John Browning

Past Entries

Entry 1

Entry 2

Entry 3

May 31, 2005

Our 2005 campaign ended in a third-place finish at the NCAA Division III championship held in Santa Cruz, California. It was a tough pill to swallow, especially for our four seniors because every season we always set our eyes on the highest prize.

Our semifinal match was a hard fought battle against a great team, a Hall of Fame coach, and an energized and respectful crowd.

The hardest part of coaching is watching your team after a devastating loss. No words or actions can take the pain away. I was so very proud of our effort and the fight we exhibited in our semifinal match and wish that the result could have been different, especially for our seniors.

The biggest challenge our team faced this season was competing for third place the following day. Motivation was at an all-time low. To make matters worse, we lost the doubles point.

Thankfully, our players realized how important it was to finish in positive fashion. They all raised their level and pulled through in the singles portion for a third-place finish. After the match, one of the NCAA reps came up to me and said, "playing and winning a third-place match is a test of a team's character".

I have been extremely blessed to coach this amazing team. They are an amazing group of young men who laid it on the line every day. I am so proud of all their many accomplishments both on and off the court.

Our four seniors had an amazing run. They helped catapult Emory's program from good to great, such that we are a national contender year in and year out. I owe them much and will never be able to repay all they have done.

Thankfully, Mark Odgers will be helping me as an assistant next season. Mark is one of the most talented players in Division III tennis. Mark will also be playing satellite tournaments next year.

Alex Jacobs is such a bright and talented young man that whatever he decides to do, I know that he will be extremely successful. Tyson Ramsay finished his career on a positive note. He played beautifully at nationals. I have so enjoyed watching him mature over his career.

Josh Rubens is contemplating a job in New York city or going to law school. I am most proud of Josh. Josh worked his fanny off the entire season. Josh was by far the most prepared of anyone for the tournament.

I want to thank the parents for their amazing support this season. I will miss the Jacobs, Odgers, Ramsay, and Rubens families on our countless road trips. We have shared so much together and I thank you for allowing me to be apart of your son's lives.

Thanks to our second team guys: Lee, Greg, Hardy, Matt, Dillon, Brandon, Kurtis, and Andrew for buying your own airline tickets to come support our guys at nationals. You all were amazing and I am indebted to you for all the support.

Thanks to our Emory athletics department. We have the best support system in the country and I am so thankful for all their help.

Thanks to Tammy, Luke, and Freedom for supporting me throughout the season.

When I was player, I was taught an important lesson by a very wise man named Jerry Lynch. "Losing the national championship is not the worst thing. Life without having tried for it is."

I can't wait till next season for another run. See you all in the fall. Have a wonderful and safe summer.

John Browning has completed his sixth season as Emory head coach. He would love to answer e-mail questions from Emory recruits and fans.