Ball State University Athletics
Richards Earns Irving Winningest Coach Award
August 08, 2006 | Men's Tennis
Ball State head men's tennis coach Bill Richards has been honored as the recipient of the 2005-06 Irving Winningest Coach award, according to BSU director of intercollegiate athletics Tom Collins. The award was initiated by the Irving family of Muncie to annually honor Ball State's winningest coach for that particular year. This marks the second straight and the fourth overall time Richards has been on the receiving end of the award.
The winningest men's tennis coach in school and Mid-American Conference history, Richards just completed his 34th year at the helm of Ball State's successful men's tennis program. He led the 2006 Cardinals to their 19th MAC title plus tutored one singles player -- Matt Baccarani -- and one doubles team -- Baccarani and Patrick Thompson -- to appearances in the 2006 NCAA Championships.
The 2006 Ball State squad finished the season with a 19-7 overall record, including a perfect 5-0 slate versus Mid-Am competition, capping the program's 17th undefeated regular-season league ledger. The Cardinals concluded the campaign ranked No. 65 nationally in the final ITA NCAA Division I Collegiate Tennis Rankings. In addition, Baccarani and Thompson tied for No. 25 in the final national doubles rankings, while Baccarani posted a No. 101 spot in singles. Baccarani was selected as the 2006 MAC Tennis Player of the Year plus earned a spot on the All-MAC First Team for the fourth straight year. Junior Joe Epkey joined Baccarani on the first team, while Thompson and senior Tony Epkey were named to the league's second team.
Richards has amassed a career coaching mark of 519-275, making him one of the most successful coaches in the history of men's collegiate tennis in the country. He will commence his 35th season at the university Sept. 15-17, when the Cardinals host the Ball State Fall Invitational.
Players Mentioned
