SMC opens new tennis courts for students, athletes
By KATIE MILLER
News Writer
After six weeks of construction and approximately $125,000, the new tennis courts next to Angela Athletic Facility are ready for use.
"They were ready for use about a week and a half ago," said facilities director John DeLee. "They are in great shape and ready to go."
Originally, there were three tennis courts next to Angela and four next to Regina Hall. Moving all the tennis courts closer to Angela will benefit the team, DeLee said.
"The biggest benefit is having six courts. Six courts are needed to play a match," he said. "Now everyone can be on one court."
Assistant athletic director Gretchen Hildebrandt agrees that the new tennis courts and their location have much to offer students and the tennis team.
"Having first-class tennis courts will improve practice, practice times and quality of play," she said. "The team will not have to go to Notre Dame to practice. They will be able to practice at times that are best for them rather than work around another team's practice times."
Hildebrandt sees the new tennis courts as a good start for this year's tennis team.
"In addition to the new tennis courts, the team will rely on the new coach, freshmen and returning players for a successful season," she said.
The new courts will improve quality of play, competition and team spirit according to team captain Katie Vales.
"The old tennis courts were cracked, making it hard for play," Vales said. "When we played a match, half the team would be playing at the Regina courts and the other half at Angela. With the new courts, the team will be together. It will be much easier for us to support each other."
"The new tennis courts will attract more teams, improving our competition," Vales said."We will start playing on them after spring break."
All News Stories for Thursday, November 18, 1999
