Another win was added to the University men’s tennis team when it took down Winston Salem State University Sunday morning. For the Rams, it was just another game but for seniors Jarrel Williams and Frank Green it will be their last home game as Rattlers.
The men defeated the Rams 5-2 but were even more intrigued about honoring their fellow teammates on what the team calls “Senior Day.”
Assistant coach Pfungwa Mahefu said Williams’ and Green’s presence will not only be missed, but their contribution to FAMU as a whole will also take away from the Rattlers’ atmosphere.
“They have been the backbone for the team for the past few years. And they’re definitely going to be missed,” said Mahefu. He said the men always portrayed a positive attitude and were great on court.
Mahefu, who has known Williams and Green since their freshman year also mentioned that the guys’ leadership to the team will be in absence next season.
“These guys carried FAMU,” Mahefu said. “They pretty much make the team. They motivate, interact and represented the team well.”
The men were honored during “Senior Day” with a Rattler bag, an award and a feast to follow. They talked about how much they enjoyed the attention on Sunday and said they hate leaving FAMU behind.
“It’s a good tradition,” said Green, a 22-year-old public relations student. “It’s a good feeling to be recognized for all the work that you have done and an even better feeling to win at your last home game.”
Overall the team took an early slump losing the double point but quickly kicked back into gear taking down the Rams in 5 of 6 singles games concluding with a 5-2 victory.
Team captain Clifford Malivert, who won his singles match 6-7 (4-7), 6-1, 7-5, said continuing without Williams and Green as teammates is like losing family members.
“We’ve been together for so many years, it’s going to feel odd with them not around,” Malivert said. “We have grown to be a family, and I have to say goodbye to two of my brothers.”
Williams, who contributed four years to the Rattlers, will be remembered as one of the team motivators.
“He contributed to plenty of wins, and he is displayed senior leadership,” Malivert said.
Green, a graduating senior who plans to attend FAMU for graduate school, said one of his most memorable moments at FAMU would be the competitive atmosphere he was surrounded by with the team. He also mentioned the imperative role head coach Carl Goodman played in his life.
“He wasn’t only a coach he also been a good mentor,” Green said. “He is a positive role model and has been there for me for on-court and off-court incidents.”
Throughout their years at FAMU, neither player has received a championship. However, the team’s goal is to achieve the 2006-2007 MEAC championship before the family is torn apart. “It will be the greatest gift to give them,” Malivert said. “We’re aiming for a championship before the year is over.”