Continuing a proud, winning tradition will be the No. 1 goal for the RCGC men's tennis season this spring -- and veteran coach Brian Rowan has solid additions to both his playing roster and coaching staff to get the job done.
The Runners return several experienced players from a team that won the NJCAA Region XIX title last season while finishing as national runnerup in Division III competition. Returning will be sophomore standouts Zach Carr, John Ciliberto and Paulo Claure, and all are confident entering the spring 2019 campaign.
"We have a really talented team and we hope to go further than we did last year," said Carr, a Gloucester County champion at Williamstown High School.
Coach Rowan will also add promising newcomers Jake Carlson and Mark Gladkyy to an already strong lineup.
In addition, the coaching staff will have an experienced mentor joining the staff in veteran collegiate coach Sean Sloane, who enjoyed a successful 21-year career at Haverford College.
"Coach Sean Sloane is an unbelievable resource for our program," said Rowan. "We are very lucky to have him with us this season. He is really passionate about teaching and our players love his energy."
See the season preview below.
2019 Season Preview
Head coach: Brian Rowan, since 2005. He led the men's tennis team to its first NJCAA Division III national championship in 2010 and followed that with national crowns in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Under coach Rowan's leadership, the men's tennis program has produced 26 NJCAA All-Americans and 13 individual NJCAA national champions.
Assistant Coaches: Sean Sloane (first year), Kelly Hernandez, and Scott Henderson.
Last season: 9-3 overall record; NJCAA Region XIX Division III Champions; second place, NJCAA Division III National Championshuip Tournament.
Upcoming matches: March 21, at Rutgers-Camden, 2:30 pm; March 22, vs. Ocean County College, home, 3:30 pm.
Returnees: Zach Carr, So., Williamstown; John Ciliberto, So., Paul VI; Paulo Claure, So., Delran; Eric Cusick, So., Gloucester Catholic.
Newcomers: Jake Carlson, Fr., Delsea; Aren Butic, Fr., Washington Twp.; Mark Gladkyy, Fr., Vineland; Tate Merlino, Fr., Pitman.
Coach Brian Rowan on 2019 Roadrunners: "We have a good group of returners who we are counting on to lead the way. These guys helped us win the Region last season and bring that back to RCGC so hoping to carry that energy forward into this season."
"Paulo Claure has looked strong in the preseason and we are really happy that he is healthy and moving much better than last season when he was just coming back from ACL surgery. We will need him to play a critical role in our success this season."
"Jake Carlson and Mark Gladkyy have both been really committed and should both have great years for us as newcomers. They work hard and are learning every day."