Men’s tennis team all aces

Gerry Kruger Albemarle County
Published: June 8, 2008

In the many years that I have been an avid University of Virginia fan, I have never seen a more impressive group of gentleman than the UVa men’s tennis team.  After following their matches this year, I truly believe that every athlete should view their tapes to witness true sportsmanship.

In the last decade “bad boy” images of athletes have been highly publicized in the me-dia. How refreshing it is to see unspoiled men who display superb athleticism, hard work, caring, teamwork and good manners on the court no matter what!

Coach Brian Boland said of the four seniors led by two-time NCAA champion Somdev Devarrman, “I may have taught them something about tennis, but they have taught me what it takes to be a man.”

When I watched Somdev win his final game in Tulsa, Okla., on the Internet, for a few seconds I wasn’t even sure that the match was over due to his humble, down-to-earth demeanor. He left the court with no more pomp and celebration than would be displayed in a pick-up game in the park.

In all the matches I have witnessed, there were no curse words, no racquet throwing, no arguing about a bad call. These athletes show us that real men are, above all, gentlemen.