Jan. 11, 2010

Washington, D.C. - For the first time in program history, the Georgetown men's tennis team has a nationally-ranked doubles team heading into the spring season. David Tillem (Atlanta, Ga./The Weber School) and Charlie Caris (Des Moines, Iowa/Theodore Roosevelt) are currently ranked 39th in the nation by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association.

"Getting national recognition is one of our goals for this team," Head Coach Gordie Ernst said. "David's experience and Charlie's desire to win has created this nationally-ranked duo. This is a great thing for our program."

Caris enjoyed a solid fall season and was recognized by Sports Illustrated's Faces in the Crowd for his play. Tillem is an alternate captain on the squad and won a championship at the Navy Gold Invitational in the fall.

"This is what our upperclassmen like David, Will [Lowell] and Mookie [Anthony Tan] have been striving for, to play for a nationally recognized program," Ernst added. "Charlie has stepped right in and earned the backing of our older players and recognition around the league."

The Hoyas start spring play in two weeks when they take part in the VCU 4x1 Invitational at the Thalhimer Tennis Center in Richmond, Va.