The Journey Begins...

Dear Slug Family & Friends,

I want to start by welcoming you to the 2011/2012 season for the UC Santa Cruz Banana Slugs. As we have recently wrapped up our fall portion it is a nice time to reflect as we begin to look forward to this upcoming season. I am very happy to say that I am entering this season with two remarkable assistant coaches who know Slug Tennis to their very core. Brian Pybas, having finished his playing career here for UCSC this past May, is entering his first season as assistant coach for Slugs. Brian was a key member of three National Championship Teams, and was a three-time singles and three-time doubles All-American selection. He won the NCAA Doubles Championship in the spring of 2010 and recently returned from Europe after earning 10 ATP doubles points this past summer. Matt Seeberger is entering his second season as assistant coach for the Slugs. A 2007 graduate, Matt’s illustrious playing career consisted of 10 National Championships; three team, three doubles, and four singles National Championships. He was a four-time singles and three-time doubles All-American Selection throughout his four years of play. With their playing ability, knowledge of the game, and enthusiasm to lead this team, it is safe to say I have the one of the best coaching staff’s in the country.

We have three new additions to the team this year. Devin Nerenberg, originally from Halfmoon Bay and recent transfer from UC Santa Barbara, has recently begun his junior year here at UC Santa Cruz. Eli Scandalis, a sophomore transfer from the University of San Diego, is also in his first season playing for the Slugs. Chico native Max Littlejohn, the Slugs lone freshman, wraps up our list of new editions to the team. These three young men, both assistant coaches, along with our long list of returning players, comprise a team that I could not be more eager and proud to lead this season. This group is extremely tight and connected, something that will be extremely important for us as we move ahead with our sights aimed high.

Fall ITA Wrap Up:

It would be easy to say the Slugs had a bad weekend at the annual Fall ITA Championships two and a half weeks ago. We didn't win the singles or doubles, and had a lot less of our boys deep into the main draws compared to the norm. As we proceed to take as much information moving forward from this tournament it is also very important for me to point out our many highlights. As our character was tested losing tough matches on the first day of competition the boys bounced back for the next two days, digging in as they pulled out match after match.

Parker Larsen and Erich Koenig had an amazing finish in their quarterfinal doubles match with a 9-7 victory over a tough team from Pomona Pitzer. Erich had lost a tough singles match earlier that day, but he and Parker went on to play stretches of great and very clutch doubles to get them to the semi-finals. Multiple times opposing teams served for the match, and with their backs against the wall Erich and Parker were able to respond. They went on to lose in the semi-final match to CMS’s top doubles team 8-3, but again showed stretches of great play that we will no doubt build off of.

New additions to the team Eli Scandalis and Devin Nerenberg also had a great doubles effort after losing to the eventual winners from Cal Lutheran 8-5. For playing together for such a short time I was very impressed with how connected and comfortable they looked on the doubles court. They went on to win the rest of their doubles matches in the tournament, winning the second round backdraw against strong Slug teammates Erik Rosner and Ian Stanley. Both Ian and Erik, having played together last season, continue to show great stretches of aggressive attacking doubles, taking them to the 2nd round backdraw final.

In singles both Devin and Erik Rosner played tough after losing their first rounds, going on to win four straight singles matches to meet each other in the 1st round back draw final. Ian also had a great effort winning two rounds before losing to a tough freshman from the University of Redlands 7-6, 6-1.

Bryce Bettwy played two solid matches to reach the other semi-final before losing to another tough freshman from the University of Redlands 6-2, 6-2. Michael Saria won a great first round taking down the number 13 seed but lost a tough match to CMS in the following round. It is very impressive seeing these boys determination to improve, along with their willingness to do the work.

Yushi Ayabe and freshman partner Max Littlejohn had a great finish for the Slugs as they beat a tough CMS team in the finals of the 1st round doubles backdraw. This CMS team had won two very close doubles matches against Slug teams Andre Halabi/Bryce Bettwy and Chris Goetz/Josh Mason. These four showed stretches of tough play but were unable to come over the top against this CMS team. With our team behind them Yushi and Max played an amazingly aggressive and gritty doubles match winning 8-6 to conclude our weekend.

In Both Back draws for singles we had 5 of the 8 semi-finalists. In both semi finals for doubles we had 4 of the 8, going on to win both. I was very impressed with the boys resiliency to bounce back after a tough day and compete with such focus and conviction. It was a step in the right direction.

Looking Forward:

I couldn't be happier with this group of young men I am entering my first season with. The things I have seen in previous Slug teams that make them special are ever present in this group. These boys are connected, supportive, and receptive to the coaching staff as they are willing to do the work. With a blend of tough competitors and leadership I am excited to see where we will take this season. It is clear we have a long way to go to meet our goals, but embracing the uphill battle has always been at the heart of Slug Tennis. Thanks again for all your support,

Coach Parmelly

Slug Roots Run Deep

Dear Slug Family and Friends,

I remember my first visit to UC Santa Cruz, during my senior year of high school. I was travelling up and down the coast visiting schools and tennis programs with my mom and wrapped up my last college visit with intentions of meeting and hopefully impressing, coach Bob Hansen.

At 6:00 am on a Monday morning, I drove up to the east field house and met with Bob. Coffee cup in hand, we walked to the racquetball courts to check out one of his teams’ infamous morning workouts. As he began to talk to me about the history and some of the success stories behind “Slug Tennis,” I saw immediately what made this program special. As we sat and chatted, I watched players of his team engage in a training session with a kind of intensity that I had never seen before. What struck me even more was the fact that they were doing so amidst jokes, smiles, and laughter. They were actually enjoying what they were doing and pushing each other in a way that was remarkable to see. Guys like Brian Casey, Thomas Oechel, Danny Kim, and Nick Cunningham were all showing me what it meant to be a Slug. That day ended with a slap on the butt from Bob as he called me a “hoss.” I was sold.

I have seen Bob Hansen positively affect the lives of more people over the past ten years than I could possibly count. His ability to see the potential in every person he comes across along with the commitment to make that his focus is why he is able to work his magic. He does this with the utmost level of patience and the understanding that change isn’t easy and can only happen in an environment of support and nourishment. For the past 32 years, Bob has been the conductor behind what we all have come to know as “Slug Tennis,” a program where embracing the journey en route to a national championship overrides the winning of that national championship itself. A place where “team” and “family” aren’t just words but more of a daily practice, and where putting aside ones personal aspirations in order to contribute to the common goal is the number one priority. It is here where learning to be comfortable with the uncomfortable is the routine. This is the program of gratitude, integrity, and most of all no regrets.

I believe whole-heartedly in the Slug Tennis program and the profound impact it has on people. This is why I have chosen to take over as the new Head Men’s Tennis Coach at UC Santa Cruz. I want to continue contributing to Slug Tennis, and to share all that Bob and Slug Tennis have taught me. Having been a part of four championship teams, one as a player, and three as a coach, I am exceptionally thrilled with the goal of winning a national championship. At the same time, I also understand that winning a championship is merely the byproduct of so much more, and not every year will end with a trophy in hand. To get to work with these young men, day in and day out and share in their experiences as student-athletes, is an incredibly exciting prospect, and one that I anticipate.

This leaves me here speaking to you with admiration and appreciation because you are Slug Tennis. You are the Slug family. The richness of this program lies not only in its numbers but in the quality of its connections, unbreakable by time, distance, or generations. I am thrilled to be entering this journey with all of you at my side and commit to doing the very best job I possibly can. Thank you so much for your support and let’s keep this Slug train rolling!

Sincerely,

Coach Bryce “Bird” Parmelly

Big news in Slugville!

Dear Slug Tennis Family and Fans,

Big news on the Slug Tennis front! I will be taking the job at Middlebury College starting in the Fall and if all goes as planned, Slug superstar Bryce “Bird” Parmelly will be taking over the reins of the Slug Tennis program. He will be leading an amazing group that will continue the incredible history of success that we have all become accustomed to. I have had the pleasure of watching this current group mature into the championship level team that Bird is excited and thrilled to lead. I could not have considered this new challenge had Bird not been both ready and willing to take over. He is clearly both....

I was certainly not looking for a new job, as the last time that I applied for a position was more than 25 years ago. When asked to look more closely at the Middlebury position, I was impressed on many levels with the institutional support for athletics, their understanding of the role of athletics as part of the academic mission, and the amazing quality of coaches and administrators in the athletic department. The Middlebury offer was amazing and due to financial challenges, UC Santa Cruz was unable to compete with the offer.

My ride as the coach of the magical Slug Tennis Program has been a complete joy from day one and I leave with nothing but great memories and a full and appreciative heart. When I think back to the start of the program and it’s growth and development into one of the finest athletic teams on any level, I am thrilled from head to toe! The most incredible part of the experience has to be the multitude of relationships with all the players, families and friends of the program. I cannot begin to thank all of those responsible for helping me create the job I was meant to do! Against a very challenging backdrop, the devotion of our players and the generosity of our families and supporters carried us to amazing personal growth and corresponding success. I could not be more proud of the incredible courage and character demonstrated by our amazing athletes in their quest for personal and team excellence. They became the standard of Division III tennis, winning an unprecedented 34 National Championships and forming bonds that will last a lifetime.

I am a bit overwhelmed with the change. Equally nostalgic and excited at the same time with all of the possibilities. Currently, I am running the Santa Cruz NIKE Tennis Camp which has and will continue to be another big part of my life. Word of these changes has been slowly getting out and I apologize for being slow in making this more formal announcement. I would like to thank each and every one responsible for this amazing ride with Slug Tennis but the list would take more time than I have. I want everyone associated with the Slug Tennis family to know that our relationship continues regardless of the name on my jersey going forward. I will follow this current Slug group on each step of their journey and will forever be tied to the amazing group of people which make up this rare breed called Slugs.

I sincerely hope that you will continue to support the wonderful mission of Slug Tennis. The University is going through extremely challenging times and will need your help and support to continue on the path of excellence that has characterized this program. I will do my best to respond to any questions, concerns or well wishes but please know that I am super busy with camp and getting up to speed on my new job so your patience is greatly appreciated. I am extremely excited about the many amazing possibilities of this new adventure but also painfully aware of the many friends and family that will be at greater distance.

Thanks again for all your help, support, love and concern. New coach Bryce “Bird” Parmelly can be reached at Bryce.Parmelly@gmail.com

Sincerely,
Coach Hansen

Slugs Strong at NCAA Individual Tournament

Dear Slug Tennis Fans,

Another season is in the books! Congratulations to the entire team for another amazing effort as we hit many milestones on our journey. Our young team established themselves as a team to recon with as our team ranking climbed into the top four! Far from where we like to end the season, we made progress towards the top teams. With the recognition of where we want to go combined with the desire and courage to attack the challenges in our path, the future looks bright!

Brian Pybas ended his stellar career with an amazing run at the NCAA tournament! He was honored at the West Region Senior of the Year and many felt he was the most deserving for the national award for his three national titles, six All-American selections, two Ojai titles and for being the best singles and doubles player in the country this season reaching the semi finals in singles and quarter finals in doubles! What is even more amazing is that he did this with a one handed backhand after suffering from an injury to his right hand following our loss to Claremont in the regional team finals. Hard to imagine what he accomplished with this handicap as he and Parker Larsen lost a heartbreaking 7-5 in the third match in the doubles to a team that went on to capture the title. In singles Brian saved two match points in his second round match and cruzed in his quarter final before bowing out to the top seed in the semi finals. He is a rare athlete who's presence will be greatly missed as we move forward. I am happy to say he will be joining team mate and fellow NCAA champion doubles partner Marc Vartabedian in Europe to continue his tennis.

Congratulations to Erich Koening for winning the National ITA Player to Watch award. It was most deserving for his amazing year in both singles and doubles as well as his leadership role in this year's campaign. Erich lost in the first round of the singles to the eventual NCAA singles champion Chris Goodwin of Emory in a well played one break a set match. As usual, Erich learned from the match and set the course for his future progress with the goal of being among the very best.

Parker Larsen showed he is one of the elite doubles players in the country moving from third doubles in the freshmen year to being an All-American and in contention to win titles as a sophomore.

We will be celebrating our season at an awards banquet on June 4th at the University Center where we will be honoring this years team along with the National Championship teams from 1996, 2001 and 2005. Any one interested in attending please go to the website at:
http://community.ucsc.edu/s/1069/index-2-column.aspx?sid=1069&pgid=913&gid=1&cid=1954&ecid=1954 We need to get the final count in to the catering department so please register by Tuesday at the latest.

Thanks for all your amazing support and I look forward to seeing as many of you as can make it at the banquet. Best wishes, Coach Hansen

And The Winner Is....

It is my great pleasure to announce that Brian Pybas and Erich Koenig have won the ITA West Region's awards for "Senior Player of the Year" and "Player to Watch," respectively.
Candidates for these awards are evaluated based on athletic performance, team leadership, and good sportsmanship. It is a great honor and I am proud that two of our finest players would receive this kind of recognition.

Both Koenig and Pybas will have a chance to demonstrate their abilities at the NCAA individual and doubles National Championship tournament this weekend, hosted by Pomona-Pitzer in Claremont, CA. Pybas will be entering the tournament as defending doubles champion, and will be a major threat along with doubles partner Parker Larsen. The two are the top ranked doubles team in our region, and expect no less than a stellar performance from them both. Pybas will also be competing in the individual tournament along with Koenig, and both have a shot at the title. this will be Pybas's last appearance at the tournament, so expect him to leave everything on the court. As the "player to watch," Koenig has had an exceptional season and is sure to be a major competitor as well.

We encourage anyone who is able to attend the tournament and watch our guys compete.

Here is a link to the website of the host school, where you can follow the action with live scoring. http://www.pe.pomona.edu/NCAA/ncaachamps

Here is a link to the tournament website for more info http://www.ncaa.com/championships/tennis-men/d3


Lastly, I would like to plug our upcoming Award Banquet on Saturday, June 4th at the University Center here at UCSC. This is our first time hosting this annual event, and we will be honoring the current team as well as the 1996 NCAA championship team, the 2000 ITA championship team, and the 2005 NCAA championship team. It should be a great night of catching up with former teammates, socializing with the current team, and reconnecting with the slug tennis program. If you haven't yet RSVP'ed please do so at this website. http://community.ucsc.edu/s/1069/index-2-column.aspx?sid=1069&pgid=913&gid=1&cid=1954&ecid=1954

Best Wishes,

Coach Hansen

Slugs Lose Heartbreaker to CMS

Dear Slug Fans,

In one of the most dramatic Dual matches ever played on our courts we dropped a very tough one to our So Cal rivals #3 ranked Claremont-Mudd-Scripts. Doubles started well with both two and three doubles out to an early lead. Erich Koenig and Sam Rodgers played amazingly well in winning 8-5 to get us on the board first with a great close to conclude their match. Erik Rosner and Ian Stanley battled hard but lost serve when serving at 6-7 for the final mark of 8-6 to knot the match at 1-1. At one doubles Brian Pybas and Parker Larsen went down a break early and played an incredible break game at 6-7 where both players hit multiple winning returns to break and even the match. Parker held for 8-7 and then it got very interesting! We had at least 6 set points and held off at least 5 hold points in an amazing game. The level was super high with both teams forcing errors or hitting winner. CMS finally held to send it to a breaker. We jumped out to an early lead that they erased. We faced set point at 5-6 in the breaker but battled back to win in super dramatic fashion 9-7 as Parker stepped up on match point and Brian hit an amazing finishing swing volley to set up the match point.

With a 2-1 lead going into the singles all matches were battles. Brian won the first set at one as did Parker at three and Andre at four. Erich Koenig was up early in the first set but ended up losing a close set. Sam Rodgers served for the first set but lost it in a tiebreaker. Yushi Ayabe lost two close sets at six singles to even the match at 2-2. Next off was Sam who lost 6-3 in the second followed by Erich who lost is two very close sets at two singles. Andre Halabi continued his great play at four singles serving it out for a straight set win to put us at 3-4 with Brian and Parker now both in the third. Parker got out quickly at three singles going up 5-1. Brian was down an early break but was held up by the crowd, Parker's lead and Andre's win. Parker had one match point at 5-1, three more at 5-3 and one at 5-4. A win of any one of these would have put the match on Brian's racket which is good news for the Slugs. Brian battled back and had two match points at 4-5 in the third and had his third match point when Parker's opponent sealed the match for CMS.

The crowd was amazing, our fight and character were outstanding and yet it was a very hard loss for our young men. I could not be more proud of their effort this year and if you would have told me at the start of the season that we would beat CMS in the regular season and hold match points to get to the final 8 I would have been pleasantly surprised! The journey has been great! Parker Larsen was not in our singles lineup till the end of last year and did an amazing job all year at three. Combined with Brian to be the top doubles team from our region, he had an amazing year. Andre struggled at times last year at six and this year lost to only one player in Div lll at four all year long! Erich Koening was the top number two player in our region and was a key part of our doubles success as well. Sam Rodgers who was not in our singles or doubles lineup last year had some great matches at five singles and he and Erich were one of our most solid teams at the end of the season. Erik Rosner and Ian Stanley started the year on fire and then found their form again late to be a super solid two team with great potential going forward. Yushi Ayabe was in my advanced tennis class last year and lost his only dual match of the year in today's final contributing a great attitude and work ethic. And then there is our rock in senior Brian Pybas. We all had no doubt he would have found a way to close out his match as this has been his pattern his whole career.

Thanks again to everyone who helped support this great event. Our crowd was amazing and it was so nice to see so many of our Slug Alums, family and friends. Special thanks to the OPERS Staff led by Erin Ness, Julie Roth, and AD Linda Spradley. Thanks to all of our second team members for their work all year and support at this event. There are way to many people to name but we all felt amazing at the level of support. When I am able to pick myself off the mat I will do a more thorough recap of this amazing team season. Brian, Erich and Parker will be practicing for the Individual NCAA singles and doubles championships to be played in Claremont at the end of the month.

Thanks again for all the love and support and our collective Slug hearts will heal and we will be at it better than ever!

Sincerely, Coaches Hansen, Seeberger and Parmelly

Slugs Blast Through Round of 32 at NCAA National Team Championships

Dear Slug fans,

On an absolutely beautiful day on their own dressed up courts the Slugs hit their stride and blanked #7 ranked Pomona-Pitzer 5-0. The atmosphere was amazing with incredible support from our wonderful fans and the hard work of the UCSC staff which combined for a super setting for our match. Lone senior Brian Pybas and partner Parker Larsen got things started with an 8-3 win at one doubles setting the tone for things to come. Our communication and focus were top notch from start to finish. Three doubles was next off with Erich Koening and Sam Rodgers winning a seesaw battle 8-6. As always these two battled from start to finish. At two doubles Erik Rosner and Ian Stanley were in top form playing solidly throughout their 8-6 victory.

In singles we kept the pressure on! Sam Rodgers hit the finish line first with a 6-3,6-2 win at five singles looking sharp from the outset. I enjoyed watching his enthusiasm and tenacity as he repeatedly answered the bell on big points. Parker Larsen iced the match with a 6-2,6-3 win at three singles. Parker's focus, movement skills, and clutch play were on display throughout the match. When the match was called Andre Halabi was up 6-1,5-2 double match point at four singles, Brian Pybas was up a set and 4-4 at one singles, Erich Koening was up a set and 3-0 at two singles, and Yushi Ayabe was a set down but up 3-0 in the second and looking strong!

So nice to see all our wonderful family, alums, and fans! I can not begin to tell you how much your support means to all of us and how important it is to our success! Special thanks to Jerry Lynch for his invaluable help in preparing our team and welcome back to Bryce the Birdman Parmelly for jumping in and helping coach! I could not be more proud of our effort today and look forward to our battle tomorrow with top seed Claremont who defeated Univ of Texas Tyler today. The 12:00 noon battle tomorrow between these two top programs should be a great contest. Special thanks also to tournament director Erin Ness, Sports information director and general super star Julie Roth and the rest of the OPERS staff for all their help in making this a special event. Hope to see many of you at the match tomorrow and go Slugs! For complete tournament information follow our tournament web site at:http://www.goslugs.com/teams/tennis/men/championships/2011tennisregionals/mten11_regionals.html

Best wishes, Coach Hansen and Seeberger