Johannsen Named PBC Freshman of the Year, PBC Men's Tennis Teams Announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 4-17-08

Tim Johannsen Named PBC Freshman Of The Year, PBC Men's Tennis Teams Announced

SAVANNAH, Ga. (April 17) – Freshman Tim Johannsen was named the PBC's Men's Tennis Freshman of the Year on Thursday evening at the league's annual tennis awards banquet, conducted prior to the start of the 2008 PBC Tennis Championships in Savannah. Head coach Simon Earnshaw was also named the league's Coach of the Year by the Peach Belt Conference, sweeping the coaching awards for the men and women.

Johannsen is the sixth AASU player to earn the league's Freshman of the Year award and the second straight, joining teammate Christian Bergh, who was the 2007 honoree. The Hohenlockstedt, Germany, native is currently ranked No. 7 in the nation in singles and has compiled a 13-7 singles record for the top-ranked Pirates, including a 5-5 mark against nationally-ranked opponents.

Head coach Simon Earnshaw earns his second straight PBC Men's Tennis Coach of the Year award for leading AASU to a 22-0 overall record, an 8-0 PBC mark and the Pirates' first-ever No. 1 national ranking. AASU won its fourth straight PBC regular season championship this season and is the three-time defending PBC Tournament champions.

Johannsen earned All-PBC singles and doubles honors, and was joined on the All-Conference team by his doubles teammate, freshman Rafael Array.

AASU opens up action in the 2008 PBC Tennis Championships on Friday at 11:30 a.m. against the North Georgia.

- Pirates -