The University of Wyoming Board of Trustees today (Friday) authorized a preliminary design study for an indoor tennis facility that has long been included in the university's construction plans.
The proposed facility has been a part of UW's Capital Facilities Plan since 2006 and UW does not have a men's tennis program.
"UW has a duty to ensure that competitive facilities are provided for all our student-athletes," says Athletics Director Tom Burman. "UW's current NCAA recertification process recognizes that such a facility is an issue that should be addressed. While UW has endeavored to raise funds for this project over several years, the NCAA recertification process makes it clear that progress needs to be made."
The board's authorization of a Level I design study is the initial step. Upon completion of the study, UW will provide cost estimates and possible revenue sources for the remaining steps to trustees for consideration, Burman says.
Many of UW's conference rivals have superior tennis facilities, including the Bayard H. Friedman Tennis Center at Texas Christian University, which features 27 indoor and outdoor courts, and the University of Utah's George S. Eccles Tennis Center, the state's only indoor playing facility with eight courts. Additionally, San Diego State University and UNLV have state-of-the-art outdoor centers, each with 12 lighted courts.
UW's current tennis facility has just two covered courts for competition.