its annual national awards. Head coach Derrick Racine was named Division II National Coach of the Year, while sophomore Bruno Savi was named South Region Player to Watch.
Racine's national coach of the year honor was the third of his career in men's tennis. His two other men's tennis national coach of the year awards came in 2003 and 2005, and he also won the honor for women's tennis in 2002.
Racine has led the Argonauts to the NCAA Tournament in each of his 14 seasons at the helm, winning national championships in 2004 and 2005. The Argos are 25-2 entering the round of 16 this year, and they have won 16 straight matches dating back to March 19. Racine also led the team to its ninth Gulf South Conference championship and sixth under Racine.
Savi (Santana do Livramento, Brazil) has made an impact in his first year for West Florida, playing at the No. 1 and 2 singles positions and No. 1 doubles spot. The sophomore was named GSC Player of the Year, and he currently ranks No. 11 in the country in singles and No. 2 in doubles with partner Kevin Ducros (Aix-en-Provence, France). He holds a 17-2 record in singles and has won 14 straight matches, and his doubles team with Ducros is 22-4 entering the week.
The Argonauts will face No. 42 Nebraska-Kearney in the first round of the NCAA Championships on Wednesday at 5 p.m. ET at Top Gun Tennis Academy in Louisville, Ky. Fans can follow the action with live video and live stats at www.NCAA.com. For information on all UWF Athletics, visit www.GoArgos.com.
Source:
Matt Rowley
Sports Information Director
University of West Florida