Tigers’ doubles tandem named to ITA Collegiate All-Star Team

The Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) recently announced the ITA Collegiate All-Star Team which honors the top student-athletes of the 2020-2021 season across all divisions of college tennis. Cowley College tennis standouts Jack Clements and Takeshi Taco were recognized as the junior college All-Star doubles team after capturing the NJCAA Division I title at No. 1 doubles.

Cowley head coach Manuel Raga, who helped guide the Tiger men's tennis team to a national runner-up finish this past season, is proud of Jack and Takeshi for their accomplishments this past year.

"At the beginning of the year when we started working on doubles, I knew these two playing together were going to be special and they definitely were," Raga said.

Clements, who has moved on to play tennis at NCAA Division I University of South Alabama, is honored and grateful to be named an ITA Collegiate All-Star.

"After having such a great season with the Cowley tennis team, receiving this award with my championship doubles partner Takeshi Taco, coaches Manny and Ari (Raga) ultimately tops off such a great semester we have had all together," Clements said.

Taco, who was also the No. 2 singles champion, returns to Cowley for his sophomore season.

"This honor would not have been possible without the support of my teammates, coaches and of course my doubles partner Jack Clements," Taco said. "It was a pleasure playing with him because he is a great player and friend. I want to thank my family, teammates and coaches for all the support."