and MATT CLOWER

Staff Writers

Despite delays and uncooperative weather the new Troy tennis complex located on Elm Street is nearing completion and is scheduled to open in mid-June.

The first ball was hit on the new courts on Wednesday by Chad Hebert, coach of the Troy State University tennis team, Alex Whaley Sr. of Whaley Construction which built the new complex and Mike Davis, representative of the city of Troy.

"We’re checking out the court," said Whaley. "Chad was instrumental in designing and promoting the court. In mid-June construction will be completed. The opening will be announced by the city of Troy. Stay tuned to The Messenger for more details."

The new complex will boast 12 lighted courts, a manager’s office, equipment storage, restroom facilities and parking for 50 cars.

"The city of Troy and Troy State University are very fortunate to have a facility such as this," said Hebert.

The complex was formed in a unique partnership between the city, TSU and Troy City Schools. The TSU tennis team, the high school tennis team and the general public will all have access to the new facility.

Troy Parks and Recreation Director Dan Smith said although the hours for public use of the facility have not been finalized, plans are already underway to bring tennis to the people of Troy.

"We’re going to utilize this facility to the fullest to promote tennis to young people as well as adults," Smith said.

There will be youth and adult tennis leagues, local leagues, instruction and tournaments.

Smith said the tennis programs could begin as early as this summer.

"We want to hit the ground running as soon as the facility is open," Smith said.

Hebert said he is excited about bringing the TSU tennis team to the new facility.

"I’m just really impressed, this is an outstanding facility," Hebert said. "We’ve moved from having the worst facility in the TAAC conference to having the best."

Hebert said the old tennis courts were just getting too old and had severe cracks on the playing surface.

"We really liked the location of the old facility," he said. "We liked being so close to campus but the surface was just in such bad shape."

Hebert said the damaged surface hindered gameplay and increased the risk of injury.

The new courts will also be a big help when recruiting new players for the tennis team. "The courts will now be the first place I take recruits instead of the last," Hebert said.

The TSU tennis team will begin practice on the new courts as soon as the new semester starts and the first game is scheduled for Feb. 12.