SEARCY – Surrounded by his friends, family, and most of Harding’s athletic coaching staff, Bison and Lady Bison tennis coach David Elliott picked up his 1000th career coaching victory Tuesday at the Harding Tennis Courts.
According to the Intercollegiate Tennis Association, he became only the fourth collegiate tennis coach on record to reach the milestone with a pair of 9-0 victories over Christian Brothers.
The 1,000th win came early in the Lady Bisons’ match. Christian Brothers arrived with only four players and forfeited two singles and one doubles match to Harding. Two quick doubles victories gave the Lady Bisons the five points they needed to secure their 17th win in 21 matches this season.
Harding’s men gave Elliott win number 1,001 just minutes later, sweeping all nine matches to move to 14-3 this season. It was the 1000th men’s match in Elliott’s career.
Both of Harding’s teams are ranked No. 7 in the most recent NCAA II South Region rankings.
Elliott began his coaching career at Harding in 1975 and has never had a losing season. In 1991 he added the women’s tennis team to his coaching duties. In the ensuing 32 seasons, the 58-year-old has won 738 men’s matches and 263 women’s matches.
Both teams were scheduled to take on LeMoyne-Owen following the Christian Brothers matches, but Harding received forfeit victories when the Magicians failed to appear for the match.
#7 Harding women 9, Christian Brothers 0
Singles competition:
5. Harding won by default
6. Harding won by default
Doubles competition:
3. Harding won by default
Match Notes:
Harding 17-4, 3-1 GSC; Regional ranking #7
#7 Harding 9, Christian Brothers 0
Singles competition:
4. Brett Hoch (HU) def. Antony Eddie (CBU) 6-0, 6-0
5. Ross Carter (HU) def. Kyle Kordsmeier (CBU) 6-3, 6-0
6. Patrick Owen (HU) def. Will Koerber (CBU) 6-0, 6-0
Doubles competition:
1. Patrick Owen/Enrique Mendoza (HU) def. Matt Wiseman/Thomas Hardin (CBU) 8-2
Match Notes:
Harding 14-3; Regional ranking #7
