SPORTS STORIES:
SPORTS INFORMATION—2008
tennis team host first annual alumni match...
CLEVELAND, OH (October 15, 2008) - The Case Western Reserve University tennis teams, under the guidance of first-year Head Coach Todd Wojtkowski, hosted the inaugural alumni match this past Saturday at Carlton Courts on the south side of campus. Current members of both the Spartans men’s and women’s tennis teams were present to play and mingle with former players and their families.
“I wanted to get people back involved in the [tennis] program,” Wojtkowski explained. “I wanted to show people that we are headed in the right direction and that we are doing good things. I also wanted past players to be able to meet our kids and find out how great they are and that’s exactly what I received the most feedback about.”
The day began with on the court action between alums and current athletes as all six courts were full for three straight hours. The group then had a bite to eat and some drinks after the friendly competition was complete. An estimated 25 alumni attended, exceeding Coach Wojtkowski’s expectations, especially considering this was his first attempt at reengaging the past stars and current professionals.
“We had people waiting to get on the courts and this was only the first year,” Wojtkowski explained. “I have talked with my peers at other schools and they have never had more than 15 return for an alumni event. Without having previously known any of the alumni and no one knowing who I am, I thought it was a huge success!”
During the social hour, student-athletes had the opportunity to talk with alumni currently working in the field of their interests, allowing the present day Spartans to network.
“I personally sat there and listen to an alum who works in the medical school talk to two of my players in pre-med about what type of things they need to think about doing right now,” Wojtkowski said. “A lot of the players had an opportunity to meet people with the same degree and are currently out in the professional world using it.”
After tennis was through for the day, most of the alumni headed over to Case Field to watch the homecoming football game.
Click here to see a photo album.
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