April 22nd, 2010
Tennis boosters make improvements to SMHS tennis courts

Front,  left to right : Torres Paving’s George Garcia, San Marcos CISD Tennis Booster Vice President Robert Gonzales, Head Coach Jack Hughes, SMHS Principal Michelle Darling, Booster Secretary Patrice Gribbons, Booster President Mary Braun, community volunteer Jim Pendercast, Torres Paving owner Alex Torres,  and Torres Paving’s Alex Torres, Jr. Back, left to right:  parent volunteer Carter Stone, tennis players Jayden Tabor, Gage Sears and Effie Husbands, parent volunteer Cherie’ Stone, community volunteer Randy Rogers, and tennis player Linda Sandante.

STAFF REPORT

The San Marcos High School (SMHS) tennis courts have benefited from the work and fundraising currently underway by the San Marcos CISD Tennis Boosters. Parents have held fundraisers supporting both the beautification and functional improvements including new plantings, a new patio area and drainage work.

“Parents have worked hard all year on several fundraising projects to raise funds to pay for landscaping and drainage improvements at the courts. We’re installing pavers, plantings and other items,” booster club President Mary Braun said.  “Our children get so much out of the tennis program. It is rewarding for the boosters to be able to give something back in the way of this project so others will be able to enjoy it for years to come.”

The San Marcos High School tennis team, which won back-to-back district championships in 2009 and 2010, are in Willis this week to representing San Marcos in the Regional competition. Five girls and four boys will compete.

Coach Jack Hughes and Assistant Coach Libby Yock have seen the tennis program grow to include about 150 students in grades seven through 12.

“The improvements are great,” said Hughes. “We appreciate the work of the booster club. San Marcos is hosting more tournaments, which means our students do not have to travel as much and we bring hundreds of players to San Marcos. The beautification project fills a need.”

Local physician Randy Rogers, who headed up a similar effort when his children played tennis at the old San Marcos High School courts, has been pivotal in working with parents to plan and organize the effort. Donations have been received from local companies, including Pavestone Company, Tuttle Lumber, Braun Group and Central Texas Tennis Academy.

Volunteers and donations are currently needed to help with the landscaping and patio work on the April 24 planned workday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting. Helpers may choose to come for a few hours or stay all day and are asked to wear old clothes, bring gloves and to wear closed-toe shoes.

Also ongoing is the the booster club’s “Racquet Round-Up,”  which asks for donations of tennis racquets  for players who cannot afford them.

“As our tennis program grows and we have more and more students at high school and junior high playing tennis, we have a need for racquets for students who cannot afford them,” said Coach Hughes.

Racquets may be dropped off at the SMHS tennis courts or at both Victory Cleaners locations at either 418 South LBJ Drive or 102 Wonder World Drive.

Individuals wishing to get their children involved in tennis may call Hughes at (512) 393-6800 and leave a message. For more information about the booster club, call (512) 757-0387.

Cash donations to support the San Marcos CISD tennis program may be mailed to SMCISD Tennis Booster Club, C/O SMCISD Tennis Boosters, 2021 Ranch Road 12, San Marcos, Texas, 768666.