MACON, Ga. – FPD seniors Miller and Michael Durham had a day together they will never forget on Thursday, April 14, 2016.
The two twin varsity tennis players signed national letters of intent to play collegiate tennis inside FPD’s Middlebrooks Athletic Center in front of students, family, faculty and staff. Miller will take his talents to Kennesaw State while Michael will compete at Auburn University.
The signings are the first for the 2015-16 academic year for the tennis program and sixth overall for the athletic program (Robby Watson signed with Southern Miss to throw shot put and discuss, Bo Fricks with Western Carolina for baseball, Brad Powell with Mercer for football and Reggie Gantt with Stetson for football).
“I’ve had the pleasure of coaching Miller and Michael for three years and from what I have witnessed, these young men are more than just tennis stars,” FPD head coach Derek Lashley said. “They are true examples of our school mission: to educate and equip students to change the world for God’s glory.”
Lashley recalled a story of both Durham boys sharing scripture with opponents after a match at this year’s Camden County Invitatational, a tournament that FPD won in late February.
“Tennis requires hard work, dedication and a commitment that’s unwavering,” Lashley said. “But for me, tennis also requires teamwork building, a willingness to learn away from the court, having fun and sharing others about your faith in Jesus Christ through the game.”
Miller, a three-star recruit holds a USTA Georgia ranking of no. 16 and a USTA Southern ranking of no. 73. His career record as a Vikings is 35-0 and he is a member of the 2013 Area-1 Championship Team and State Runner-Up squad. He was also on the team when the Vikings took the Camden County Invitational this season and again back in 2013.
And just this past Wednesday, April 13, Miller was named to GHSA Class-A Area-1 Private All-Area Team.
“I’ll be honest, I’m a little nervous, but I’ve been waiting on this for a long time,” Miller said. “It’s really cool to have Michael sign with me too because we’ve been playing together for so long and I know he feels the same way.”
Michael is a four-star recruit and is no. 12 in the USTA Georgia rankings and no. 51 in the USTA Southern ranks as well.
Michael’s career record at FPD is 34-1 and, like his brother, was a member of the 2013 Area-1 Championship Team and State Runner Up Team. He’s also a member of the 2016 Area-1 Runner-Up team.
Michael was also selected All-Area by head tennis coaches in Area-1 for the 2016 season.
“I never thought this would happen,” Michael said about his signing. “I’m so blessed with this opportunity and I thank God, my family, coaches and friends for getting me here today. It’s been an incredible experience.”
Lashley closed the signign in prayer, citing Proverbs 27:17, a perfect verse for the Durhams: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
The Vikings return to action in the GHSA Class-A Private State Tournament later this month after finishing second in the Area-1 Private Tournament on Wednesday, April 13.
The First Presbyterian Day School Department of Athletics strives to build the student athlete both in the playing arena and the classroom while upholding the school’s mission statement to educate and equip students to change the world for God’s glory. For more information, visit www.fpdvikings.com and sign up for up-to-the-minute news and scores by following the Vikings on Twitter at @FPDVikingSports and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fpdathletics.
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