The Oregon men’s tennis team was left in shock after the departure of its head coach less than two weeks ago.
Former Oregon head coach Chris Russell left the Oregon tennis program on Sept.
16 to become the associate head coach at Washington in Seattle. Russell, who coached at Oregon for nine years, left the team for
family reasons. His wife, Allison, is a
Seattle native.
Just before his decision to leave Eugene, Russell called and e-mailed each of his players to wish them luck for the upcoming year that begins at the All-American Tournament on Oct. 1.
Senior Manuel Kost said he was extremely surprised when his former head coach called to tell him about his decision a little more than two weeks ago.
“It was kind of shocking,” said Kost, who was ranked No. 66 in the nation last season. “I didn’t believe him at first. I thought he was kidding. It was totally unexpected and it was totally surprising.”
However, Kost said he is not angry or
disappointed about what happened and is instead looking forward to the season ahead.
The Ducks lost just one senior from last season’s squad that made its first NCAA
Championship appearance in three years.
“He has probably left the best team he ever had, so I couldn’t really understand why he’s leaving right now,” Kost said. “It puts more responsibility on us, but we know what to do and how to get better.”
Kost said what frustrates him more than anything is that Russell left to join his team’s biggest rival in the Pacific-10 Conference. The Huskies have appeared in the NCAA Tournament the last 10 seasons and have a 107-5 all-time record against Oregon.
“It gives me motivation (next time we play them). I want to beat his ass now,” Kost said with a laugh.
The first meeting between Oregon and Washington is scheduled for Feb. 27 in Seattle. Russell will make his return trip to Eugene when the Huskies play the Ducks on April 16.
Senior Sven Swinnen said his team is eagerly awaiting both of those matches during the Pac-10 season.
“I’m sure we will be very pumped to play Washington,” said Swinnen, who was ranked No. 16 in the nation last season. “It will be one of our better matches this season.”
The timing of Russell’s decision, however, has puzzled many members on the men’s tennis team. For the moment, assistant coach Ross Duncan will be the interim head coach for the men’s team.
“It probably could have been better timing,” Swinnen said. “(But) Ross is doing a tremendous job right now and I think we’ll be fine.”
Oregon athletic director Bill Moos said that a national search to find Russell’s replacement began immediately after his departure.
Duncan said he would love to fill the vacancy. However, he said now he is just focusing on guiding this team through the transition period.
“I still have to go through the interview process so it isn’t mine yet, but I hope it is mine,” Duncan said. “I believe I’d do a good job and take this team to the promise land.”
Duncan said he was as surprised as everyone else by Russell’s decision, but believes the team will be able to move on.
“My first reaction was disbelief and shock and I think that’s pretty much the reaction around here,” Duncan said. “The team’s going to be fine no matter what happens. Obviously, it wasn’t optimum timing before the season. It could be worse timing (though).”
Duncan said he credits Russell for laying the groundwork for the Oregon men’s program that made the NCAA Tournament last season and had two players in the top 70 in the nation last year.
“A large part of this team right where we’re at is his work over the last nine years,” Duncan said. “In that way, it’s sad because he’s really molded this team and where this program is at now.”
Russell was named the Pac-10 Coach of the Year in 2000 when he guided the Ducks to an NCAA Tournament appearance and a 12-10 record. That year, he also mentored former All-American Guillermo Carter, who ranks 10th all-time in career victories at Oregon.
Russell finished his nine-year tenure at Oregon with an 83-117 overall record.

Alex Tam is a freelance reporter
for the Daily Emerald.