EDINBURG
–The University of Texas-Pan American Men’s Tennis Program announced on
Wednesday the signing of United Kingdom native Matt Gower to a national letter
of intent for the 2000-01 academic year.For
Immediate Release: June 7, 2000
Contact: Derek Smolik, UT Pan American SID
EDINBURG
–The University of Texas-Pan American Men’s Tennis Program announced on
Wednesday the signing of United Kingdom native Matt Gower to a national letter
of intent for the 2000-01 academic year.
Gower comes to UTPA from St. Francis College in Loretto, Penn., where he posted an 8-5 record playing number one singles and a 6-7 mark at number one doubles. The Red Flash posted a 7-8 record during the 1999-2000 season with Gower leading the way.
Prior to his time at St. Francis, Gower was a world-ranked junior player in Britain. He attained a world junior ranking in both singles and doubles. He defeated Peter Clarke in a dramatic three-set match at a satellite tournament in Australia when Clarke was ranked 220th in the world.
At Kings of Wessex High School in England he was a five-sport standout, excelling in tennis. He was the area champion at Wessex in his sophomore, junior and senior years. He was named Best All-Around Athlete and Best Individual Athlete at Wessex as well. He also participated in soccer, cricket, rugby and squash.
“Matt is expected to compete for the number one spot in both singles and doubles on next year’s team,” said UTPA Head Coach Scott Howard. “He should help us compete against our nationally ranked opponents. He should anchor our number one doubles team as well. He has a ton of international experience and was an ITF (International Tennis Federation) world ranked junior.”
Gower is the second recruit for the men’s tennis team this spring. He joins Eric Propst of Edinburg on the squad. The women’s team has also signed two players, Franklin, Texas, native Eve Nickelson and Los Alamos, New Mexico, native Julie Fife.
