Cards Select 2008-09 Team Captains
October 28, 2008 | Men's Tennis
Oct. 28, 2008
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The University of Louisville men's tennis team has selected its captains for the 2008-09 season. Senior Robert Rotaru will serve as the Cardinals' captain, while sophomore Austen Childs will be the vice-captain.
"One of my many goals for this season is to develop leaders among the players," said U of L head coach Rex Ecarma. "Even though 80% of our team is comprised of freshmen and sophomores, I still felt that giving young people more responsibilities and roles can be very positive. This also promotes leadership when the team is off the court and coaches are not around."
Rotaru, a senior from Toronto, Ontario is a two-year starter and a 2006 All-BIG EAST doubles team selection and is coming off a 20-15 overall record last season. So far this fall, he has compiled an 8-2 and won the Louisville Fall Invitational.
"Robert is the last remaining player who actually won matches for the 2006 Big East Champions," said Ecarma. "He brings a great work-ethic everyday and is the team's best competitor. Robert almost always has good training days and is extremely motivated every time he competes and I think the players also noticed this."
Austen Childs, a sophomore from Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand is currently No. 26 in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Preseason singles rankings and joins fellow sophomore Simon Childs (no relation) at No. 26 in the preseason doubles rankings. Last year Austen Childs was an All-BIG EAST singles selection and the 2008 ITA Midwest Region Rookie of the Year. In addition, he competed in the NCAA singles and doubles championship.
"Obviously Austen's ranking speaks volumes but also he was one of the top freshmen in the country last season," said Ecarma. "As a freshman, he assumed the role of No. 1 singles which has happened only one other time in the last two decades. The team realizes his experience against the top players and his familiarity about being in the center of a battle. Austen is also a humble champion. He never talks about himself and looks to get more attention. I believe these two players will help this team reach its lofty goals this season."
