For Immediate Release: Thursday, April 24, 2003
Contact: Dave Geringer, UTPA Sports Information Director, (956) 381-2240

BRONC TENNIS PLAYERS, CHAPMAN HONORED

EDINBURG, TX-Two members of The University of Texas-Pan American's men's tennis team and their head coach have been honored by the Southland Conference.

Sophomores Filip Koziell (Calgary, AB/Bishop Carroll HS) and Jeremy Salvo (Coquitlam, BC/Centennial Secondary) earned All-Conference honors, and Head Coach Todd Chapman was named Coach of the Year.

Koziell was named first team All-Conference at number two singles. He went 4-0 at number two singles against SLC opponents, and will take a 17-12 overall singles record into Friday's first round SLC Tournament match against Lamar. Koziell was named second team All-SLC at number three singles last season.

Salvo went 3-1 in singles at number four against SLC foes, and went 4-1 in singles against conference opponents overall, winning one SLC match at number three singles. He is 14-13 in singles overall.

"It's a great honor," said Chapman. "They both had good seasons, played well in conference play, and it's nice for them to be rewarded. Both Filip and Jeremy deserved to be honored because they had good seasons."

Chapman led the Broncs to a 12-7 regular season record this year. Texas-Pan American was 3-2 in SLC play and finished tied for second in the conference, their highest finish ever in the Southland. "I'm humbled by winning the award, but it's not really a reflection on myself, but rather on our team, and how well they've done this year," said Chapman. "They've made me look good."

"We are extremely proud and pleased to learn of Todd Chapman's selection as the Southland Conference Men's Tennis Coach of the Year," said UTPA Athletic Director William J. Weidner. "Coach Chapman has provided outstanding leadership and direction for our tennis program, and is most deserving of this prestigious honor. On behalf of The University of Texas-Pan American and our entire athletic department, we congratulate Todd in regards to this impressive accomplishment."

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