Romar Hernandez and Jake McDonough Take Their Tennis Skills to the Next Level

Marion, AL—Romar Hernandez, the 2013 USTA/ITA South Regional Singles and Doubles Champion, has found a new tennis home, and so has his doubles partner, Jake McDonough.  Hernandez accepted a tennis scholarship to play for Coach Glen Fanelli at the University of West Alabama in Livingston, AL, and McDonough earned his appointment to attend the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in Kings Point, NY, where he will play both football (as a kicker) and tennis.

Hernandez played two seasons for the Tigers, leading the team to two Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC) tennis titles in 2012-13 and 2013-14.  In addition to his Regional Singles and Doubles triumphs, Hernandez claimed two ACCC titles at No. 3 singles in 2013 and No. 2 singles in 2014, as well as an ACCC doubles title at No. 1 doubles with Peter Salomon in 2013 and an ACCC doubles runner-up finish at No. 1 doubles with Jake McDonough in 2014.  In 2013-14, Hernandez and Salomon skyrocketed to number 10 in the final ranking of the joint National Junior College Athletic Association/Intercollegiate Tennis Association doubles poll. 

McDonough was a single-year participant for the Tigers, having successfully completed all requirements for the one-year Service Academy Preparatory program and gaining his appointment to USMMA.  McDonough partnered with Hernandez to win the 2013 USTA/ITA South Regional Doubles Championship and went on to garner an ACCC singles championship at No. 3 singles and a runner-up finish at No. 1 doubles.

"We were truly blessed to have Romar and Jake play for us here at MMI," Coach Wright said.  "I will miss the big lefty (Hernandez) and the little scrapper (McDonough).  They were special players and people.  I wish them all the best in this next chapter (and in all of the chapters) of their lives."