The University of Arizona took home top honors Feb. 18-20 and captured the United States Tennis Association Campus Championship – Southwest title. The win secured the team an automatic bid to the USTA National Campus Championship in Cary, N.C., on April 7-9.
The University of Arizona and runner-up Arizona State University will join the champions and runners-up from each of the 17 USTA sections, as well as a number of additional teams who will receive at-large bids.
It was a tough way to earn the Tennis on Campus Championship-Southwest title, but the University of Arizona Wildcats ultimately found their way to the finish line, albeit a little soggy, a little road-weary and a little worn out.
The Wildcats endured three days of team play as well as two extra venue changes before ultimately claiming the section title at Tucson Racquet Club in Tucson. The event, originally slated for Scottsdale Ranch Park in Scottsdale, Ariz., was rained out after one round of play on Saturday and a near total-washout on Sunday. In the final match the University of Arizona battled Arizona State University and came out victorious with a close score of 27-25.
“It was great to see such a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and sportsmanship from all of the teams this year,” said Michelle Moyer Tennis, On Campus coordinator. “The dedication and team spirit that was displayed was outstanding, and the enthusiasm and camaraderie among the players is what makes this such a great event. The USTA is very proud of each team that participated, and we wish everyone the best of luck in the upcoming National Campus Championship.”
This year’s 6th annual USTA Campus Championship – Southwest event drew more than 100 participants on 16 teams from six unique colleges and universities.
USTA Campus Championships are an integral part of the USTA Tennis On Campus program.
“Tennis On Campus is perfect for those athletes who do not make the jump from high school to college varsity tennis,” said Glenn Arrington, national manager, Tennis On Campus. “We offer match play, regional and national championships, while helping students maintain an active and healthy lifestyle throughout their college years.”
Each of the 17 USTA Sections offers a USTA Campus Championship Sectional event.
“The sectional events are designed to provide a competitive opportunity to play closer to home,” said Arrington. “It’s a fun-filled weekend of coed team play, social networking and leadership development.”
The 2009-2010 USTA Campus Championship Section Events hosted approximately 2,700 players on 356 teams from 220 different colleges and universities across the country.
The USTA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the U.S. and the leader in promoting and developing the growth of tennis at every level — from local communities to the highest level of the professional game. A not-for-profit organization with 750,000 members, it invests 100 percent of its proceeds in growing the game.
