Print Playing for stress relief, competition
Image 1 of 8 
Pops and cracks of rackets volleying back and forth filled the Winona Tennis Center as the new Winona State University tennis intramural club members took the court.
The 16 members of the first intramural tennis club, which officially began January 25, beamed with smiles on their faces, sharing their love of the sport with each other.
Scuffed up shoes lay sprawled under bleachers with remnants of winter still clinging to the leather. Each week, members pile in and peel off layers of sweatshirts and winter coats as they carry in loaded bags filled with tennis rackets and dozens of highlighter-yellow tennis balls.
Shouts of “Ah!” and “No!” radiate from the mouths of members as they laugh off rogue serves and wild returns. The cohort of players gather to “get the dust off” in hopes to eventually start a competitive team.
President of the tennis club Patrick Mabry, a sophomore at Winona State University, said that he created the team to bring together people who want to play competitively as well as recreationally.
A tennis player since the age of six, Mabry said he has sought to play on a team at WSU since he came to campus, but the men’s team had been cut due to inadequate funding.
Mabry plays with intensity in his eyes and seems comfortable in the leadership role as he rounds up the team to run serving drills and match sets. The intramural club is co-ed and welcomes all skill levels, but Mabry is already dreaming up yet another tennis-related team.
Registered with the United States Tennis Association (USTA), the competitive team will compete with other USTA teams from universities such as UW-Stout, UW-Eau Claire and the University of Minnesota.
The competitive team gives those who play on the intramural club, as well as other tennis players, a chance to pick up the intensity and ultimately compete in national championships.
There is no set date for tryouts; Mabry said the team should be formed before the end of the semester after the funding has been approved providing the team with a means of transportation.
The team is limited to WSU students that are full time and show potential.
The officers of the club will judge tryouts. Mabry said those with the ability to keep a ball in play persistently (rally more than five to seven hits) as well as the ability to place their serves and have an adequate game strategy will catch the eye of judges.
Mabry said essentially the new Winona USTA competitive team will be a small traveling co-ed squad with an A and B team consisting of four members on each.
Many members of the intramural club are planning on trying out for the competitive team, using the club time as preparation. Mabry said the club is working on their match play right now as well as their ground strokes from the baseline.
Ryan Curtin, secretary of the intramural tennis club and tennis player since seventh grade, said he would be trying out for the new team. Curtin ultimately has one goal in mind: Competing
“It’s the only way I play tennis,” Curtin said.
The competitive spirit isn’t the only reason many members come out to play each week.
Jo Harren, treasurer of the intramural tennis club, said participating in the sport is her way of de-stressing and having fun with others who enjoy tennis.
“It's such a great way to let loose and blow off some steam,” Harren said. “It's a blast and a great workout at the same time. “
According to Mabry, the new competitive team hopes to be on its feet by the end of the semester as members ready to take on their first competitors: UW-Stout.
While many college students ready to hit the bar scene, the intramural tennis club is just lacing up their shoes. The club meets Tuesday from 7:30-9 p.m. and Thursday 8-9:30 p.m. weekly at the Winona Tennis Center.
Members play until the lights go out; the only one’s left on the court, as they complete their volleys, round up rogue tennis balls and pack up for the night.
Comments
Post new comment