University of Tulsa Dedicates Michael D. Case Tennis Center
12/14/2001 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
Dec. 14, 2001
Tulsa, Okla. - The University of Tulsa officially dedicated the Michael D. Case Tennis Center on Friday afternoon. The ceremony included remarks by TU President Bob Lawless, Athletic Director Judy MacLeod, director of Tennis and Men's Tennis Head Coach, Vince Westbrook, and head women's coach Paige McMurray.
Mike Case, developer and philanthropist, was the driving force behind the project. He acknowledged the financial contributions of donors that led to the completion of the center.
"The dedication completes more than a year of construction and hard work and propels Golden Hurricane tennis into a new era," said Fulton Collins, chairman of the TU Board of Trustees. "This facility will showcase tennis talent, not only our students but also will serve as a venue for world-class tournaments, exhibitions and clinics right here in our community. On behalf of the university, I congratulate Mike on his super efforts in making today a reality."
The new facility will give TU a competitive edge in the recruitment of student athletes. Judy MacLeod, athletic director, said, "The Michael D. Case Tennis Center will help us take an already outstanding program to the next level, not only in recruiting top prospects but also in attracting the nation's top collegiate programs here for competitions."
Vince Westbrook, director of the tennis program and men's tennis coach added, "This tennis center is of the caliber that most coaches can only dream. Because of Mike Case and his efforts our players and coaches can now experience what it means to have a state-of-the-art facility for practice and play."
"I am pleased to have the opportunity to thank the many donors who had faith in this project, especially Bill and Suzanne Warren who provided financial and personal support from the beginning. This center will benefit the tennis program at TU and our community as well. I am proud to see it dedicated today," said Case.
The Michael D. Case Tennis Center includes a 54,000 square foot tennis pavilion with spectator seating, conditioning and training facilities, lounges, essential support facilities including bath and locker rooms, lighted outdoor courts and indoor courts, and electronic scoreboards.
Larry Kester of Architects Collective designed the facility and it was built by Lowry and Hemphill Construction Company, Inc.
Following the dedication, John McEnroe, internationally known tennis superstar, will play an inaugural tennis match against members of TU's men's and women's tennis teams.
TU is a private, comprehensive, doctoral-degree-granting university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA), offering a low 11 to 1 student/faculty ratio, a distinguished faculty, the extensive resources of a residential campus, and the excitement of NCAA Division I athletics.
