USC Sumter Fire Ant men's tennis team is going to nationals, needs help

It's a long way from Sumter to Tucson, and the University of South Carolina Sumter men's tennis team is calling out for financial supporters to lend a helping hand with its upcoming trip to its national championship tournament.

Vicki Singleton, USC Sumter's executive director of development and alumni services, and tennis coach Alex Poda reached out for local support Thursday.

The 11th-ranked Fire Ants compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association Division I ranks and have qualified for this year's national tournament, based in Tucson, Arizona, after winning the Region X Championship this season. Wins this year have been over opponents including Belmont Abbey, Coker College and Benedict College.

Singleton said the team will be leaving Sumter to fly to Tucson on Friday, May 10, a week from today. The tournament begins Monday, May 13, and runs through May 17.

A total of 10 players and two coaches, including Poda, will be making the trip. They will be renting vehicles when they get there, Singleton said.

"Traveling to the national tournament will cost thousands, and the team is working hard to raise the money needed to attend such a momentous event," she said.

Public support is welcome, Singleton said, and anyone interested in supporting the team to make it to nationals can contact her by phone in the Office of University Advancement at (803) 938-3782 or email at singlev@uscsumter.edu.