SLIAC Tennis: First Serve
Over the next few weeks, we will be taking a closer look at the history of St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference spring sports. We will look at the sports by each decade, examining the 30 years of SLIAC history, and culminating with a send-off for SLIAC seniors. Today we start with SLIAC Men's and Women's Tennis; in the 1990s.
When the SLIAC formed in 1989, charter member Principia College already had established tennis programs, with its women's team having won the 1983 NCAA Division III National Championship and its men's team advancing to the 1987 national tournament behind two-time singles national champion Tony Clark. Principia carried that success into the newly formed league, winning the first nine SLIAC men's tournaments and another seven women's tournaments in the '90s.
It was a family affair at the helm of the Principia programs. Larry Gerber, who also served as the Principia Athletic Director, coached the men's team from 1981-93 and coached six Division III All-Americans during his tenure. He was named the SLIAC Coach of the Year three times before retiring and was inducted into the SLIAC Hall of Fame in 1993. His daughter Lyn DeLaney coached the women's program for over 25 years, including spending four years as both the men's and women's head coach at Principia. She coached six All-Americans and was named the SLIAC Coach of the Year five times and was inducted into the SLIAC Hall of Fame in 2016.
Through successful recruitment and player development, the Panthers boasted a deep lineup of players. The men's team had five players reach the 50 win mark for their career during the '90s with Brett Meyer (1994-98) leading the way with 59 victories on his way to four First Team All-Conference selections. Gavin Barton (1987-91), Ben Fatola (1991-95), Andy Scripter (1989-93), and Darren Poznick (1988-92) all reached the 50 win plateau as well. Poznick would make the switch from player to coach after the retirement of Larry Gerber, and go on to win three SLIAC Coach of the Year awards himself.
The women's team was headlined by Alison Olynyk, who racked up 62 wins while playing with the Panthers from 1988-92. Jessica Thomas (1989-93) rolled up 52 wins while Erin Spencer (1994-98) and Mandy Matthiesen (1995,97-99), Katy Baird (1995-98), and Melinda Huey (1995-99) all totaled over 35 wins in their careers.
The only other team to capture a SLIAC Women's Tennis tournament title in the '90s was Westminster College. The Blue Jays won two titles, in 1992 and 1994, to break up the Principia reign. Head Coach Jaime Vargas steered the Blue Jays to the title runs. He put together a 102-67 combined record as the Blue Jays men's and women's tennis coach. Kim Clarke and Whitney Stewart were both a part of the championship teams, earning All-Conference honors both years as well.
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