Memphis University School - Owl Yearbook (Memphis, TN)

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TENNIS Awaiting an opponent ' s return, Jimmy Brown clearly shows the intense concentration needed to win. Brown ' s victories were important in the team ' s achieving an excellent record. In the D sfr cf tournament doubles final, Jeff Gray prepares to return serve. Oddly, the two teams competing in the finals were both from MUS. Gray and Bill Noah upset the 1 doubles team of Jimmy Brown and Eddie Murphey. The two teams met again in the Regional finals; that time Brown and Murphey prevailed. Both doubles teams reached the State tournament but were eliminated in the semifinals. 79 TENNIS 0-2) 9 Memphis Prep 9 Harding 4 Raleigh-Egypt 2 9 Bishop Byrne 8 Jackson Central-Merry 8 Harding 1 9 Memphis Prep 7 Catholic 3 MBA 6 2 Baylor 7 6 Collierville 6th Chattanooga Rotary 1st SAC Tournament 1st District 1st Regional 3rd State 18 EVENTS

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Students often tried to find methods of procrastination during the spring. Chip Broadfoot dispelled all thoughts of his approaching exams as he concentrates his efforts on conquering the ever-rising high bar. While participating in the first MUS cheerleading tryouts, Carey Stanton prepares to present her routine to the judges. A panel of experts selected nine girls and five boys from more than fifty people who competed for the positions. SPRING STUDENT LIFE 17

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Tennis Team Takes 1 st in SAC, 1 st in District, 1st in Regional, and 3rd in State Eighth Grader Jimmy Brown Leads Netmen in Both Singles and Doubles After graduating five top players from last season ' s state championship team, this year ' s tennis program was a big uncertainty. Surprisingly, a young team led by eighth grader Jimmy Brown established itself as the best in West Tennessee and third best in the State. The tennis team opened its season by breezing past all Memphis and Shelby County opposition. The key to the squad ' s early success was incredible depth; most teams found themselves lacking the talent necessary to field six singles and three doubles teams, but MUS had more than enough quality players. The netmen jumped out to an eight-match unbeaten streak, during which they shut out six opposing teams. Since the Buzzards tore apart their local prey so easily, Coach Bill Taylor could often afford to rest some key players. The young and relatively untested tennis team collided with fierce competition on its first road trip. The Owls suffered two consecutive setbacks at the hands of MBA and Baylor. The squad ' s next trial was the Chattanooga Rotary Tournament, an event which featured 24 of the South ' s top teams. Led by the strong singles and doubles play of Jimmy Brown, the Buzzards struggled to a sixth-place finish in the highly competitive tournament. Coach Taylor saw this road trip as a turning point in the season; the team gained experience from facing high caliber opposition, which they would have to face in the state tournament. MUS returned to Memphis, and, after slamming Collierville 6-0, opened its post-season play. The Owls captured the SAC crown as Bill Lewis, Eddie Murphey, John Kremer, and Jimmy Brown were named to the all- conference team. The team easily swept through the District, and then entered the Regional tournament at MUS. Jimmy Brown reached the singles final of the Regional, but lost to Mark Herrington 6- 4, 7-6. Both of MUS ' doubles teams were finalists with the team of Brown and Eddie Murphey defeating Jeff Gray and Bill Noah. The Owls scored six points in the State competition to finish third; both doubles teams reached the semifinals, and Brown reached the singles final. The tennis team ' s youth combined with another year of experience provides great hope for next season ' s squad. An example of the youthfulness of the squad was Eddie Murphey, whose strong play aided the team throughout the year. Murphey, doing double-duty in the District, serves during his singles match and then teams with Jimmy Brown to reach the doubles final. Steady ground strokes and consistent play made Bill Lewis a valuable asset to the tennis team. 1979 VARSITY TENNIS TEAM: (first row) Michael Aronoff, Scotty Scott, Lee Hollis, Jimmy Brown, Bubba Halliday, Adam Hohenberg, Charles Jalenak; (second row) John Kremer, Bill Bell, Eddie Murphey, Bill Lewis, Bill Noah, Jeff Gray, Bill Gross, Jim Burrow. TENNIS 19