April 27, 2006
Release courtesy of Dave Blanchard, Luther College sports information director

DECORAH, IOWA . . . Joe Thompson, Luther College director of intercollegiate athletics, has named Brian Huinker head women’s tennis coach. Huinker succeeds Su Oertel, head women’s tennis coach for the past 31 years, who is retiring at the end of the school year. Hunker will continue in his role as men’s tennis coach, a position he has held for the past five years

During his tenure, he has been named the 2005 Missouri Valley USPTA College Coach of the Year and the 2002 Iowa Conference Coach of the Year. Twice his teams have posted 20-win seasons and three times have finished second at the IIAC championships. In 2005, the Norse set a single season school record for wins (25) and consecutive wins (14). During this same time span, he has led the Norse to a dual meet record of 99-51.

“Brian has done an excellent job as head men’s tennis coach and has the requisite skills to direct both the men’s and women’s programs at Luther College successfully,” stated Thompson. “Brian brings exceptional passion and enthusiasm to the tennis programs, and we look forward to their continued success.”

During the 2005-06 season, the women won an unprecedented 23rd Iowa Conference championship (out of a possible 24) and posted their 25th consecutive winning season thanks to a dual meet record of 16-6.

“I am excited for the opportunity to be the women’s tennis coach,” stated Huinker. “I have the utmost respect for the tradition that coach Oertel has built at Luther. We have the best women’s tennis program in the Iowa Conference, and I look forward to continuing Luther’s dominance as Iowa Conference champions and our competitive play at both the regional and national levels.”

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