Kent DeMars transformed the SIUE men's tennis program from club status to national powerhouse. DeMars coached players who earned 56 All-American certificates from 1974 to 1984. SIUE collected seven consecutive national championships under DeMars from 1978-1984. Three different players won NCAA Division II singles titles from 1977 to 1983. Four different doubles teams earned national titles from 1979 to 1984.