FGCU Hosts Johan Kriek Classic
The Lady Tennis Eagles Battle Strong Div. I Teams on MLK Weekend
Southwest Florida tennis fans will be served a feast of tennis as Florida Gulf Coast University’s (FGCU) Lady Eagles host and play in the FGCU/Johan Kriek Classic Friday, January 18 through Monday the 21st. The NCAA Division I newcomer Eagles host seven teams, including three ranked in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association's (ITA) top-50.
Miami Hurricanes Head Tennis Field
No.9 Miami (UM) gets top billing, although the Hurricanes lost last year’s NCAA Women’s Singles Champion, Audra Cohen. The field also includes No.30 Florida International (FIU), No.31 Wichita State, Ohio State (OSU), Stetson, Central Florida (UCF), and Dartmouth.
UM Could Face Stiff Challenge
The Hurricanes are the headliners this weekend and should win the event, but could face stiff competition from the other ranked teams in the field. FGCU is coming off a tough loss to the University of South Florida (USF) Bulls last week, losing all seven points, but Coach J. Webb Horton insisted that his team played well, and he expects them to play well again this weekend.
Coach J. Webb Horton's Strategy
Coach Horton does acknowledge that his players have a major challenge on their hands with such a strong field, but he relishes the chance for his players to play such high caliber opponents. “Our objective is to be as ready as we can for our [Atlantic Sun] conference play. The strategy is to play a tough non-conference schedule so that we will be battle-tested when conference play begins,” Horton shared. “Plus, it’s a great opportunity for us to bring this level of tennis to Southwest Florida,” Horton added.
Office Furniture & Design Concepts Sponsor Event
Others see the promise in Horton’s Eagles as well. An avid sports fan from Grand Rapids, MI, Glenn Steil, chairman of the board and CEO of the event sponsor, Office Furniture and Design Concepts, saw the event as an excellent opportunity as well. It was through his relationship with retired touring professional Johan Kriek that the event got its name. “Those kids really try hard out there. They give it all they’ve got…The University is really going to be something, and in five years or so, the team will be contenders,” Steil opined.
Southwest Florida Tennis Wins
That the Eagles will be "contenders" down the road is a given with Coach Horton at the helm, but chances are the FGCU Eagles won’t be holding the championship trophy when the last ball has been struck this time around. Yet, the University, the community and all associated with the FGCU/Johan Kriek Classic will surely be winners at event’s end. Tennis fans wanting to enjoy high caliber college tennis can click here to find out when FGCU and other teams play during the extended weekend.
FGCU Coach J. Webb Horton
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