By Maegan Green<\/p>\n
The newly constructed tennis courts were recently honored with a dedication ceremony.\u00a0 On Friday, Sept. 14, Hood welcomed students, faculty, alumni, and residents of Frederick to this event.\u00a0 Alumni and others who are not current members of Blazer tennis competed in the tournament.<\/p>\n
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 (\u201981), 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.<\/p>\n
\u00a0The complex features six NCAA regulation courts donned in blue and grey.\u00a0 The courts were opened to students, faculty, and staff on Monday, Aug. 27.\u00a0 The terrace walk near the entrance will be covered in wisteria.\u00a0 \u201cWe now have a first class facility on which to train and play,\u201d said Dr. Latkovski.\u00a0 \u201cWe have the best tennis courts in the region. This facility is a wonderful asset to the college,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
\u00a0Latkovski served as the head coach of tennis at Hood from 1995 to 2005.\u00a0 Although he primarily teaches history courses, he is also an instructor for the tennis courses at Hood.\u00a0 Latkovski had the honor of participating in the symbolic first serve following the dedication.\u00a0 The other participant was Halter.\u00a0 Latkovski used a wooden, antique racket.\u00a0 Halter used a much newer one.\u00a0 \u201cIt was an honor to do the first serve with Tim,\u201d said Latkovski.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I was very pleased to see the Hood community come out to support us,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
\u00a0The vision to create a new tennis facility had been in the plans for quite some time.\u00a0 The old courts were in dismal condition and were in constant need of repair.<\/p>\n
They were recently torn down and that area was converted into a parking lot.\u00a0 \u201cWe promised to have courts again someday,\u201d said Volpe.\u00a0 \u201cWe went around the country and raised funds from private donors.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0Hood alums Linda Allan (\u201970) and Nancy Tressel Brown (\u201957) made outstanding contributions to the new courts.\u00a0 Many other alumni and friends of the college contributed as well.\u00a0 Aramark, the company that supplies campus meals made a donation.<\/p>\n
Brewer\u2019s Alley and the Hodson Trust helped fund the new facility as well.\u00a0 \u201cEach court cost about $100,000\u201d said Volpe.\u00a0 \u201cThe dedication was a great way to honor the donors who made it possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0KBE Building Corporation granted Hood an endowment.\u00a0 \u201cKBE will pay the salary of the tennis coach forever,\u201d said Volpe.<\/p>\n
\u00a0The courts will also help with recruiting.\u00a0 \u201cIf you are a tennis player looking for a D three school, Hood would not have been your first choice.\u201d said Dr. Roger Reitman, a sociology professor at Hood.\u00a0 \u201cWe will be able to attract a lot more players with the new courts.\u00a0 I think that every college should have tennis courts,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Reitman is a tennis instructor off campus.\u00a0 His son Carter graduated from Hood last year.\u00a0 Carter played for the Blazers.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s a completely different atmosphere because it is on campus now,\u201d said Reitman.<\/p>\n
\u00a0Nalla Tajera (\u201913) has played tennis since her freshman year at Hood.\u00a0 \u201cI feel like our program is more serious now,\u201d said Tajera.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s definitely easier now planning for practice because it\u2019s much closer,\u201d she added.\u00a0 \u201cThe new courts are much nicer than the ones in Baker Park.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0Prior to the construction of the new courts, players had to walk to Baker Parkin order to practice and compete.\u00a0 The new facility makes it easier for students to practice.\u00a0 The opening of the courts is one of several additions to the campus for the last few years.\u00a0 \u201cWe wanted to thank the donors for continuing to help enhance the quality of life on campus,\u201d said Volpe.<\/p>\n
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