July 12, 2007
The Patriot League recently conducted a brief question and answer session with Colgate Men and Women's Tennis Head Coach Bobby Pennington. Pennington just finished up his first year as the head coach at Colgate, leading the women's squad to second place in the Patriot League standings and the men to third place.
PL: How did you get into coaching tennis?
BP: I got into coaching tennis at the high school level six years ago. I did my student teaching at Hollidaysburg Area High School in Pennsylvania and while I was student teaching, I was the head coach of the men's and women's tennis teams. Following this stint, I got my Master's Degree in Communications at Clarion University (Pa.) and was the assistant coach for their women's team. After Clarion, I went to Juniata College (Pa.) and was the Assistant Director of Annual Giving and Head Men's and Women's Tennis Coach. Finally, I came to Colgate to just focus on coaching. Throughout everything I have done, coaching has always been my passion.
PL: With 2006-07 being your first year at Colgate, what contributed to the improvement of both the men and women's squads?
BP: I was very pleased the way my first year went in terms of the improvements to both men and women's teams. I tried to instill a fresh, positive, optimistic, confident outlook in both teams. The goal for both teams was to have winning seasons and finish in the top three in the Patriot League, and both teams accomplished these goals.
PL: Talk about the advantages and disadvantages to coaching both the men and women's team at Colgate.
BP: It is definitely a challenge coaching both men and women's teams. It is really two full-time jobs combining all the paperwork, recruiting, practicing, scheduling, and match play. However, I really enjoy it and coaching both keeps me very active and energized.
PL: Share your thoughts on coaching in the Patriot League - a conference that prides itself on the scholar-athlete model.
BP: I think the Patriot League has very competitive athletics and top-notch academics, which is tough to find. It is an honor to be a head coach in this league.
PL: Any special plans for the summer?
BP: I am going to some recruiting events/camps and trying to travel, relax, and play a little tennis myself.
