MCC concludes strong tennis recruiting season

By By Jeff Byrd / staff writer
June 12, 2002
Meridian Community College tennis coach Wanda McPhail concluded a strong spring signing period by adding three players to her nationally ranked men's program on Tuesday at the Damon Fitness Center.
The Eagles, who won the Region 23 Championship in May, have signed Jay Merritt of Batesville, Chase Koestler of Vicksburg and Aaron Hall of Hattiesburg.
McPhail says all three signings should help improve the Eagles' depth in striving to build on their appearance at the National Junior College Men's Tennis Tournament.
Merritt may bring some of the strongest credentials to Meridian. The North Delta School product won the Academy AAA title beating Lamar School's Wade Covington in the finals.
Merritt, who is a 6-foot-2, said the meeting with Trebisky helped flame an interest with MCC.
As for coming to MCC, Merritt said that his pickings in the Batesville area were slim.
Hall played at Hattiesburg High School and is familiar with Meridian having met the Wildcats in tennis action over the years. This includes taking on current 5A State Champ in Meridian's David Ray.
Hall's reasons for coming to MCC were pretty clear-cut.
Koestler played at Warren Central and has faced Ray on the courts in the 5A ranks.
Koestler said he is also looking forward to having a real tennis coach to work with.
MCC will provide Koestler a chance to stay in touch with friends.