John Cayton begins his second season as Head Tennis Coach at Emporia State.  His first season saw the huge improvement in the Hornet Men's Tennis program.  After a 1-17 record in 2005, the men posted a 7-15 record in 2006. 

The Hornet women had a stellar 2006 making the NCAA Nationals for the 2nd straight year, only falling short of the Sweet 16 by a single match.  Most recently Cayton coached the women to both singles and doubles titles at the 2006 ITA NCAA DII North Central Region Tournament, and first ever appearances at the 2006 ITA National Small College Championships in Florida.They posted an overall 19-9 record. The ESU women's team is currently nationally ranked #32 by the ITA, and boast the #42 ranked singles player and #21 ranked doubles team. 

Cayton coached two 1st team All-MIAA selections, four All-MIAA second team, and All-MIAA four honorable mention.  Three Hornet Student-Athletes were named ITA All Scholar-Athletes in 2006, and four were named to the all-MIAA Honor Roll.

Cayton's coaching philosophy involves motiviating student-athletes through positive reinforcement and daily self-discipline.  He believes that tennis is a team sport made up by individuals, so he strives to individualize each athlete's training program throughout each season.  John's coaching style allows for personal self-expression coupled with personal responsibility to God, family, coach, and teammates.  Hornet student athletes in varsity tennis give over 50 hours of community service, and fundraising projects each year.

Prior to joining the Hornet Athletics Coaching Staff, John coached at the NAIA level (Bethel College in KS) for one year, and has taught tennis and/or coached tennis in nearly every setting including country club, high school, public park, schools, resort.  Cayton also worked for the USTA for eight years coordinating junior competition, and promoting/developing the growth of tennis throughout IA, IL, KS, MO, NE, and OK.  Coach Cayton has trained over 2,500 high school coaches and physical educators at 63 workshops or clinics.  He has a published full page tennis tip in May 1996 issue of Tennis Magazine.  He is certified by the USPTA (P1) since 1993, and is a member of the USTA, and currently serves as Executive Director of the USTA Kansas District.  He is married and has three children, all of whom participate in youth sports.

THE CAYTON FILE
Head Coach Bethel College 2004-05
2004-2005 Women 9-6 (KCAC Champions)
Men 7-8
United States Tennis Association 1996-2004
1996-2004 USTA Administration
Vic Braden Tennis College 1995-96
1995-96 Instructor
Assistant Coach Emporia State University
1994-95 Women 13-2
Men 13-3
Coach Emporia High School
1993-94 Head girls coach
1991-93 Assistant coach
Education
BS - Emporia State University 1991
MS - Emporia State University 1994
Playing Career
Emporia State 1987-91
•All-District 10 1991
•Men’s Team Records
1991 12-4
1990 9-5
1989 10-5
1988 8-6
Total 39-20