2000 Furman Paladins

Head coach Paul Scarpa has faced a lot of challenges in 33 seasons at Furman, and the latest will be rebounding from only his second losing season since 1970.

Though it may not be obvious to outsiders, Scarpa has reason to be excited about his teams' prospects this year. Last season's squad was one of the youngest in the programšs history and everyone except No. 3 singles player Brian Gill returns.

"We have everyone back except one," said Scarpa. "With the addition of two outstanding freshmen and the improvements of last year's freshman, I think we can get back to the top of the Southern Conference."

Furman will once again play one of the most difficult non-conference schedules in the country, scheduled to face ten teams that are ranked in the top 75 in the preseason. Highlighting the Paladins' non-conference schedule are home matches against Clemson, Rice, N.C. State, Wake Forest, and Florida State. Furman will travel to North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, and Georgia Tech.

"I think our schedule gives us the opportunity to get people's attention. I think we can use the experience of a tough schedule to help us win the Southern Conference. It will be quite a challenge to accomplish that feat and make the NCAA's, but I believe it can be done if each player improves his individual game. I think we are being overlooked in the conference and I would not sell this team short," added Scarpa.

One of Scarpa's biggest challenge will be to pick a starting lineup, but it appears the strength of this team will be the depth in the bottom half of the lineup.

Lee Nickell will once again headline the group as the Paladins' No. 1 singles player. Last year, Nickell finished with a 14-15 record playing in the top slot. Nickell recorded impressive wins over Duke's Doug Root and North Carolinašs David Cheatwood.

Freshman James Cameron is the leading candidate to fill the No. 2 singles position. Cameron comes from a very rich tradition of tennis players at Baylor School in Chattanooga. Originally from Harare, Zimbabwe, Cameron is a very mature, talented player.

Drew Parker will be counted on to lead the team and produce near the top of this singles lineup. Parker, the Paladins' lone senior, is a team captain and leader. He will also figure prominently in the doubles lineup.

Furman's depth in the bottom half of the lineup will give Scarpa several options.

Sophomore Patrick Gaughan is a proven, dedicated player who had a solid freshman season a year ago at No. 4 singles. Gaughan should figure in at a similar position again this season.

Another freshman, John Chesworth, of Burnley, England, is expected to contribute in his first season. Chesworth has a strong serve and is talented in all areas of the game. A solid doubles player, Scarpa loves the potential in Chesworth.

Jete O'Keeffe, Seth Hauser, and James Moeckel each aim for a spot in the singles lineup. O'Keeffe had an exceptional fall, while Hauser has worked very hard since last season to improve his game. James Moeckel had a great season last year as he produced the best record on the team with a combined 18-11 mark at No.šs 4, 5, and 6. Each will get an opportunity to showcase his talent and earn a spot in the starting lineup.

The Paladins' depth continues with several other potential lineup candidates. Jon Navarro was a doubles specialist as a freshman and should fill that role again this year. Navarro teamed with Drew Parker for a 10-10 overall mark a year ago. Scarpa warns not to count Navarro out of the singles lineup, though. Michael Jacobson, who went 4-0 at No. 6 singles a year ago, Brock MacKay, and freshman Chris Henderson also figure into the senerio.

Rounding out the Paladins' lineup are juniors Aaron Burleson, Charlie Lloyd, and Brandon Smith, sophomores Jerome Johnson, Stephen Metz, Peter Netzler, and Branham Tomarchio, and freshman Luke Wolff.


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