By Maegan Green
The newly constructed tennis courts were recently honored with a dedication ceremony. On Friday, Sept. 14, Hood welcomed students, faculty, alumni, and residents of Frederick to this event. Alumni and others who are not current members of Blazer tennis competed in the tournament.
The dedication included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and statements by some of the people involved in the creation of the new complex. Speakers included: the director of athletics Gib Romaine, Hood alumni / vice president for institutional advancement Nancy Gillece (’81), director of corporate relations Suzie Smith, former tennis coach / current professor of History and International Studies Dr. Len Latkovski, current head coach Tim Halter, and Hood president Dr. Ron Volpe.
The complex features six NCAA regulation courts donned in blue and grey. The courts were opened to students, faculty, and staff on Monday, Aug. 27. The terrace walk near the entrance will be covered in wisteria. “We now have a first class facility on which to train and play,” said Dr. Latkovski. “We have the best tennis courts in the region. This facility is a wonderful asset to the college,” he added.
Latkovski served as the head coach of tennis at Hood from 1995 to 2005. Although he primarily teaches history courses, he is also an instructor for the tennis courses at Hood. Latkovski had the honor of participating in the symbolic first serve following the dedication. The other participant was Halter. Latkovski used a wooden, antique racket. Halter used a much newer one. “It was an honor to do the first serve with Tim,” said Latkovski. “And I was very pleased to see the Hood community come out to support us,” he added.
The vision to create a new tennis facility had been in the plans for quite some time. The old courts were in dismal condition and were in constant need of repair.
They were recently torn down and that area was converted into a parking lot. “We promised to have courts again someday,” said Volpe. “We went around the country and raised funds from private donors.”
Hood alums Linda Allan (’70) and Nancy Tressel Brown (’57) made outstanding contributions to the new courts. Many other alumni and friends of the college contributed as well. Aramark, the company that supplies campus meals made a donation.
Brewer’s Alley and the Hodson Trust helped fund the new facility as well. “Each court cost about $100,000” said Volpe. “The dedication was a great way to honor the donors who made it possible.”
KBE Building Corporation granted Hood an endowment. “KBE will pay the salary of the tennis coach forever,” said Volpe.
The courts will also help with recruiting. “If you are a tennis player looking for a D three school, Hood would not have been your first choice.” said Dr. Roger Reitman, a sociology professor at Hood. “We will be able to attract a lot more players with the new courts. I think that every college should have tennis courts,” he added.
Reitman is a tennis instructor off campus. His son Carter graduated from Hood last year. Carter played for the Blazers. “It’s a completely different atmosphere because it is on campus now,” said Reitman.
Nalla Tajera (’13) has played tennis since her freshman year at Hood. “I feel like our program is more serious now,” said Tajera. “It’s definitely easier now planning for practice because it’s much closer,” she added. “The new courts are much nicer than the ones in Baker Park.”
Prior to the construction of the new courts, players had to walk to Baker Parkin order to practice and compete. The new facility makes it easier for students to practice. The opening of the courts is one of several additions to the campus for the last few years. “We wanted to thank the donors for continuing to help enhance the quality of life on campus,” said Volpe.
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