May 6, 2011
Duquesne University fifth year men's tennis coach Rob Castille recently announced the annual team award recipients for the 2010-11 season.
Senior Steve Herchko and freshman Pete Carpenter were named the team's Most Valuable Players, junior Aram Abgaryan was tabbed the team's Most Improved Player and senior Kyle O'Leary was the Coaches Award recipient. The Coaches Award is awarded to the player that most exemplifies the character and values of Duquesne University and the men's tennis program and who has shown great leadership both on and off the court.
Herchko Herchko posted a 20-11 singles record during the 2010-11 campaign, including a 14-6 record in the spring and an 11-3 mark at fifth singles. He finished his Duquesne career with 98 total victories.
"Steve has meant so much to this program, not only this year, but his entire career," said head coach Rob Castille. He has been our best doubles player for a number of years but this year really picked up his singles game and as a result had a great season. His leadership both on and off the court has been incredible. He is the most respected guy on the team and we are really going to miss him next year."
Carpenter turned in an 18-10 record in singles action with the majority of his wins coming at the number two spot. In doubles play, he was 17-12 with an 11-4 mark at second doubles. He was twice named the Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week.
"Pete had a great rookie season. He was easily one of the best, if not the best, rookies in the conference. Most freshman would not have been able to handle playing so high in the lineup but Pete carries himself with great maturity. The great thing about Pete is he is always wanting to get better. I am confident he will keep improving and will have an excellent season next year."
Abgaryan posted a 24-7 record at the number one singles position this past year, including a 13-4 mark in the spring and an 8-2 record against fellow A-10 opponents. He paced the Dukes to a fourth-place finish at the 2011 Atlantic 10 Championship and was a two-time A-10 Performer of the Week
"Aram made it a goal of his after last season to work hard this summer and come back this year and be one of the best players in the conference. He definitely achieved that goal as he was named the Atlantic 10 Performer of the Year. The great thing is that he still can get better and I know he will work hard this summer again to improve upon those things in his game that need work."
O'Leary fought through injury in 2010-11 to turn in a 20-win season for the Dukes. He posted nine singles victories and 11 doubles triumphs to give him 69 career wins.
"This is the second straight year Kyle has won this award and there isn't a more deserving candidate. He has meant so much to this team this year and throughout his entire career by showing great leadership both on and off the court. Kyle has really helped change the culture of this program and the success we have had these past two years has a lot to do with him. I don't know if we will ever be able to replace him. He will be greatly missed next year."
