Nov. 16, 2007

By Beth Miller
www.SIUSalukis.com

CARBONDALE, Ill. - Southern Illinois men's tennis head coach Dann Nelson announced Wednesday the signing of one new athlete for the 2008-09 season. Eric West of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma will join the Salukis next season. West chose SIU after being heavily recruited by Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and the University of Tulsa.

Last season West was a class 5A State Champion winning the No. 1 State Singles title in 2007. As a junior at Tulsa Union High School, West helped his team win the State Championship title in 2006, while grabbing the No. 2 State Singles title.

West is currently ranked No. 1 among all high school seniors in the state of Oklahoma, and No. 74 among seniors in the United States according to www.tennisrecruiting.net.

"I am very happy to have Eric join us next fall," said head coach Dann Nelson. "Eric is an accomplished singles and doubles player with extensive national tournament experience. I can't wait to coach Eric due to his tenacity on the court. I believe Eric will be a strong competitor in our conference and play a key role in our success next year."

The Salukis are scheduled to begin their regular spring season on Feb. 2 in Milwaukee, Wis.