Highly competitive collegiate tennis returns to the HomeseekersParadise this weekend, starting Friday. The Southern Miss GoldenEagles will tackle the Samford (Ala.) University Bulldogs in avarsity men’s tennis match, starting at 2 p.m. on the Brookhillcourts. The Bulldogs will spend the night and meet Alcorn StateUniversity’s Braves Saturday morning at 10 a.m.

This is the third year for Brookhill, located on Natchez Ave.,to host the college matches. According to Brookhill director DavidMisner, the teams enjoy coming to Brookhaven.

“These teams love coming here because they enjoy the crowd andthe atmosphere,” said Misner. “They also enjoy the Brookhillfacilities.”

Admission is free.

“These matches all count,” said Misner. “They are important tothese kids. They are a lot of fun.”

The usual college format will be followed. That means there willbe three doubles matches featuring pro sets, followed by sixsingles matches.

Alcorn competed last year for the first time at Brookhill.

For sure, local sports fans will enjoy an internationalflavor.

“People will be able to see players from all over the world,”said Misner.

That’s known as an understatement. Most college teams arestocked with international players. For example, Samford boastsplayers from South Africa, Croatia and Brazil.

Southern Miss claims roster players from Ecuador, Canada, SouthAfrica and Germany. Alcorn has players from Russia, India,Uzbekistan and the Dominican Republic.

Most importantly, Samford claims a hometown hero in seniorStuart Misner of Brookhaven. The talented young man is playing No.2 singles. He was an All-Ohio Valley Conference First Teamselection as a junior

According to his father, Samford has the strongest team and themost depth since Stuart arrived on the Birmingham campus four yearsago.

Kemper Baker is Samford’s coach.

The Bulldogs are 7-4 overall this season. “All four of ourlosses were to teams ranked in the top 30 in the country,” Bakerpointed out. “We are 3-0 in the conference.”

Samford has two new players this season in Sam Huffman fromMobile, Ala. and Kelwin Dewet of Pretoria, South Africa.

Misner, who is completing work on a nursing degree, has maturedinto an outstanding college player. He was a state champion in highschool, leading the Panthers to a Class 4A state title.

“Stuart is doing really well,” said Baker. Misner’s overallrecord is 6-5 in singles and 7-4 in doubles. He plays No. 2 singlesand doubles for the Bulldogs.

Working at No.1 singles for Samford is junior Renan Silveira ofPelotas, Brazil. He also plays No. 1 doubles for Samford.

Silveira is 6-5 and 8-3 in doubles playing with Huffman. They’vehad some good wins over Clemson and South Carolina.

Last year Misner was undefeated in both singles and doubles inOVC play.

“Stuart really has become a more patient player on the court,”said Baker “He’s playing like a senior. He’s smarter. He’s able tobreak down quality opponents and win big matches.”

Baker said he was looking forward to showcasing his squad atBrookhill. “We really have a good time playing in Brookhaven. Welove Brookhaven. The facilities are great and the people arewonderful.”

Teddy Viator coaches the Golden Eagles and they are off to a 6-6start this year. They whipped LeTourneau University 7-0 Monday inMobile.

Leading the Golden Eagles in No. 1 singles is Andrew Poole, asophomore from Cape Town, South Africa. Callen Fraychineaux ofThousand Oaks, Calif., plays No. 2 singles. Strate Krstevski, fromMacedonia, is at No. 3 singles..

At Alcorn State, Tony Dodgin coaches the Braves. They are led byJuan Marcus Hernandez, a junior from the Dominican Republic. AbhavePraksah, a sophomore from India, plays No. 2 singles.

Closer to home, two local high school football coaches, oneformer and one active, will be honored Tuesday night at theAll-American Football Foundation’s 84th Banquet of Champions.Former mayor and BHS head coach Doug Sullivan (1970-73) and currentBrookhaven Academy coach Bo Milton will be recognized.

Sullivan and Milton both will receive the President Gerald R.Ford All-American High School Coach Award. The banquet will be heldat the Jackson Hilton, starting with a reception at 6 p.m.

Tickets are $125 each and are tax deductible. For moreinformation, contact AAFF Director Jimmie McDowell.

Write to sports editor Tom Goetz, c/o The DAILY LEADER, P.O.BOX 551, Brookhaven, MS 39602 or e-mailsports@dailyleader.com