Sept. 18, 2008

LAFAYETTE, La. - The Samford University men's tennis team will kick off its 2008-09 schedule this weekend at the 2008 Ramada Inn Ragin' Cajun Classic hosted by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The Bulldogs will compete in three days of tournament play Friday through Sunday.

This weekend's competition will be Samford's first of the 2008 fall season.

The Bulldogs enter the year boasting a roster comprised of two seniors, one junior, three sophomores and a pair of highly-touted freshmen. Six players returned from last season's squad that earned an automatic berth in the 2008 NCAA Tournament.

Seniors Brian Dushock and Richard Walsh, as well as junior Kelwin DeWet will help lead the Bulldogs this season. Sophomores Carl Abalos, Oliver Reynolds and Richard Walsh will also add a talented trio of players to Samford's roster.

Also joining the Bulldogs this season are true freshmen Michael Browder and Carson Kadi. Browder is a native of Newnan, Ga., while Kadi, a native of New Orleans, La., will return to his home state of Louisiana this weekend.

The Ragin' Cajun Classic will boast 18 teams from across the country with LSU, Rice and Arkansas heading up the list. Play will commence Friday with the final round of competition being held Sunday. Admission is free to the public.