Netters obtain District lX Title
Joe Jones was hired as the women's tennis coach in 1977. Jones' teams have achieved a record of 104 wins and 39 losses in the ensuing 11 years. The Lady Ags possess five championships, four second-place finishes, one third-place finish (NAIA), and one first-place finish (OAIAW). For the past four years Jones has directed the NAIA National Women's Tournament in Kansas City and has recieved five Coach of the Year Awards. Jones said he expects the team members to strive toward academic excellence with the same commitment they apply to their athletic interest.
"I am very optimistic. My outlook for the tennis program is very strong," said Jones. Every year he alone recruits team members. He is the chief, cook, and bottle washer. He drives the van, buys the equipment and teaches the women the game. "There is no in-between, they'll either get better or I'll run them," said Jones. "You just can't be out there and work like we do and not get better."
This past year the team again achieved the No. 1 spot in the District nine playoffs, held April 29-30, 1987. Cameron was the defending champion, but Central State was favored to win. The Lady Ags rose to the occasion.
Lori Anderson, a biology major, and Cathy McCann, a communications major, both failed to beat their Central State opponents. The Lady Ags then had to win their remaining matches to have the opportunity to attend the national tournament in Kansas City.
Sue Coons, a senior from Brookfield, IL, beat her opponent, 6-4, 6-0. Niki Ritt, a freshman from New Mexico, lost her first set, 3-6, but then won her additional matches, 7-6, 7-3.
The doubles teams of Niki Ritt-Gwen Clark and Anderson-McCann both won their matches. The Lady Ags then traveled to Kansas City for the May 18-22 National Tennis Tournament. Jones and his team finished 22nd out of 45 teams at the tournament.
"We win all of our tournaments by team strength," said Jones. "Even though it is an individual sport, we rely on everybody on the tennis team."
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