For several years the tennis courts have been in a state of disrepair. The courts have not been playable for at least four years. This is far too long and action must be taken immediately to fix the problem. The conditions are so bad that the courts would have to be replaced completely.
The courts, located just south of Hamlin Hall on South Belvoir Boulevard, used to number six until Hamlin was built in 1988. Since then, there have only been three courts and this is preventing the Tennis 101 class and tennis teams from playing at a higher capacity. Also, the tennis teams have not had a home match in at least four years at JCU. The poor state of the courts is dangerous to any who play on them. Players are at risk for injuring themselves. The surface does eliminate consistency in the way tennis balls play off the ground.
Though the cost to replace the courts would be high, it is a necessary and worthy investment. Having home tennis matches would boost campus support for the tennis team. It would also give prospective tennis recruits incentive to choose JCU as the next step in their academic and athletic careers.
The recent renovations to the football field and track at Don Shula Stadium have made those facilities up-to-date. The tennis courts, however, are out of place and are detracting from the desirability of JCU athletics.
The University should make the replacement of the tennis courts a priority in the near future. Replacing the courts would provide opportunities for improvement for the tennis team and the recreational player. Not only is it a matter of safety, but the current state negatively affects the way the University and its athletic programs are viewed by other universities and prospective recruits.
