Oklahoma Men's Tennis Year in Review

June 30, 1999

The Oklahoma men's tennis team pushed the limits of its competition and proved this year to have one of the strongest and most experienced lineups in Sooner history under the direction of head coach Paul Lockwood. Six letterwinners and a top newcomer paved the way for an exciting season.

The team ended its fall season with a battle at the Region V Team Indoor Championship in Tulsa, Okla. OU defeated third-seeded Tulsa, 4-1, and upset top-seeded Kansas, 4-2, to claim its first regional title and first No. 1 region ranking in several years.

Oklahoma made history again competing among the nation's top 16 programs at the National Team Indoor Championship in Seattle, Wash. It marked the first time in 22 years that OU took part in the event. Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) rankings gave the netters their highest ranking of the season at No. 30 among Division I teams - climbing the ladder from No. 55. It was Oklahoma's highest ranking since Lockwood's 1992 Big Eight Championship squad.

The spring season allowed Oklahoma to face 11 nationally-ranked teams, including top opponents Texas and SMU, and several others who competed in the 1999 NCAA Tennis Championship. With a first- round Big 12 Tournament loss to No. 9 Baylor, the Sooners ended their season with an overall record of 13-15 and a seventh-place finish in the conference. OU may not have had the chance to ensure a top finish in the Big 12 or its third consecutive trip to the NCAA, but the team did end its season like champions. The squad ended its quest for victory with a No. 75 national ranking and its third straight ITA Academic All-American honor.

Several Sooners earned regional rankings for their performances on the court. Junior Dusty Beard finished with a listing of No. 12, Charlie Roberson ranked No. 15, Jeremy Dunham was No. 28 and Rick Warren finished ranked No. 29. Roberson and Warren comprised the third-ranked doubles duo.

Several members of the senior and junior-dominated team put their maturity and experience into use both on the court and in the classroom to become worthy of national attention. Senior Jave Rush left his veteran experience for fellow and future netters to follow. Rush was named a two-time ITA Scholar-Athlete and was a GTE Academic All-American Team national nominee. Roberson and Warren garnered individual honors as well. Roberson was a national candidate for the Arthur Ashe Jr. Sportsmanship and Leadership Award, while Warren's exceptional performance both on the court and in the classroom resulted in him being named an All-American Scholar.

The celebration of victory and the agony of defeat have given the OU netters the essential experience for what is to come in the years ahead. Their hard work, sportsmanship, dedication and teamwork will prepare them for another year filled with victory.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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