![The sophomores were recognized on the field instead of walking across the stage during their doubleheader. They received their diplomas and a picture of themselves playing during their career at Seward. [Pictured left to right are Dylan Day, Reed Thomas, Jase Schneider, Mason Martinez, Gannon Hardin, Brody Boisvert, and Zach Walker]](https://crusadernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/WEBDSC_0275-900x454.jpg)
Men’s tennis has historic finish at nationals
Saints come home with national champion and two runner-up titles
October 21, 2019
ROME, Georgia—The Seward County Community College tennis team had three individual players compete in the NJCAA ITA cup, Oct. 17-19. Karl Wurth and Sander Jans played in the doubles tournament while Gabe Ortiz and Jans competed in the singles matches in Rome, Georgia.
The championship game for singles was hard fought between the two SCCC players. They had to play each other to determine a champion and runner-up.It was a rematch from the regional tournament. Ortiz came away with the win over Jans at 6-4, 6-0.
In the doubles draw, Wurth and Jans lost in two sets, 6-7 and 3-6. They come home with the runner-up trophy.
Ortiz and Jans earned a spot in the singles semifinals after the first round. Jans won his semifinals match with a score of 6-3, 6-3 against Ortiz, who lost but still earned a spot in semifinals.
This would be the first time in school history that two Saints compete against one another for a National Championship in singles.
ALL SAINTS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!! Sander Jans and Gabe Ortiz both win their semifinals match 6-3, 6-3! First time in school history that two Saints will compete against one another for the National Championship in Singles! @ITA_Tennis @KJCCCmedia #GoodToBeGreen #SCCCSaints pic.twitter.com/QZfaYGlod8
— Seward County Saints (@SewardSaints) October 18, 2019
For the doubles matches, Jans and Wurth won 7-5, 7-5 in the first round, which moved them up to semifinals. The team won 6-3, 6-2, and moved onto the National Championship for doubles.
Sander Jans and Karl Wurth defeating the #3 seed 6-3, 6-2 and moving on to the National Championship match tomorrow! Jans looking to reclaim his doubles National Championship from a year ago! @ITA_Tennis @KJCCCmedia #GoodToBeGreen #SCCCSaints pic.twitter.com/KXeMw6ocAh
— Seward County Saints (@SewardSaints) October 18, 2019
Ortiz successfully won in the singles JUCO National Championship, defeating his teammate, Jans. The game ended with a score of 6-4, 6-0.
Gabe Ortiz is the Singles JUCO National Champion!! Defeating his teammate Sander Jans 6-4, 6-0! Ortiz earned a berth into the will NCAA D1 Singles Draw! @ITA_Tennis @KJCCCmedia #SCCCSaints #GoodToBeGreen pic.twitter.com/MCth95XNrj
— Seward County Saints (@SewardSaints) October 19, 2019
However, Wurth and Sanders lost in the National Championship, 6-7, 3-6 in the doubles draw.
Karl Wurth and Sander Jans losing in the National Championship 6-7, 3-6. What a great Tournament for both of these student athletes! Congratulation on an amazing run! #SCCCSaints #GoodToBeGreen pic.twitter.com/G3hmTjk8rq
— Seward County Saints (@SewardSaints) October 20, 2019
SCCC left the championship placing first and second in the singles draw.
