As Southern University women’s tennis prepares to host the SWAC Tennis East-West Round-Up Friday, the perennial SWAC title contenders received a much needed facility upgrade in hopes of elevating the program to new heights.
Southern University University Courts underwent a month-long resurfacing project, which culminated with a dedication Tuesday afternoon. Interim Athletic Director Sandy Pugh, Coca-Cola Executive Ron Sutton and members of the 2012 tennis squad were on-hand to break in the new courts.
“When you get a facility upgrade, its definitely a plus. It helps you with your recruiting and it helps the girls be happy,” said head tennis coach Jeff Conyers.
“It’s been a long time. A lot of (former) Jaguars spent some good years on these courts. To finally please this group of ladies following behind (past SU tennis alumni) and to get the courts resurfaced is a great honor.”
The project, which cost $22,000 dollars, included leveling the playing area of five of the seven SUUC courts before painting the courts a vibrant green and royal blue.
“Tennis has been incredible. These young ladies are 4.0 students, they graduate, they’ve excelled, they represent and they optimize what you want in a student-athlete. We’re just really happy that we were able to find them and fund it to make this happen. To be apart of this wonderful,” said interim athletics director Sandy Pugh.
The SUUC is among four Baton Rouge area courts that will host the two-day round robin tournament. All 10 SWAC programs are schedule to participate and Southern will play all of its games on the newly resurfaced playing area at the SUUC.
Here is a complete listing of games scheduled for the 2012 SWAC Round-Up:
March 30th
9:00 a.m.
Alabama A&M vs. Jackson State – IPTC
Southern vs. Mississippi Valley – SUUC
Grambling vs. U of Arkansas Pine Bluff – GPTC
U of Arkansas Pine Bluff vs. Alabama A&M – HPTC
2:00 p.m.
Jackson State vs. Alcorn – IPTC
Grambling vs. Prairie View – SUUC
Mississippi Valley vs Alabama State – GPTC
U of Arkansas Pine Bluff vs Alabama A&M – HPTC
5:00 p.m.
Southern vs. Alabama State
March 31st
9:00 a.m.
Alabama A&M vs. Grambling – GPTC
Prairie View vs. Southern – SUUC
Alabama State vs. Jackson State – HPTC
Mississippi Valley vs. U of Arkansas Pine Bluff – IPTC
2:00 p.m.
Alabama A&M vs Mississippi Valley – GPTC
Alcorn vs. Alabama State – IPTC
U of Arkansas Pine Bluff vs Prairie View – HPTC
Southern vs. Jackson State – SUUC
5:00 p.m.
Grambling vs. Alcorn – SUUC
Highland Park Tennis Center – HPTC
Independence Park Tennis Center – IPTC
Greenwood Park Tennis Center – GPTC
Southern University Univertsity Courts – SUUC
Video – SUUC Dedication
