When a University of Tampa alumnus became upset with his alma mater’s tennis team, he decided to make a promise the university should not ignore.’
Andrew Saltman is a certified tennis professional operating out of Gainesville.’ In a blog entry written on April 13, Saltman criticized the school’s tennis program but offered a solution to the problem.
‘In 10 years, [Al] DuFaux, the current coach, has one winning season,’ Saltman wrote. ‘I mean basically ‘hellip; that means you should be fired! ‘hellip; If you fire this guy, I will coach the girl’s team free of charge and guarantee a winning season, and will raise enough money to bring in new courts.’
The tennis enthusiast has reason to be concerned.
This season the team went 9-12 overall but only 1-7 in Sunshine State Conference play.
Dropping the first 10 games, the Spartans rallied to win the next seven before Lynn snapped the streak.
‘A school like [the] University of Tampa should have a high quality tennis team, like Rollins,’ Saltman said.
‘This is a disgrace and please contact Ronald Vaughn and ask him to reach into the deep pockets of UT.edu to bring in some skills on the tennis front,’ he added
This season, Rollins fell second to Lynn in the SSC, losing only two games overall.
The Tars served the Spartans 9-0 on March 1. Despite the poor performance thus far, the former student saw hope in the players.
‘Keep your eye on Lauren Holt though. This girl crushed us in high school tennis when I was coaching winning seasons then,’ he wrote.
‘Now she can’t manage to win a match, I blame the coaching with no doubt!’
The sophomore Holt went 2-10 on the season, losing the last eight of her 10 singles matches.
Paired with Estefania Geco, the two went 0-3 in doubles play.
The tennis team has not been the most successful sports program at UT, but whether or not the coaching is to blame can’t be determined until a change is made.
‘This offer is on the table kids,’ Saltman concluded.
Bobby Winsler can be reached at minaret.sports@gmail.com.
“