CLEVELAND, Ohio – Cleveland State men's and women's head tennis coach Brian Etzkin announced the addition of two assistant coaches for the 2017-18 season Tuesday, as Colton Buffington and Chase Thomas will join the Viking sideline for the upcoming campaign.

Buffington, a former standout on the Cleveland State men's team, joins the coaching staff after spending the last three seasons in a Viking uniform. Buffington eclipsed the 50-win mark during his collegiate career, spending the majority of his time in the top half of the Cleveland State singles lineup, and was an instrumental part of Cleveland State's upset run through the Horizon League Tournament last season.

As a senior, Buffington was named the Horizon League Herb Foster Sportsmanship Award recipient in recognition of his fairness and integrity displayed throughout the season.

Buffington also serves as the assistant director of high performance at Cleveland Racquet Club.

"Colton is no stranger to the Viking program, and as he transitions from player to coach his strengths should translate easily to the coaching sideline. We are excited that he is beginning his collegiate coaching career in the Green & White and I hope that he brings his energy that he had on the court as a player to the sideline as a coach," Etzkin said.

Thomas joins the Vikings with multiple years of coaching experience, including a two-year stint as an assistant coach at Case Western Reserve. While with the Spartans, Thomas helped Case to a pair of 17-win seasons along with an appearance in the NCAA Round of 8 during the 2014 campaign.

The Solon, Ohio native has also held coaching positions at University School and Smoky Mountain Tennis Academy, and is currently the assistant director of high performance at the Cleveland Racquet Club.

Thomas began his collegiate career at Division III Mount Union before transferring to Youngstown State to complete his degree.

"I'm very excited to add Chase to the coaching staff, he has a passion and knowledge for the game, and a competitive fire that will help lead this team going forward. Chase will have an immediate impact on the team, and I can't wait to see what he will bring to the sideline," Etzkin said.