May 31, 2015
MARSHALL, Texas (5/28/15) - The East Texas Baptist University Athletic Department, in cooperation with the Office of University Advancement, held the Veteran's Memorial Tennis Complex Dedication Ceremony on campus in the Phillips Great Room of Bennett Student Commons. The construction of the eight court facility was completed in October 2014 and is located on campus at the intersection of Tiger Drive and Van Zandt.
The ceremony was led by ETBU Athletic Director Kent Reeves with personal comments shared by Tiger tennis coach Jeff Bramlett and two of the major donors to the project, Sharon Purser of Karnes City and Early McWhorter of Marshall. Major General, United States Army (Retired) Vernon B. Lewis, Jr. of Marshall provided the lead gift to the project. ETBU Interim President Dr. Lawrence Ressler closed the ceremony with a prayer of dedication.
ETBU resurrected its tennis program in 2012 after a long absence. The ETBU Tennis team practiced and played their home matches on the courts at Marshall High School hoping that they would soon have on-campus facilities to enhance its program. "Marshall ISD graciously allowed the ETBU Tennis program to use their courts for practice and play for three years," said Reeves. "During that time, ETBU was fortunate enough to promote the program and with the help of willing donors, raised enough funds to build the courts to support our student athletes."
Reeves shared the vision of the University with the building of the tennis complex. "The number one priority was for the courts to host intercollegiate men and women's varsity tennis program. Second, was to have a place for our students, faculty and staff to play tennis. The facility would also be beneficial in our academic area of Kinesiology for teaching tennis courses. Lastly, ETBU would like to give back to the community through the support of tennis leagues and individuals matches played on our campus."
"I am very thankful to all who made this possible," said Bramlett, who became the Tiger Tennis coach in January , 2014. "The courts provide ETBU an opportunity to compete. We want to be champion, not just in tennis but in everything we do in our faith and academics. Building these courts are indicators that we are serious contenders at the University."
Sharon Purser and her husband, David are dear friends of Coach Bramlett. Their gift was given to honor her parents. Sharon told those in attendance, "God is good. This complex has been built upon a lot of good. May the activities exhibited here always be honorable. May this be a place where there is good sportsmanship, healthy competition and a place where good encouraging words are spoken."
Early McWhorter has been an advocate for tennis in the city of Marshall since the 1970s. Her husband, Wayne, is currently serving as an ETBU Board of Trustee member. She encouraged those present to be involved in growing the ETBU Tennis program as well as other tennis programs in Marshall. "Tennis is a lifetime sport that anyone can enjoy and create friendships that will last forever," said McWhorter.
The Veterans Memorial Tennis Complex was made possible by the support of Fred and Janet Alverson, Austin Bank, Citizens National Bank, Mary Fitts, Vernon and Pat Lewis, Marshall Ford, Wayne and Early McWhorter, David and Sharon Purser, and Allen Staggers.
ETBU is a member of the American Southwest Conference and competes in NCAA Division III athletics. Besides men's and women's tennis, the Tigers also field teams in football, volleyball, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's track and field, softball, and baseball.