January 19, 2007
Release courtesy of Larry Happel, Central College sports information director

PELLA, IOWA . . . Greg Gilmore has been named interim men’s tennis coach at Central College.

Assistant coach Tait Smock will also take on additional responsibilities as the Dutch search for a replacement for veteran coach Doug Stursma, who resigned late last fall after 13 seasons as men’s coach and 14 years as women’s coach.

Gilmore, a 1999 Central graduate, is in his fourth year as an assistant athletic trainer and exercise science instructor. He was a two-time men’s tennis letterwinner for the Dutch and ranks seventh on the school’s career doubles winning percentage charts with a 28-15 mark (.651).

Smock, in his second year as an assistant, is a 2002 Central graduate. He was a four-year letterwinner, earning team MVP honors in 2002 and serving as a captain. Smock ranks first in career doubles wins at Central with a 61-23 mark and is tied for eighth in singles victories at 60-27.

“We appreciate Greg’s willingness to help out during this transition period,” said athletics director Al Dorenkamp. “He’s been a part of our tennis program and has a solid background in the sport. Greg’s also tremendously loyal to Central College and our student-athletes. I know that he and Tait will do what it takes to help our players have a great season. Our search for a new coach is going well and we want to make sure we take the time to find the best person possible to lead our program.”

Central returns two starters from last year’s squad which posted a 14-12 record and placed third in the Iowa Conference. Opening drills for the 2007 season begin next week and the Dutch play host to Dordt College in H.S. Kuyper Fieldhouse Feb. 2.

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