Nov. 21, 2008

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Joe Schmulian, a former Third Team All-C-USA selection in 2001 and 2003 for the Memphis Tigers men's tennis team, was recently crowned the Doubles Champion at the 2008 USTA National Men's Open Grass Court Championships at the Newport Casino Lawn Tennis Club at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I. Schumulian was paired with former New Hampshire Wildcat Franklin Sherrill.

Schmulian also advanced to the finals of the singles championship where he was defeated by former Penn State Nittany Lion Jamie Gresh. Gresh was an All-Big Ten selection for the Nittany Lions and was consistently ranked in the Top-100 during his collegiate career.

"I have not played a high level event in a few years and to make it to two finals and return with a National title is absolutely wonderful and beyond all expectation," Schmulian said. "Also to win it at the Hall of Fame which is the oldest tennis venue in the US was an even greater experience."

Schmulian and Sherrill won four matches on their way to the National Championship.

Schmulian graduated Cum Laude from the University of Memphis in 2003 with a degree in Management Information Systems. He is currently the head tennis professional at Wellworx Sporting Club in Memphis.