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MILLIGAN COLLEGE, TN (Oct. 14, 2003) — Milligan College will host the “Milligan/Mathes Marathon Tennis Tournament” this Saturday, Oct. 18, at Liberty Bell Tennis Center in Johnson City in hopes of raising more than $100,000 toward a new tennis complex for the college. Each player will compete in 100 games of doubles play in one day, each with a goal to raise $2,500 total in sponsorships.
The tournament is being held in honor of local tennis legend and Milligan alumnus, Dr. W. T. Mathes (’42). As a student in the early 1940s, Mathes was one of the first players to compete on the college’s current courts. After a distinguished career at Milligan, he maintained a lifetime commitment to the sport, becoming ranked first in Tennessee, third in the South, and 25th in the nation in amateur play. Mathes’ granddaughter, Myra, now plays for the Milligan Buffs.
Milligan’s tennis players hope to be playing on new courts by this time next year, as the college prepares to relocate and expand its tennis complex, all in preparation for the college’s next major building project — the new Campus Center, which will be located in proximity to the current courts.
“As we move toward the realization of the college’s next major building project, we have both the need and the opportunity to relocate and expand our tennis facilities. The Central Campus Project is the premier capital initiative of the $30 million Milligan College Campaign for Christian Leadership. This move will recognize the vital role of tennis to the life of our college and help advance the program to new levels,” said Milligan President Don Jeanes.
Milligan’s tennis program features many local standouts from the region’s high schools. Tom Jones, Ryan Reynolds and Hannah Henderson represent Science Hill High School of Johnson City; brother and sister duo Adam and Amber Campbell represent Unicoi County High School; Sara Wallingford and David Reece from Elizabethton High School; and Myra O’Dell of Sullivan South also plays for the Buffs.
History of Milligan tennis
Since the founding of the first club team in 1914, tennis has played a cherished role in the life of Milligan students, explained Jeanes. In 1921, the first dirt courts were carved out near the site of the present softball field, now Anglin Field. From that time, intercollegiate play gained status and momentum on campus. When the new Cheek Activity Center was built in 1923-24, the dirt courts were moved to their present location to host the first intercollegiate team in 1927.
During the three decades that followed, Hughes Thompson coached a steady roster of fine, talented young players who would go on to distinguish themselves in the amateur ranks. In 1938, the present three paved surface courts were added to campus as the gift of Mrs. H.C. Price of Canton, Ohio, heralding a new era in Milligan tennis. Francis Brumit captained the first undefeated team in the college’s history in 1947. Under the leadership of Constance Mynatt, tennis became a major sport at Milligan in 1953. Milligan teams became known for their tenacity and winning attitudes.
In recent years, both men’s and women’s tennis teams have produced strong teams. An Appalachian Athletics Conference powerhouse, the Lady Buffs tennis team has won the conference crown three of the last six years under the leadership of Coach Marvin Glover. Since 1996, they have made three trips to the national championship and have produced many All-Conference performers.
“Over the past 65 years, the college’s present tennis courts have seen numerous victories, along with considerable wear and tear,” said Jeanes.
Plans for new complex
Major factors that will impact design of the college’s new tennis complex include the needs of the varsity and intramural programs of the college, along with the needs for academic tennis courses, summer camps and the local tennis community.
The complex will be located along Governor Alf Taylor Road, next to the Taylor/Phillips House. The final scope of the project will be contingent on funding, but the college’s goal is to construct six courts, conforming to collegiate tournament standards.
The courts will be tiered in order to recognize the natural topography of the land. The courts will be lighted to allow the student population to utilize the courts during evening hours. Spectator seating will be located between the courts. In addition, a series of plaza walkways will connect the courts to the parking area as well as the new clubhouse-which will provide both dressing and office space.
“We invite alumni and friends of the college to join in this exciting opportunity to shape the future of Milligan tennis,” explained tournament chair Tom Jones, a professor at Emmanuel School of Religion and a Milligan alumnus. Jones’ son, Tom, was a standout tennis player at Science Hill High School and now plays for the Buffs.
There are several naming opportunities, as well as sponsorship and giving levels, explained Jones. Supporters are encouraged to give in honor of one of the following Tournament Torch Bearers, who as tennis coaches have touched the lives of thousands of Milligan students: Hughes Thompson, Connie Mynatt, Duard Walker, Pat Bonner, Chuck Gee, Jack Knowles, Marvin Glover and Rich Aubrey.
For more information about sponsoring the new courts, call Todd Norris at 423.461.8955, Coach Rich Aubrey at 423.975.8029, or Coach Marvin Glover at 423.461.8904.