Sept. 29, 1999

LEXINGTON, Kty. – The University of Kentucky men?s tennis team is preparing to host the second annual Charles Fluitt Collegiate Classic, Friday through Sunday, Oct. 13, at the Hilary J. Boone Tennis Complex on the UK campus.

The tournament features a first-rate field made up of players from seven teams, five of which finished the 1999 spring season ranked among the nation?s top 25 teams. Competing in this year?s Fluitt Classic are No. 10 Baylor, No. 12 Kentucky, No. 13 Tennessee, No. 15 Mississippi State, No. 21 Fresno State, Louisville and Morehead State.

The tournament is named and held in honor of the late Mr. Charles Fluitt. Mr Fluitt was a victim of the 1996 Value-Jet plane crash in the Florida everglades. He was the father of former University of Kentucky tennis star Marcus Fluitt who played for the Cats from 1995-98. Mr. Fluitt?s love for the game of tennis was evident through the support he gave to his son and to the University of Kentucky tennis program.

Tournament organizer and current UK associate coach Ford Lankford was a teammate of Marcus Fluitt?s in 1995.

?Charles Fluitt was a great individual and losing him was a real tragedy for everyone who knew him,? said Lankford. ?In memory of Mr. Fluitt, we intend on making this tournament as outstanding an event as he would have wanted and expected it to be.?

Play will take place in a dual-match format of eight singles and four doubles flights. A percentage of wins will determine the champion of each singles flight.

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

Friday, Oct. 1

10 a.m.
Baylor vs. Tennessee
Fresno State vs. Mississippi State

4 p.m.
Fresno State vs. Louisville
Kentucky vs. Baylor

Saturday, Oct. 2

10 a.m.
Kentucky vs. Tennessee
Fresno State vs. Baylor

4 p.m.
Tennessee vs. Fresno State
Baylor vs. Louisville

6 p.m.
Kentucky vs. Mississippi State

Sunday, Oct. 3

10 a.m.
Kentucky vs. Fresno State
Mississippi State vs. Baylor
Tennessee vs. Louisville

4:30 p.m.
Kentucky vs. Louisville