HAMPDEN-SYDNEY, Va. --- After eight years at Hampden-Sydney College, Murrie Bates will retire from his post as Tennis Head Coach.

His teams went 80-47 overall and 52-22 in the ODAC while finishing top two in the ODAC for four straight seasons, including going undefeated at 9-0 in 2010. From 2007-2011, Coach Bates guided the Tigers on the best four-year run in program history. The Tigers recorded an overall record or 54-17 and a 33-3 mark in the ODAC, winning the ODAC Championship in 2009 while advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Coach Bates was named the ODAC Coach of the Year in 2008 and 2010 as well as State Coach of the Year in 2009.

In total, he placed a student-athlete on the All-ODAC Tennis teams 53 times. William Moss '10 won the ODAC Player of the Year award all four years, and Rich Pugh '11 took home the top award in 2011. Moss also earned the ODAC Rookie of the Year award, twice was named the ODAC Scholar Athlete of the Year, and he won the Doc Jopson award, the top honor for a male athlete in the ODAC.

"As always, God's timing is perfect, and I thank him for leading me to Hampden-Sydney at this time in my life," said Coach Bates.

"There are so many people to thank! First of all, Bill Thompson, who encouraged me to apply and volunteered as an assistant coach all eight years. I couldn't have done it without him. Also, Carter Carson '71, who has helped so much the past couple of years, and William Moss, who has been a great encourager for the team."

"My time at Hampden-Sydney has been very satisfying thanks to the administration, staff, and fellow coaches who have been such a support in my personal life and with my coaching. I appreciate all your acts of kindness! I'm at a place now where I feel new leadership for the program will be beneficial and I'm looking forward to the next season in my life."

Hampden-Sydney Athletic Director Richard Epperson on Coach Bates:
"Murrie Bates has been instrumental in building a well-respected tennis program during his time here. His calm and caring influence on our student-athletes has been exemplary. On behalf of our past and current players, their parents, and Murrie's many colleagues and friends in the H-SC Athletic Department, I wish him nothing but the best!"

William Moss on Coach Bates:
"Coach Bates epitomizes the excellence and class that was Hampden-Sydney Tennis during his coaching tenure. I know I speak for all of his players when I say that playing under Coach Bates was the highlight of my college career. He supported, nurtured, and mentored his players off the court while helping them reach their highest potential on the tennis court. Coach Bates brings out the best in every one of his players and has made one of the most profound impacts on my life. He has left an indelible mark on Hampden-Sydney athletics. His presence on the courts will be deeply missed, and the Tiger Tennis family is forever grateful to him for his service and dedication."

--- This release is courtesy of the Hampden-Sydney College sports information department. ---
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