Sept. 21, 2007

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ----- The UAB men's tennis team opens its fall season this weekend at the UTC Baras Fall Classic in Chattanooga, Tenn. The Blazers are one of 12 schools competing in the tournament that runs through Sunday at the Champion's Club tennis complex.

Derek Tarr, entering his 20th season as the Blazers' head coach, welcomes back a pair of seniors in Johannes Spangenberg and Adrian Tollstam.

Spangenberg, who played primarily at the No. 1 and 2 singles positions in UAB's lineup during the spring dual match season, is the No. 1 singles seed in this weekend's tournament. Spangenberg and sophomore Alex Emery, who led all Conference USA players in total singles wins (31) last year, are the Blazers' representatives in the "A" singles division.

Sophomore Thomas Petrich and freshman Tyrone Ewels of South Africa will compete in the "B" singles division with Tollstam and Miquel Artero playing in the "C" division.

In doubles, Spangenberg and Tollstam are seeded No. 1 in the "A" division with Emery and Ewels also competing there. Artero and Petrich will team in doubles for the Blazers in the "B" division.