Through 1000 matches and 34 seasons as a NCAA Division I tennis coach, Furman head coach Paul Scarpa has been a part of some excellent tennis programs. He looks upon this season, his 32nd at the helm of the Paladin program, with high expectations. With the return of two-time Southern Conference Tournament MVP Sam Schroerlucke, the intense and improving play of Adam Abney, and three additional returning starters from the 1997 Southern Conference Tournament Champions, Scarpa has reason to be excited.
In 1997, the Paladins claimed the conference title in dramatic fashion, regaining the success they enjoyed in the early 1990's as they had claimed the title each year between1990-1994. The tournament championship was still undecided entering the final round of doubles until the duo of Schroerlucke and Abney captured their second straight No. 1 doubles title ensuring a one- point victory for the Paladins in the team total.
"Winning the Southern Conference tournament last season put the team and me on a high," said Scarpa. "We are going to try to take that feeling and apply it to this season and accomplish even more. We have set a goal to be recognized as one of the top ten teams in Region II, to recapture the Southern Conference title, and to gain a spot in the NCAA South Regional."
The level of play in the Southern Conference will continue to improve in 1998, making the task of winning the conference even more difficult. East Tennessee State and Davidson will again be strong; UNC Greensboro and Wofford join the conference as new members; and Chattanooga is expected to be greatly improved. The conference has also adopted a new format for the conference tournament, to be hosted by Furman at the Minor Mickel Tennis Center. A single elimination team format has been instituted, replacing the old individual, flighted structure.
In addition to the tough Southern Conference schedule, Scarpa will again play some of the top teams in the region. Tennessee, North Carolina, Duke, Georgia Tech, Clemson, Georgia, Virginia, Wake Forest, and Florida State highlight Furman's non-conference schedule.
Leading the Paladins at the top of the singles and doubles lineup will once again be senior Sam Schroerlucke, a co-captain and two-time Southern Conference singles champion who has been selected All-Southern Conference in singles and doubles three times. Currently, Schroerlucke is ranked 93rd in the nation in singles by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA). Teaming with Schroerlucke in doubles will once again be senior Adam Abney. The tandem has claimed the last two Southern Conference doubles titles and currently holds a national ranking of 40th in the Fall ITA/Rolex Rankings. Abney has also recently made a name for himself as a singles player as he claimed the No. 2 singles title at last year's conference tournament. Abney, a co-captain, is expected to play No. 2 singles again this season. The regional and national prominence of these two seniors was realized this fall as Schroerlucke advanced to the championship of the Rolex Region II Indoors and Schroelucke and Abney advanced to the finals in doubles.
Junior Brian Gill is one of the Paladins most improved players and will be counted on this season to supply a consistent high level of play near the top of the singles lineup. Gill, expected to open the season as the No. 3 singles player, posted a 14-7 singles record a year ago. Gill will once again team with sophomore Drew Parker in doubles. Last season, the duo performed very well at No. 3 doubles, posting a 16-6 record at that spot, but will have to elevate their play at the No. 2 doubles position this season. Parker, last year's top freshman, has improved steadily from his rookie campaign. Parker will likely fit into the singles lineup anywhere from No. 4 to No. 6.
Scarpa has high hopes for senior Blake Peeper, who posted an undefeated mark in the conference at No. 6 singles a year ago. With his senior experience, Peeper could be a strong force at that position again this season.
Senior Brett Damadio, a conference singles champion his freshman year at No. 6 singles, along with sophomore Will Murphy and junior Lex Altman figure to compete for a shot at the No. 6 singles position with Peeper.
Once again, a number of freshman appear on the Paladins' roster. Lee Nickell, of Dunwoody, Ga., was extremely impressive in the fall and will make an immediate impact as he will open the season in the middle of the Paladin singles lineup. Nickell is also expected to play No. 3 doubles along with one of many candidates, including freshman Charlie Lloyd and Murphy. Lloyd, from Greenwood, S.C., is a solid prospect who could have an real impact as a freshman. Aaron Burleson, of Sciotoville, Ohio, is another highly touted freshman that Scarpa expects much from. Brandon Smith, of Greenwood, S.C., rounds out the Paladin rookie class.