Penn State men's tennis coach Jan Bortner quoted Albert Einstein on Monday night, saying, "Try not to be a man of success, but a man of values," during the Penn State men's tennis banquet. The saying highlighted the way the Lions went about their business this season, as well as the attitude of the banquet.
Bortner said that the program is based on values, namely pride, sportsmanship, loyalty, dedication and toughness. These values were emphasized in the awards handed out that night and in many of the players' speeches.
Three seniors: Clint Keithley, Todd Stecko and Roddy Cantey were honored Monday as well. Bortner expressed his pride in his three leaders and said that the three upperclassmen made his primary role as coach one that took place behind the scenes.
"I hope that they have learned that it's not as much about milestones as it is memories," Bortner said. "It's not what you get out of being an athlete at Penn State, it's what you become."
Senior Clint Keithley was formally awarded the Ernest B. McCoy Award by Assistant Athletic Director Bob Krimmel. The award is given to one male and one female student athlete who exemplifies academic success while being a standout in his or her respective sport. Keithley also received a senior award.
Krimmel also expressed his enjoyment in watching the team play this spring.
He ranked the Lions' thrilling upset against Michigan State as one of his top-five experiences in all his years as a player, coach and administrator.
"I don't know if Malcolm [Scatliffe] was on the ground before that ball hit the net or not," Krimmel said. "But it was fun to see everyone jump over the fence to congratulate him."
Scatliffe's exciting play earned him a share of the team's Most Improved Player Award, along with freshman Bradley Hunter. Assistant coach Bill Potoczny complimented the duo's aggressive playing style and emotional play that helped it toward its success. Scatliffe came up big all season at the No. 1 singles slot for the Lions, earning the No. 100 individual ranking in the country. Hunter enjoyed a successful Big Ten season, battling until the end in matches where the Lions were clearly overpowered. On two occasions, once against Ohio State and then against Illinois, Hunter picked up the only point for the Lions.
The Holmes Cathrall Coaches' Award was handed to senior Roddy Cantey as the player who possesses toughness, a passion for the game, a positive attitude and a willingness to put the team ahead of himself. The award is named for the former tennis coach who spent 26 years at Penn State, and is given to the player who best exemplifies the qualities that every coach wants in his players.
The final individual award of the night was the Iron Man Award. Junior James Crowell received the honor, which is given to the player who gives 100 percent day in and day out. Crowell, while not always in the lineup on the weekend, could be counted on to give his all in practices, in workouts, in the weight room and on the track.
During his speech Cantey commented on Crowell's attitude. "Last year when they were reading the requirements for the award, I leaned over to my parents and said that Jim would get it," Cantey said. "But, I won it instead. This year you've earned it and you are 10 times the Iron Man I am."
Each of the three seniors followed a tradition of saying something about each of their teammates. The speeches were both emotional and humorous. Freshman Aaron Ellis seemed to catch the worst, or best, of it that night.
Cantey opened his remarks on Ellis by saying with a laugh, "You've got a lot to learn."
"Aaron is adding a whole new dimension of crunk to our team," Keithley said. "And I have no idea what that means."
While formally sending off their seniors and honoring the team, the Lions still have work to do. A long road trip to close out the regular season and then a trip to East Lansing, Mich., remain.
