September 1
Tennis
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Major Tabbed To Coach Cardinal Tennis

UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. - Saginaw Valley State University Director of Athletics Griz Zimmermann announced the hiring of Mike Major as the Cardinals’ new tennis coach on Friday (August 29). Major replaces Pharrington Douglass, who had been at the helm of the Cardinals’ tennis program for the past two years.
      Major has been involved in tennis at many different levels since 1996. He was the boys varsity tennis coach at All Saints Central High School in the spring of 1996, while heading the girls varsity team at All Saints from 1997 to 2001. He has been the boys varsity tennis coach at Midland H.H. Dow High School since the spring of 2000. Major has been a tennis clinic instructor for Saginaw Township Parks and Recreation since June of 2000. He has coached seventh, eighth, and ninth grade basketball at various schools, as well, adding to his coaching experience.
     His coaching exploits include twice being named Saginaw Valley League Coach of the Year for boy’s tennis, twice being named Regional Coach of the Year by the Michigan High School Tennis Coaches Association, and earning the distinction of 2003 Division II State Coach of the Year for boy’s tennis. He is a certified instructor with the United States Professional Tennis Registry.
     From 1997 to 2002, Major served in the Michigan Army National Guard. He served as a chaplain’s assistant during his time and was honorably discharged in 2002.
     “We are extremely pleased to have someone as qualified as Mike take over our tennis program,” said Zimmermann. “His enthusiasm for the game and his ability to relate to our athletes will be a welcome addition to the Cardinal family.”
     A graduate of Essexville Garber High School, Major went on the graduate Magna Cum Laude from Saginaw Valley State University in 1999 with a B.A. in French and a minor in political science. He has also completed a social studies endorsement and is currently working toward a master’s degree in educational leadership. Major is currently employed at Bay City John Glenn High School, teaching French and U.S. history.

Contact: Jeff Bacholzky (989) 964-4053