April 22, 2009

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - Reigning champion Xavier look to defend its crown on Apr. 24-26, as the 2009 Atlantic 10 Men's Tennis Championship takes place at the Club 4 Life in Monroeville, Pa.

George Washington, the top seed for the 2009 Championship, is led by sophomore Chris Kushma (10-3) and freshman Ugur Atalay, a one-time A-10 Player & Rookie of the Week selection. Atalay enters this week's action with a team-best 15-6 record in singles action. The Colonials (11-7) are vying for their second-ever A-10 title and first since 1979.

Xavier captured its first A-10 crown after downing George Washington, 4-0, in the finals last season. This year, the Musketeers (14-7) are led by senior Ra'ees Ismail, whose 21-12 record in singles play ranks in the top-five of the league. A three-time Player of the Week selection this season, Ismail has also enjoyed success in doubles, entering the Championship with a 23-10 ledger.

The seeds for the Championship are George Washington (first), Xavier (second), Saint Louis (third), St. Bonaventure (fourth), Charlotte (fifth), Temple (sixth), Duquesne (seventh), Saint Joseph's (eighth), Dayton (ninth), Richmond (tenth), La Salle (eleventh) and Fordham (twelfth).

Play begins on Friday, Apr. 24, at 8:00am, with the final match of the day starting at 5:00pm. On Saturday, Apr. 25, play begins at 8:00am and with the final match slated for 2:00pm. The fifth-place match of the Atlantic 10 Men's Tennis Championship will commence on Sunday, Apr. 26, at 8:00am. The title and third-place matches close out the event at 11:00am.

For complete results of the Atlantic 10 Men's Tennis Championship, log on to www.atlantic10.org.

All-Time Atlantic 10 Men's Tennis Champions*
Year - School
2008 - Xavier
2007 - Charlotte
2006 - Richmond
2005 - Richmond
2004 - Richmond
2003 - St. Bonaventure
2002 - Richmond
2001 - St. Bonaventure
2000 - Virginia Tech
1999 - Virginia Tech
1998 - Virginia Tech
1997 - Virginia Tech
1996 - Virginia Tech
1995 - Rutgers
1994 - West Virginia
1993 - West Virginia
1992 - West Virginia
1991 - West Virginia
1990 - West Virginia
1989 - West Virginia
1988 - West Virginia
1987 - West Virginia
1986 - Penn State
1985 - Temple
1984 - West Virginia
1983 - West Virginia
1981 - West Virginia
1980 - West Virginia
1979 - George Washington
1978 - Penn State


Championship held in the Fall from 1978-81; moved to the Spring beginning with the 1983 Championship

0953/4-22-09