July 11, 2012

BEAUMONT - For the second consecutive season, the Lamar men's tennis program has been recognized by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association as an All-Academic Team. Denis Ermilov and Gabriel Aboitiz were individually honored by the organization as Scholar-Athletes.

"It was one of our goals before the season started, and I couldn't be happier for all the guys on last year's team," head coach Scott Shankles said. "They worked so hard in the classroom. It's not easy, but all of them are very determined young men who understand the importance of being a student first."

The All-Academic Team designation recognizes those programs that maintain at least a 3.2 cumulative grade point average. Lamar is the only Southland school to earn the honors, and one of five schools in Texas to garner the accolades, joining Baylor, Rice, TCU and Texas.

In order to be recognized as an ITA Scholar-Athlete, an individual needs to carry a 3.5 GPA for the academic year. This also marks the second straight season that LU has placed multiple athletes on the list.

Aboitiz saw limited action as a freshman, and Ermilov drew his Cardinal career to a close with six victories at No. 2 singles and five more out of the second position in doubles. The two are the only Southland athletes to earn a spot on the list.

LAMAR