Lamar Names Scott Shankles Men?s Tennis Coach

Lamar Names Scott Shankles Men?s Tennis Coach

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BEAUMONT, Texas - Scott Shankles has been named the head men's tennis coach at Lamar University announced Interim Athletics Director Larry Tidwell Wednesday.

Shankles, who replaces Greg Davis, knows both the school and the Southland Conference well. He spent the fall semester in 2001 as an assistant with the men's and women's programs under current Lady Cardinals coach David Wong.

"Without question, I think Scott is going to be a great head coach for Lamar University," said Tidwell. "We checked his background from A to Z and everything came back outstanding. He brings experience as a player and coach and I am happy to have Scott as a part of Cardinal Nation."

In addition to coaching at Lamar, Shankles spent four seasons as the head women's coach at Southland rival Sam Houston State. While at Sam Houston, Shankles guided the Bearkats to an improved conference finish in each of his four seasons.

In Shankels' final season in Huntsville, the Bearkats finished the season with a 12-8 overall record and a third place Southland finish. Sam Houston advanced to the semifinals of the conference tournament for the first time in school history.

"I'm excited and thrilled to be back with Lamar and in the Southland Conference," said Shankles on his announcement. "The Southland is a strong tennis conference and it has a lot to offer the student-athletes.

"Dr. Simmons has done a great job in campus enhancements and I'm really excited by the vision that Larry (Tidwell) has for Lamar and the direction that he wants to go in. The facilities look great and I look forward to working toward a conference championship."

A three year letterwinner at the University of Arkansas, Shankles began his college coaching career at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. During his two seasons as the men's head coach, he guided UCCS to the 2000 NCAA Regionals and was named Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Coach of the Year.

"Scott is a very passionate coach and very knowledgeable about the game," noted Wong about his former assistant. "He is a great addition to the program and we will work well together to improve both the men's and women's programs."

His most recent experience was as the volunteer assistant women's coach at North Texas in 2009. Shankles helped the Mean Green to a 17-6 record on the season.