One way or another, they all said the same thing: A tennis facility was sorely needed and now they've got one.
With that the University of Utah officially opened its new indoor tennis complex, the George S. Eccles Tennis Center. In so doing the school joined other universities around the country with full-blown tennis programs.Heretofore, the Utes were recognized as a team of vagabonds.
They played wherever and whenever a tennis facility would take them - the Sports Mall, Canyon Racquet Club, Hamilton Club, even the Salt Lake Swimming and Tennis Club.
There were no indoor facilities on campus for the team, and in tennis most of the practicing and two-thirds of the season are played in the winter.
Many years back, David Freed and then-Utah tennis coach Harry James set about working toward an on-campus facility.
Friday, with cold winds blowing outside, Spencer Eccles and U. of U. president Chase Peterson served and volleyed the first point ever in the center.
The complex holds eight indoor courts, featuring the latest in indoor heating and lighting and seating for 1,000 spectators. It also has offices, locker rooms, class rooms, a pro shop, lounge and vending area.
Total cost of the tennis complex was nearly $2 million. The George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation gave nearly $1.4 million. Freed helped raise $500,000.
Friday, Utah Athletic Director Dr. Chris Hill called it "one of the finest tennis facilities in the country."
Several of Utah's strongest tennis supporters concurred.
Peterson recognized those who had helped bring tennis on-campus. He pointed out Freed's tireless efforts and James' "push, push, push until it was done."
Spencer Eccles, representing the foundation, then made a presentation of $250,000 additional money to go toward the Dee Glen Smith Football Center that is under construction next to the tennis center. The Smith Center will have indoor practice facilities for other sports, such as football, golf, baseball and track.
He then presented the school with another $250,000 to be used as an endowment for the David and Blanch Freed Student Scholarship Fund to be used within the tennis program.
The scholarship fund, said Eccles, will help perpetuate the name of David and Blanch Freed and the service they have given to tennis.
F.D. Robbins, who took over the Utah tennis program from James in 1986, will manage the facility, along with his duties as coach of the Ute men's team.
John Tsumas, who played under James and now coaches the Utah women's team, will also have an office in the center.
Both Robbins and Tsumas said that the new center would help their respective programs "immensely."
The tennis program at Utah has, in fact, been one of its most successful programs.
Since 1979, Utah has won the WAC tennis title nine times.
James won it seven times in eight years, and Robbins won his in 1987, his first year coaching, and again this past May.
Along with the tennis teams, the center will be available for physical education classes, tennis instruction and for hourly use by students, staff, faculty and members of the Crimson Club.