Sweet Home Alabama,
That was the sign we saw Sunday on our trek back from Athens to Tuscaloosa. Nothing like being back in our home state and certainly in our own beds (though the players do love those hotel beds). A good finish to a weekend for the Tide as we outlasted Purdue in a tight 4-3 contest. Freshman Edson Ortiz got his feet wet in close matches and clinched it for Bama, 7-5 in the third and deciding set. This was quite the turnaround from Friday’s affair, a tough 4-2 defeat at the hands of the Washington Huskies. In the win over the Boilermakers, we secured the doubles point for a second consecutive time (4th in 5 matches) and put points up on the board thanks to Mazen, Thibault, and our Q&A player from last week, Edson. The setup at Georgia was a bit different than what we are used to as their indoor facility has four courts. Edson and Langford had to wait for a court to open in order to begin their matches. They were given up to 10 minutes to warm-up and get started, so coming out of the gates firing was important. They both were in a somewhat similar position on Friday against the Huskies as we needed to win both of their matches to inch past Washington. This time against Purdue, however, we only needed one victory to secure the win. Langford fought back from a set and 5-1 down to extend his match and keep Edson a bit more loose. Langford lost his match in a breaker, which then moved the focus to Señor Ortiz’s court. Our freshman from Chihuahua came back from 0-40 down in the final game at 6-5 serving to clinch it all. His teammates stormed the court and the celebration began. Match Bama … Roll Tide! The team then refueled with a hearty dinner at Fuzzy’s Taco Shop where they pounded down some serious food in record time.
We have worked hard this week on the court and in the gym to prepare for a pair of tough visiting teams in Texas Tech and Clemson. The more we commit to our training from Monday through Thursday, the better the reward will be from Friday through Sunday. The focus has been at a high level along with our intensity and energy in drills, point play and individual workouts. This group of young men have grown a ton since the start of the semester, and I’m anxious to see our continued improvement. Plus being at home is always a bonus.
Another training we performed this week took place off campus at Rock Quarry Elementary School. The team was the featured guest at PE class for the 1st and 2nd grade … and for a few familiar fans in my kids Nina (2nd grade) and Grant & Greta (1st grade). We divided up each class into groups and focused on three key areas which included playing tennis (which comprised of hitting foam tennis balls), agility (footwork ladders, hurdles and cones for good footwork) and teamwork (relay race that required kids to balance a ball on their racket). We had 90+ 2nd graders and 70+ 1st graders totally engaged in each activity and providing many screams, shrieks, cheers, yells and smiles. What a great experience for our guys to teach, empower and make an impact while also having fun doing it.
Texas Tech is the co-defending Big 12 champion, and they are led by 2nd year head coach Brett Masi. Brett was a heck of a competitor in college and his philosophy has been instilled in his players both at Tech and while at the University of San Diego prior to landing in Lubbock. While the team may have graduated a couple starters from last year’s squad, they are dangerous. Like us, they have young players filling big roles, and they are not going to back down to anyone, so we must be prepared for a battle this Friday night. Our promotion will be a BAMA Salute as we honor men and women from our campus and in the community who serve in the military. We will also welcome and honor Alabama Army ROTC as their cadets will fill the stands with hopeful cheers and Roll Tides! FREE Taco Mama will be provided to all fans, and our Fathead featured player is Mazen Osama. There will be player buttons and team posters available to fans as well.
On Sunday, the Tigers of Clemson roar into Tuscaloosa for a 1 p.m. first-serve. This ACC team has a new coaching staff of former Tiger players in Jon Boetsch (head coach) and Ryan Young (assistant coach). Like Texas Tech, the newly energized Tigers will compete their tails off against us. They have some youth at the top with talent and depth in the middle. Sunday is also BAMA Kids Day as Big Al will be in attendance along with a bounce house and FREE pizza for all the kids. Boys and girls will receive a goodie bag and can go on a scavenger hunt of the tennis facilities. Head Softball Coach Patrick Murphy will be our honorary first server and members of his team will be here too. Maybe we should have them shag some balls on the courts!
Let’s meet our Featured Fathead of the Week:
MAZEN OSAMA
Year, Major: Sophomore, Criminal Justice
Hometown: Cairo, Egypt
What do you miss most about Egypt?
The food. I eat at Tut’s Place on the Strip sometimes but there’s nothing like home cooking.
What surprised you most about Alabama?
The beauty of campus. When you first hear of Alabama you have no idea what to expect if you’re not from this country. The campus is one of the prettiest places.
Who inspired you most in tennis?
One of my coaches from home, Ahmed Hany.
What song pumps you up to play?
I like a lot of house, but right now I’d say Bounce Back by Big Sean
What is your favorite movie made before you were born?
Scarface. No question.
What is your favorite hobby outside tennis?
Shooting pool.
If you could meet any person in the world who would it be?
Fed. He has been the best in tennis, and his dominance has always been inspirational especially seeing him win the Australian Open last weekend. I would just like to chill with him. No tennis.
If you were playing the pro circuit what grand slam would you want to win most?
Aussie, Aussie, Aussie.
What do you like to hear from fans when they cheer for you at matches?
Let’s go Pharaoh!
We shall see you at the courts starting tomorrow night and thru the weekend. Great tennis, energy and excitement ‘cause #ThatsBama.
Roll Tide,
George