University of Tennessee at Chattanooga sophomore men's tennis student-athlete Niklas Gerdes earned the Don Bunch/Buddy Hartsell Sportsmanship Award, the Southern Conference announced today.
This is the sixth time, and third in the past four years, a Moc has won the Don Bunch/Buddy Hartsell Sportsmanship Award. The sophomore finished the regular season with a 10-11 mark at No. 1 singles.
"We are very proud that Niklas has won this prestigious award," stated UTC head coach Chuck Merzbacher. "He competes at a high level, with composure and respect for his opponent. He represents UTC and the Southern Conference each time he goes out there."
Not only did Gerdes hold down the top spot in singles for the Mocs, his 13 wins in doubles also tied for the team lead. He mainly paired with classmate Simon Bustamante for a 7-11 mark at No. 1.
Other Mocs who have won the SoCon Sportsmanship Award include Luke Saunders (2015 & 2016), Jason Ontog (2002 & 2003) and Jordan Goetzman (2000).
Up next for UTC (8-15, 1-6 SoCon) is the Southern Conference Championships at the Champions Club in Chattanooga on April 20-22. The Mocs open with a 10:30 a.m. (E.D.T.) match against second-seeded Mercer on Friday.