John Roddick Building OU Tennis

"An intense, passionate coach, I enjoy battling, enjoy competing," Roddick said.

Roddick has built the Sooner program into a power during his six years in Norman. OU was barely a top 50 program when he took over.

"It starts and ends with recruiting."

Recruiting can be easier with the last name Roddick. John is the older brother of Andy Roddick, 2003 U.S. Open Champion. John also coached Andy for four years. They reached the Wimbledon, and Australian Open Finals in '09.

"I've been able to work with a lot of great coaches, and John is in the league of some of the best coaches in the world," said the younger Roddick.

"It's an unbelievable experience, when I first came here, I could never imagine I would get to this level," Llamas said.

That intensity we mentioned earlier...has been there since John and Andy were kids.

"Ping Pong table got pretty nasty, horse in basketball was nasty, even today we're pretty competitive with each other"

Competitive and supportive.

"He came in for the Semi's and Finals, so it's nice to know you have that support."

OU opens Tournament play Friday at 4 vs. New Mexico State in Norman.