University of Tennessee at Chattanooga men’s tennis head coach Chuck Merzbacher announced the addition of Simon Labbe to the program today. Labbe joins the Mocs from East Carolina, and due to the COVID-19 waiver, he will have three years of eligibility remaining.
A native of Quebec, Canada, Labbe joined ECU’s program as a freshman in 2018-19. In last year’s shortened season, he tied for second on the Pirates’ squad with an 18-10 singles record. He was 6-2 at No.
3 in the spring.
"I am excited about Simon’s commitment to our program,” stated Merzbacher. “He and his team were having a fantastic year when the COVID19 shutdown stopped all the spring sports seasons. He is a tough lefty player who works very hard and is focused on being the best he can be. His experience is a huge asset and I look forward to working with him over the next three years.”
Labbe was also one of the top double players for ECU, posting a 14-8 overall mark. That included a 6-2 record at No. 1 in the spring.
The Mocs are looking to replace two seniors in the lineup following the graduation of Simon Bustamante and Niklas Gerdes. Labbe joins 10 other returning letter winners, including four regulars in the lineup.
Chattanooga posted a 12-6 mark in dual action before the shutdown, but all of the returners will get their year of competition back.
"Due to the COVID19 NCAA Red-Shirt Waiver, this team is rather young and deep, added Merzbacher. “We can be as strong as a team or better than these last two years. Ready to get back at it!"