LYNN SCORES NEW COURTS

The Community Celebrates Opening of Tennis Complex

By JEN RODRIGUES
Staff Writer

On Friday, Jan. 29, the Lynn University community came together to celebrate the opening of the new Perper Tennis Complex.

Faculty, staff and students came together on the courts as President Kevin Ross spoke about the hard work and dedication of the Fighting Knights tennis team, as well as the amazing facility they now have to play on. The new complex houses six brand new tennis courts for team use. There is now covered, stadium style seating for spectators as well as an electronic scoreboard. This is also the first outdoor, lighted athletic complex on campus.

President Ross opened the ceremony by explaining the features of the new complex, as well as honoring the many achievements of Lynn’s seven-time national championship tennis teams. Some of those achievements include 52 All-American honors for the men’s team, 82 All-American honors for the women’s team and 12 Sunshine State Conference Championships between the two. Ross also honored Coach Mike Perez, who has received many honors, including the International Tennis Associations Coach of the Decade for the 1990s.

Members of the Men and Women’s tennis teams were front and center throughout the ceremony. They seemed to be taking in the beauty of the new courts they now have to practice and compete on. During the ceremony, Christine Johnstone, senior, spoke on behalf of the teams saying, “We are so grateful for your generous donations.”

Many of the donors who made the complex a reality were seated in the audience. Following Johnstone’s remarks, Judith Nelson, vice president for development and alumni affairs, got to the podium. She also thanked the benefactors by stating that “we now have a court that matches the accomplishments of the team.” Nelson then presented the donors with a unique opportunity. Each benefactor was given the opportunity to hit a ceremonial first serve of the new courts. Namesakes Harold and Mary Perper were honored with the first serve, with the help of members of the Fighting Knights tennis team. The Perpers were followed by Barbara and David Gerrits, Keith Brown of the Burton D. Morgan Foundation, Sandy and Dick Young, the Hackett family, Jacqueline and Luis Souza, Carole and Jay Weitzman, the Eden Charitable Foundation, Mary Calvin Harrison and representatives from Pepsi Americas.

Following the ceremonies closing remarks, member of the tennis team jumped right on the courts to practice. It was obvious they are very excited about these new courts, and so are other members of Lynn’s Athletic Department. Gene Prousnitzer, the men’s basketball team head manager, said, “The new tennis complex looks amazing. I am sure it will help get students wanting to go to games and recruits wanting to be a part of Lynn tennis.” The first ever night game for Lynn University tennis will be played tonight at 6 p.m. when the women take on Palm Beach Atlantic University.