Coach Browning

Previous Entries

Entry 1

July 5 , 2006

This last diary entry of the season is long overdue. I am sorry it’s taken so long to crank out. If you had told me at the start of last season that we were going to win a national championship, I would have thought you were crazy. We graduated 4 amazingly talented and accomplished seniors. My only thought at the beginning of the year was to make this team competitive. I knew we had our work cut out for us.

The key to our success this season was no doubt our senior leadership. Patrick Redmond and Jesse Ferlianto took it upon themselves to really mentor the freshman and Hardy Ehlers, the lone sophomore with no experience. These two players I will credit for the bulk of our success. They never let up the entire year. Jesse was the emotional bedrock of the team. Jesse’s calm presence helped to keep the team on an even keel. Patrick was the heart of the team. Patrick never had a doubt in his mind that this team was going to win a national championship. His burning desire and relentless effort pushed everyone to take their game to the next level. I am indebted to all they have given to Emory tennis the past 4 years. They have been amazing ambassadors for Emory University. Yoji Masuoka and Lee Friedman will continue the amazing leadership we have had over the past 7 years.

I will never forget the night we lost to Gustavus Adolphus at the Indoor National Championship. We lost the match 6-1. It was the worst D-III loss we had suffered in long time. I remember looking into Redmond’s eyes and seeing the anger and shock of what had just transpired. It was a feeling shared by many. That night became the turning point of our season. Each person committed to improving there games so that we would be ready to go at the end of the season. Amazingly, these guys remained true to there word and came to practice everyday with a firm resolve to take their games to the next level.

I still am stunned at what these guys accomplished. Michael Goodwin, ITA national rookie of the year, established himself as one of the most talented and exciting players in Division III. Michael did not lose a single match in the team tournament at the number one spot. Patrick Redmond, was a warrior at the number 2 spot, did not lose a division III match after nationals, and fittingly, clinched the championship for us. Yoji Masuoka was a force at nationals. Yoji was an absolute machine beating three very strong players at the number 3 spot. His win in the finals set the tone and gave us some much needed momentum.  Hardy Ehlers, played the number 4 spot, was by far the most improved player on the team. Hardy is slowly becoming a great player in Division III. His doubles play was key in the championship and I look forward to seeing him continue his development over the next two years. Jesse was his usual steady self. His ability to stay focused under duress was amazing. There is a reason that he has been a significant member of 2 national championship teams. He is a true class act and fierce competitor. Mark Boren, by far the hardest worker on the team. Mark will be a force in Division III. He is a true competitor and future leader of this team. Michael Kaufman was inserted into the lineup the night before the finals. Michael did not flinch when I told him he was in the lineup. He stepped up in the finals match and won a pivotal match at the number 6 spot.

I am rambling so I am going to wrap it up. I would remiss if I did not thank the best support staff in the whole world. We are so blessed to have a staff that goes above and beyond the call of duty.  I want to thank: JOYCE, ANGIE, MYRA, JOAN, DOUGLAS, KATHY S., MEG, AMANDA, AND BETSY, for all your support and help behind the scenes help. The men’s tennis team sincerely appreciates all that you do.

Thanks Tammy, Freedom, and Luke.

Most importantly, THANKS TO TAMAS, MARK, AND TYSON. Thanks sooo much for unselfishly giving your time to help these guys achieve their dreams. Thanks for the countless hours and helping me to stay level-headed. Luv you guys!

John Browning
Men's Tennis Coach