Manning to Lead Women's Tennis Program

Craig Manning has been appointed the new head coach for BYU's women's tennis team, announced Elaine Michaelis, women's athletic director. Manning will replace Clark Barton who recently resigned from the university.

"We extend our sincere appreciation to Clark for his contribution to the university and to the young women he coached in our tennis program. His commitment to BYU and his efforts on behalf of the program were commendable," said Michaelis.

In his three seasons with the Cougar program, Barton compiled a 43-28 record and garnered WAC Coach of the Year honors in his first season after winning the conference title and tallying a 22-3 record in 1996-97.

Manning will take the helm of the women's program after one year as the assistant in the men's program. During the 1997-98 season he was the women's assistant coach.

As a player for BYU from 1991 to 1995, Manning amassed a 35-30 singles record and a 21-25 doubles record while playing in the three, four and five singles position.

"I'm extremely excited and looking forward to this new challenge. We have some good players returning this season and I've already been in contact with some good prospects from Australia," said Manning.

"My goal will be to be able to win a national championship in the very near future and I don't think we should settler for anything else," he added.

"We're pleased that Craig has accepted this position and have great confidence in his ability to carry on the established winning tradition of our women's tennis program," said athletic director Michaelis. "He is a great recruiter and has extensive experience and contacts in the tennis world."

A native of Canberra, Australia, Manning graduated from BYU in 1995 with a degree in psychology and is working on a masters degree in sports psychology. He and his wife McKenzie reside in Provo.