Panthers Host Oxford University in Tennis Exhibition Matches

SATELLITE BEACH, Fla. (tennis) — The Panthers hosted an exchange event with Oxford University as part of the Florida Tech “Study Abroad” Program. The Tech
tennis teams scrimmaged the Oxford “Cuppers” men’s and women’s tennis teams in a late afternoon exhibition of good will on the clay courts at the Kiwi
Tennis Club. Due to NCAA Division II regulations scores can not be kept or line-ups taken, but on the women’s side the Panthers defeated the Oxford team
and the men fell to the Oxford men.

Florida Tech Head Men’s and Women’s coach, Bill Macom was impressed with the Oxford teams’ level of play. “Their players said that they have only been
practicing one time per week and play maybe one match per week in a short time period. Several do not play for months outdoors due to the weather
conditions. Their performances certainly did not reflect that” said Macom.

Florida Tech could not compete with some of their top players due to injuries and preparation for upcoming regular season play. Despite the loss of
players, Tech was able to use the depth on the men’s side to give opportunities for collegiate play to the entire roster.

“And all the matches were quite competitive even though it was the first competition for many players from both programs on a clay court,” said Macom.

The competitors were treated to a marvelous reception after the event by Kiwi Tennis Club owner, Florida Tech Trustee and Oxford Alumnus, Ed Scott. Several
Oxford alumni, Florida Tech administrators, faculty, coaches and study-abroad students were in attendance.

For pictures of the event:
http://gopanthers.fit.edu/uploads/14007_2007/Oxford.pdf