The University of Mississippi Athletics
Sebastien DeChaunac named to All-SEC Tennis Team.
6/21/1999 | Men's Tennis
April 21, 1998
OXFORD, Miss. Sebastien DeChaunac of the No. 6 nationally-ranked Ole Miss men's tennis team was named to the All-Southeastern Conference first team, while Martin Sjoqvist earned second team honors, as the conference awards were released Tuesday.
This is DeChaunac's second year in a row to be named to the first team. DeChaunac is currently ranked No. 5 in the nation with a 21-6 overall record, 16-6 at the No. 1 position. He won both of his matches at the SEC Tournament this past weekend, including a straight set win over the SEC Player of the Year, Michal Chmela (LSU).
"Sebastien's results at the SEC Tournament this past week indicate his game is peaking at the right time, Head Coach Billy Chadwick said. "He is definitely one of the favorites to win the NCAA Championships."
An All-America, DeChaunac was the 1998 SEC Singles Champion, the 1997 SEC Tournament Most Valuable Player, and a 1997 NCAA Semifinalist. In addition to his tennis accomplishments, DeChaunac is a two-time member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll and holds a 3.85 grade point average in Economics.
DeChaunac is among a talented first team that includes five of the nation's top 10 singles players, and two of the country's top three doubles teams.
Sjoqvist earned All-SEC honors for the first time in his career. The sophomore is presently ranked No. 33 in the nation with a 26-16 overall record, 11-5 at No. 3 singles.
"To be a member of this elite group, is a great honor," Chadwick said. "This recognition is a direct result of Martin giving a 100 percent in every match he plays."
Sjoqvist particpated in the NCAA Championships last year in doubles and ended the year nationally-ranked in singles and doubles. He is also ranked 23rd in the nation in doubles this year with DeChaunac. Off the court, Sjoqvist was named to the 1998 SEC Academic Honor Roll and holds a 3.55 GPA in general business.
The Rebels have had a total of 25 athletes named All-SEC since 1977. DeChaunac's selection to the All-SEC first team, makes it the fifth consecutive year that Ole Miss has had a player on the first team. The Rebels have had an All-SEC honoree in nine of the last 10 years.
1998 SEC MEN'S TENNIS AWARDSFIRST TEAM ALL-SECSingles Francisco Rodriguez, Alabama; Lee Pearson, Auburn; Steven Baldas, Georgia; John Roddick, Georgia; Cedric Kauffmann, Kentucky; Michal Chmela, LSU; Sebastien DeChaunac, Ole Miss; Thomas Dupre, Mississippi State; Simon Larose, Mississippi State; Vladimir Pavicevic, South Carolina; Doubles Tim Crichton/Tom Hamilton, Arkansas; Steven Baldas/John Roddick, Georgia.
SECOND TEAM ALL-SECSingles Steve Huss, Auburn; Justin O'Neal, Florida; Hisham Hemeda, Georgia; Pedro Escudero, LSU; Martin Sjoqvist, Ole Miss; Matthieu Ballay, Mississippi State; Jerome Jourdon, South Carolina; Guillaume Legat, South Carolina; Mark Way, Tennessee; Doubles Michal Chmela/Tom Hand, LSU; Steve Huss/Lee Pearson, Auburn.
