The Observer, April 4, 2008
Volume XL, Issue 23
Athletic Department in search of new tennis coach
The national search for a permanent head tennis coach began two weeks ago with the placement of an ad in the NCAA News, a notice on the Case athletics website, and the formation of a search committee appointed by athletics director Dave Diles. The search committee met for the first time on Thursday to review applications.
So far, about 13 coaches have expressed an interest in the job. "The early stuff coming in has been similar to other searches," said Diles. He ultimately expects a pool of 30-50 applicants. The final decision of who to hire won't be made until July 1.
Diles, who is personally handling the team's recruiting duties, met with one college coach last week to discuss the position. "So far I'm very happy with the process," said Diles.
The need for a new permanent head coach was triggered by former tennis coach Nancy Rahn's resignation late last year. Her exit concluded a sometimes stormy 16-year tenure as Case's men's and women's coach. Rahn, who was disliked by her players, resigned in the midst of a controversy that involved a boycott of the team by last year's tennis squad. Rahn cited physical limitations as the reason for her departure.
Last year, 24 players signed their name to a letter sent to then-interim president Gregory Eastwood demanding that Rahn be fired for incompetence and falsifying her CV.
Men's soccer coach Dan Palmer and football coach Greg Debeljak took over as the women's and men's coaches, respectively, on an interim basis. Both have prior experience coaching tennis. The team has reacted positively to their interim coaches.
The current team will play an integral role in determining who will take the program's helm. The team's leadership council, which was born out of the Rahn controversy, will meet with the search committee early next week to give input. "Before Rahn quit, there was not much transparency. Now we're wholly involved in team decisions," said junior Allen Ye.
Six tennis players form the council: two from the men's team, two from the women's team, and two appointed by Diles. Of the four team-selected members, two are from the new players that stepped in after the original team's boycott.
"We meet with them throughout the year to facilitate communication. It's helpful to talk to them a little bit," said Diles. The group formed after winter break.
Ye, who will be staying at Case this summer, will probably have the most influence on the hiring process because he'll be on campus as the Athletic Department whittles down the list of potential head coaches.
"This summer I'll hopefully be involved in the interview process. I'm looking forward to working with [Diles]," said Ye.
Women's Tennis recap: April 2 vs. Ohio Wesleyan
The Spartans fell to the Battling Bishops 8-1 on Wednesday at the Veale Center. The loss moves the women's record to 1-7 on the year. Wesleyan looked dominant, especially in doubles competition; the Bishops' No. 2 and 3 teams both won 8-0.
"You have to give Ohio Wesleyan credit," said Palmer. "They came in here very aggressive and kept us off balance the whole day."
The only bright spot was No. 2 singles, where junior Marta Worwag beat Kristin Carney 10-4. "It was frickin' awesome," said Worwag, who on Monday also accounted for the Spartans' only win against Baldwin-Wallace. "This one felt better [than Monday's match]. My backhand didn't break down and I kept my serve up." Worwag kept Carney moving throughout the match. "I angled my shots as much as possible," Worwag said.
