Furman tennis coach Scarpa announces retirement

GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — Long-time Furman tennis coach Paul Scarpa has retired after 45 years with the school.

Officials announced Scarpa’s decision Monday. In 2009, Scarpa became the NCAA Division I leader in men’s tennis coaching victories, and he ends his career with 853 wins and 17 Southern Conference championships.

Scarpa took over the school’s tennis program in 1967. The 72-year-old said it was difficult to leave the program, but also said he needed to retire to spend more time with his wife and extended family. He will remain with Furman as a special assistant to university president Rod Smolla.

Scarpa is enshrined in three halls of fame. He’s also known for developing the scoring system for dual matches adopted by the NCAA in 1993 that’s called the “Scarpa System.”