home sitesearch contact fan about
home
  Submit/Update Profile  

Search the Network:




Men’s Tennis: Louisiana To Be Honored By LTA For The 2018 John Breaux Tennis Classic

David Collins, Athletics Communications Assistant

Story Links

LAFAYETTE – Louisiana Men’s Tennis’ 2018 John Breaux Tennis Classic will be recognized with the 2018 Special Tennis Event of the Year award by the Louisiana Tennis Association, with the ceremony set for 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1 at City Club at River Ranch on 1100 Camellia Blvd., in Lafayette, La.

The John Breaux Cajun Tennis Classic originally began back in 1979 and became the Lee Michaels Classic from 1988-95.  During an 18-year stretch from 1995-2013 the tournament took a hiatus, but in 2014 the event was brought back to Cajun Courts. 

With the help of Sen. John Breaux, who played at Louisiana from 1961-64, earning Gulf States All-Conference honors, took the lead along with Robert Daigle and former Louisiana Men’s Tennis head coach Jerry Simmons the event was restarted.

Since beginning in 1979, the John Breaux has had 20 future professional Grand Slam winners or finalists play in the tournament.  Including five ATP Top-20 professional singles players; 12 NCAA Champions; four No. 1 World Ranked Professional doubles players; two American Olympic Gold Medal winners in doubles and 21 ITA Future College Hall of Fame Players and Coaches.

This season, six programs made the trip to Lafayette, with four having finished the 2018 regular season ranked in the Top-75 nationally.  Texas (No. 12); Oklahoma State (No. 19); Texas Tech (No. 36); South Florida (No. 62) and Rice joined Louisiana in making this year’s tournament award worthy.

QUOTEWORTHY:
(Head Coach Mark Jeffrey):

"I am very thankful to the Louisiana Tennis Association for recognizing the hard work and persistence that we have shown in making this event better each and every year.  Of course, I have to give a big thank you to the Acadiana region for believing in us each year to deliver a quality product locally, regionally, and internationally. 

"This tournament does not exist without the great support from all of our sponsors that make this event special and possible.  Sen. John Breaux; Robert Daigle; CSX Transportation; Mike and Jovette Mosing; Brent Mosing; Dr. Jay Culotta M.D.; Albertson’s; Merrill Lynch; Buffalo Wild Wings; Allison Reaux and Coastal Construction; Boyd Anderson Attorney at Law; Mel’s Diner; LTA; LCVC; Charles Duchamp; Barry Sallinger Attorney at Law; Harry Barton CPA; Humberto Izquierdo; Dr. Breaux DDS; River Ranch City Club; Paul’s Jewelry and Schilling Distributing all played an important role in making this an award winning event.

"This is a special community that believes in hard work, perseverance, accountability, and making special relationships.  I have come to really respect the Lafayette community for its undeniable support of our tournament.  Thank you Acadiana for making this tournament so special."

FREE TO GO: The ceremony, which is slated to start at 10 a.m. at City Club at River Ranch, is free for fans from the surrounding community to attend.

FOLLOWING THE RAGIN’ CAJUNS: Follow the Ragin’ Cajuns on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@RaginCajunsMT) to stay up-to-date with Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Men’s Tennis.

– #GEAUXCAJUNS –