Men's Tennis | 12/12/2012 11:01:00 AM

Complete release in pdf

December 12, 2012-Head tennis coach John Cayton has announced the signing of four players to attend Emporia State and play tennis for the Hornets. Samantha Aleman, Amy Fugit and Tawni Griffey will join the Hornet women's team while Austin David and Payton Hays will join the men for the 2013-14 season.

Aleman is a four year letter winner in tennis for Gardner-Edgerton HS.  She has a career record of 104-29 and was a four-time state qualifier for the Blazers.

"Sam Aleman is a consistent player form the backcourt," said Cayton.  "She does not allow herself to lose to players who are of lesser ability.  Her innate athletic ability will provide her with good performances in both singles and doubles."

Fugit is a three-time Ark. Valley Chisholm Trail League champion for Andover Central HS.  She was also a four-time state qualifier and won over 100 matches for the Jaguars.
 
"Amy is a hard worker and someone who loves the game of tennis,' said Cayton. "She has a tremendous desire to improve and participate in intercollegiate athletics.  Her mental focus and all court tennis game that will translate into consistent improvement over the course of her career here at Emporia State."

Griffey won a state championship and was twice state runner-up for Norton Community HS. She went 58-2 in singles competition with the only losses coming in state championship matches for the Blue Jays.  
 
"Tawni is a fantastic tennis player with tremendous potential," said Cayton.  "She developed her forehand into a genuine weapon which she regularly uses to close penetrate the court and win points.  Griffey’s excellent mental game, hustle, and work ethic put her in a unique group that will continue the fantastic tradition in women’s tennis that we have begun."

Davids is a two-time All-State performer heading into his senior season at Topeka West HS. He is a three-time All-Centennial League performer with over 100 career wins for the Chargers. He is the brother of current Hornet Andrew Davids.
 
"Austin has had a fantastic high school tennis career in doubles, and his singles game has improved tremendously during the past 18 months," said Cayton. "He has the physique and mentality to compete well at the collegiate level.   Davids’ strokes are powerful and translates into a terrific all-court game where he is equally comfortable at the baseline or at the net during his matches."

Hays is the defending Southeast Kansas League champion at #1 singles for Parsons HS. He was the regional champion as a sophomore and junior for the Vikings and has an 80-21 record heading into his senior season.

"Payton is a hard working kid who loves the game of tennis," said Cayton.  "He is a good athlete who possesses quick movement around the court, and a sold all-court game that will continue to get better and better as he gains experience in tough match-play."

The Emporia State women are 5-0 following the fall season while the men went 4-2.  The women will open the spring season on Feb. 27 against Ottawa while the men will open against Southeastern Oklahoma State on Feb. 28  with both matches taking place at the Milton Courts on the Emporia State campus.


ESU Hornet Tennis Early Signees
Name              Hometown/Previous School
Women
Samantha Aleman            Gardner, Kan./Gardner-Edgerton HS
Amy Fugit            Andover, Kan./Andover Central HS
Tawni Griffey            Norton, Kan./Norton Community HS
Men
Austin Davids            Topeka, Kan./Topeka West HS
Payton Hays            Parsons, Kan./Parsons HS