State College, Pa. - May 16, 2003 - Penn State Nittany Lion tennis player Nate Emge (Evansville, Ind.) has been named the ITA East Region Rookie of the Year, putting him on the ballot for the prestigious ITA National Rookie of the Year Award. Emge, a freshman, started most of the season at No. 1 singles for Penn State.

Emge posted an impressive 22-10 overall record in his rookie campaign. He went 13-7 in duals, including a 3-4 mark in Big Ten action. A versatile player, Emge also posted an 18-10 overall mark in doubles, including a 17-9 record as a starter on the No. 3 doubles team.

Head coach Jan Bortner also handed out his annual team awards at the squad's yearly Awards Banquet. Senior Brad Nudell (Girard, Ohio) grabbed the Holmes Cathrall Coaches Award; given to the player whose actions on court, in practice and in the best exemplify the values of the Penn State men's tennis team. The award is named in honor of Holmes Cathrall, who coached the Nittany Lions men's tennis team for 26years. Nudell went 9-2 at No. 4 and 6 singles and collected an 8-4 mark at No. 2 doubles.

Junior Roddy Cantey (Aiken, S.C.) was given the team's Iron Man Award. This award is given to the player who showcases the best effort in all aspects of training and practice as well as dedication. Cantey was 17-16 overall this year, playing four different spots (No. 2 through 5).

The Nittany Lions went 14-11 this season, grabbing Big Ten wins over Michigan and Michigan State and upsetting sixth-seeded Iowa in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament.