James Wadley Named ITA Regional Coach of the Year

June 05, 2003 | Cowboy Tennis

STILLWATER, Okla. — Oklahoma State’s men’s tennis coach James Wadley was named the 2003 Wilson ITA Regional Coach of the Year for his team’s accomplishments this season.

Wadley also won the award in 2001 and his 2002 team was honored as an Academic All-American Team. His 523-242 record and .684 winning percentage ranks sixth among active coaches.

OSU began the season ranked No. 73 and finished 19th after their run through the NCAA Tournament, the biggest improvement in the country.

The Cowboys upset No. 9 Texas A&M and No. 10 Texas and advanced all the way to the Big 12 Championship before losing to second ranked Baylor.

They beat 11th ranked Minnesota in the regional to advance to the Sweet 16 in Athens, Ga. where they were eliminated by fifth ranked UCLA. It was OSU’s first appearance in the Sweet 16 since 1990.

The Cowboys will be well equipped to return trip next season. They lose just one senior in Jiri Jezek who competed at No. 4 singles.