Fresno State Athletics
Wathen Family Donation Brings Lights to Tennis Facility
7/1/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
July 1, 2005
FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State's tennis complex got a little brighter this week with the addition of lights.
The Spalding G. Wathen Tennis Center, one of the premier facilities in the nation, previously did not have lights. The lights were donated by the Wathen Family.
"We are very thankful to the Wathen Family for their generosity to Fresno State, the athletics department and especially the Bulldog tennis programs," said John J. Kriebs, assistant athletics director for facilities and operations and sports administrator for men's and women's tennis. "The addition of the lights gives us a great opportunity to have more flexibility in scheduling and increase the use of the outstanding facility. It is a great benefit to our student-athletes and coaches who will now be able to use the facility more often. I also hope that we will be able to schedule some evening matches during the week, which will be a great benefit for fans to come out and enjoy watching our nationally-ranked tennis teams."
The Fresno State Athletics Department held a ribbon cutting and lighting ceremony Thursday evening. Members of the Wathen Family, close friends, Fresno State coaches and administrators attended the function.
"On behalf of the Bulldog tennis program and our student-athletes, I want to thank the Wathen Family for this generous gift," said Bulldog men's coach Jay Udwadia. "This is a great addition to an already outstanding facility and will really enhance our overall program. It's exciting to have lights at the Wathen Tennis Center."
The Wathen Tennis Center is a 1,500-seat facility and has been host to several WAC and NCAA Championship events. The Bulldogs host the 2006 WAC Championships at the Wathen Tennis Center in May.
