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By Ed Krass
The new concept of Rock n' Roll College Tennis took place on Thursday, February 26, at the University of Tampa. The dual match concept of shortening the length of the match, with the addition of Rock n' Roll music playing through the matches, makes the dual match a campus "event".
The University of Tampa's Women's Tennis Team hosted the Augusta State team in a Division II battle that lasted two-hours and fifteen minutes. Both coaches, Tampa's Al Dufaux and Augusta State's Mike McGrath, agreed in advance to implement the new concept. The format of play was 8-game pro sets of Doubles, followed by 8-game pro sets of Singles.
"Wow -- what a fun day! Fans, players and coaches had a great time. We had the music cranked up during the entire match -- the warmups to the last point played. The combination of music, shortened format of eight-game pro sets, a few freebies of drinks, snacks and T-shirts created an electricity for the whole match. The total match time was just over two hours. Thanks to the Augusta State Women's team and their coach, Michael McGrath, for agreeing to our altered format with music. The University of Tampa's Athletic Department is always eager to explore and try new ideas to expand and improve sports on campus," stated Al Dufaux, Head Women's Tennis Coach at University of Tampa.
Getting extra campus involvement and student support is paramount to the new match concept's mission. Larry Marfise, Athletic Director, at the University of Tampa came out to experience the Rock n' Roll College Tennis Match. "I really like the short format a lot because everyone can understand it much better than the traditional format. Playing the music is a big draw, as it brings more college students out who can now identify with the college match. The music will help a lot," states Marfise.
The UT Sports Information Director, Tom Kolbe, came out to the match to satisfy his curiosity. "The Rock n' Roll music creates a better atmosphere in the stands. The game shouldn't be so libraryesque," stated Kolbe. The UT Associate Athletic Director, Gil Swalls, also was impressed with the new match concept. "It's really nice to make the matches shorter. The students usually come and go in 30-minute shifts. This music and tennis concept brings attention to the college match and it tells the campus that something is happening. The players seem to be totally wired into the match with the music on," says Swalls.
Playing a shorter format may also help diminish the injuries our college players experience. Heather Bennett, Athletic Trainer at University of Tampa, stated, "I like the 8-game sets and short match formats. It will save our players' athletic bodies. Victoria Bell, one of UT's starting players, loved the match concept. Says Bell, "I think the crowd, for the first time, really related to the match. If the playlist is good, the whole campus will enjoy coming to the matches."
Coach McGrath, of Augusta State, was ready to try out the new concept. "I coach two teams and my time is real important to me. I love this idea of shortening the format. Any short format will do. I also like four Singles and one Doubles match played all at once. The music just adds to the excitement and atmosphere of the match. I'm a music guy anyway," said Coach McGrath. Even though Augusta State won the match, both teams came out on top; as they entertained the crowd to their brand of Rock n' Roll and College Tennis.
University of Tampa
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