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TENNIS PLAYERS—Dave Coupe (left), Coach Denzel Gibbens and Bob Riley. Riley was KU's
last Conference Singles champion in 1957. Coupe plays No. 3 for the Jayhawks. He is a senior.
Thursday. May 19. 1960 University Daily Kansan
Jays Seek Tennis Crown, Rated As 'Dark Horse' Entry
Thirteen years have passed since KU last laid claim to a conference tennis title, but the Jayhawks are determined to turn this into a good luck charm tomorrow and Saturday.
Bv Tom Clark
The Jayhawks, piloted by Coach Denzel Gibbens to a 12-1 record thus far, seek their thirteenth victory of the season and the biggest yet, when they assume their dark horse role in the Conference Tennis Meet at Iowa State.
Since April 2, the only dark day in KU tennis this year, two sophomores and three seniors have matured and become seasoned veterans in posting nine straight dual victories. KU's balance was the determining factor in the early matches, but as the season rolled on, close matches became nonexistent.
KU paced by the "Big Four," Mel Karrle, Pete Woodward, Dave Coupe and Jim Brownfield, who have won 48 of 56 singles matches, have blanked six foes this season. Almost
a complete reversal from last year. According to the genius behind KU's tennis prowess, Denzel Gibbens, "the team is ready."
Bill Gochis has joined the Top Five for this final junket having defended his position against challenger Bill Sheldon. Throughout the season, Gochis was No. 6 behind Sheldon, but during the past three weeks has improved considerably. With three singles victories under his belt and two challenge round wins over Sheldon, Gochis is at his prime, serving notice to the "Big Four" they had better rename their club the "Big Five." All the members of the "Big Four" recorded 12-2 singles records during the course of the season while Gochis was 4-0. This is his opportunity.
may be lower than expected. This is possible considering the Cowboys blanked the Jays 7-0 April 2, but each member of the team is anxious to try to neutralize the Cowboys' victory.
KU has claimed the top spot in Conference tennis five times, the last time thirteen years ago when they tied with Iowa State for the trophy. Nearly 25 years ago, in 1937, the Jayhawks laid undisputed claim to the tennis title. In 1931-32-33, the Jayhawks monopolized the crown, but this monopoly was soon broken with the graduation of Junior Coen.
Only KU and Oklahoma, whom the Jayhawks defeated previously, 5-2, are given a chance against defending champion, Oklahoma State. Should the Jayhawks draw Oklahoma State foes in early matches, their finish
Inside of three years at the helm, Coach Gibbens has raised KU from an also-ran position to that of a contender in varsity tennis. It's often been said that the third time is the charm. If this is true, this could be the year!
At least, five KU men and a tennis coach will be trying to prove this adage at Ames, Iowa.
Ted Woods Is Surprise As Sophomore 440 Ace
Quarter-milers around the country—especially those in the Big Eight have been amazed this year by a flying quarter-horse from Colorado named Ted Woods.
The powerful sophomore gave notice that he would have to be reckoned with at the conference indoor meet early this year when he won the quarterterm. Since then he has displayed his prowess in several meets.
The biggest win he scored this year was at the Texas Relays where he dashed to the wire in the 200 meters well ahead of a field containing such notables as Bobby Morrow, the 1956 Olympic champion.
At the Kansas Relays he overcame an eight yard disadvantage to bring Colorado in first in the mile relay. To bring Colorado in first he not only had to pick up the eight yard disadvantage but he also had to outrun Cliff Cushman, one of KU's outstanding runners.
Although Woods is best known for his track ability, he is in school on
a football scholarship. He was a nonlettering fullback last fall and was well-down on the depth chart.
"This fellow has the best combination of power and speed of anyone I've ever coached," said Coach Frank Potts of his sensational sophomore. This comes as high praise from the man who has produced such quarter-milers as Dave Bohlen and Chuck Carlson, former collegiate All Americas.
Woods first began running as a freshman in high school and turned in a 2:02 half-mile. His next two years were marred by pulled muscles. Due to his lack of experience Woods' senior year was far from spectacular.
Potts explained Woods sudden emergence as a star as a case where a boy suddenly matures and in doing so picks up additional speed.
Pay no attention to what the critics say; here has never been set up a statue to honor a critic. —Jean Sibelius