A NEW TROJAN PAVILION

Central’s tennis athletes show off their skills on their new courts

by Bryce Ward staff writer

Everyone has enjoyed something to the point they have to change it in order to make it more thrilling for their personal enjoyment. As people live their everyday life, there’s always something they enjoy more than another. Sometimes, those things we love can grow to be repetitive, bland, or just no longer enjoyable. A change however, can all of a sudden bring about a new spark of excitement, like a spotlight shining on a singer on stage. For the tennis team here at Traverse City Central High School, their own invigorat- ing change came in the form of a court remodel. Central’s tennis teams have their own facility called The Trojan Pavilion. This facility has been used for years and was maintained as long as it could be. But when something like a tennis court is used frequently, it can lose its shine and gain some defects. “The past three years here at Central, the courts have always been in rough shape… they were a couple years overdue for remodeling,” states Varsity boys captain Caden Kowal ‘24. During previous seasons, the coaches were irritated with the facility, having to manage their teams around many small complications like fencing issues, loose bricks on pathways, and even unlevel surfaces. “It’s easier to work between different courts since they’ve removed fencing that stood in the middle of a couple of the courts, and having leveled off some courts just makes practices smoother,” Kowal comments.

After the 2022-2023 boys season, the remodeling of the facility began. But with a slow start to the production, and the estimated time of completion being delayed, it wouldn’t be finished in time for the girls season. Having this problem occur, the girls weren’t able to practice at their home for their season, so they had to play at East Middle School’s courts. However, while the reconstruction was occurring, some of the courts had been demolished to level them to the rest and were remodeled from scratch. Along with the courts, major factors of the facility were redone as well. For example, the old fencing that blocked courts from others was entirely stripped and replaced for better mobility and a fresh appearance. While this process seems simple, it took the entire summer of 2023 to finish it just in time for the start of the 2023-2024 boys season. “There were a lot of surface cracks and drainage issues, so we were fortunate enough to [lay] a whole new foundation,” says boys tennis coach Casey Christensen.

When receiving something brand new, it’s a natural feeling to be anxious about using it. So, how did the teams act when their new courts were implemented? Christensen recounts that “anytime you get a major upgrade like that, it produces a lot of positive buzz. The kids are excited to come to practice and…do what they love.” However, the tennis courts are not only for the teams. The coaches encourage community members to use them on the weekends, or on a nice evening after a long day, although this does come with some principles: “Occasionally, people come and try to play pickleball on them, but we’re trying to regulate that. There won’t be lines that go down or anything like that,” Christensen explains. “It’s a tennis facility, and that’s what we’re trying to [play].” Since the facility is under constant surveillance, any unknown complications that occur can be resolved quickly. “There [are] people here all the time playing, [and] it’s good for the sport in the community,” discloses Christensen. “We try to encourage everyone to be good stewards of the facility. We want to make it last as long as we can.”

Even though the courts were run down to scraps, Central’s tennis teams have accumulated numerous accomplishments over the years, from having 35 total regional titles and more than fifty top ten placements in states. It can be said that the teams pushed themselves and the limits of the facility. Having the tennis home built in 1961, they have had plenty of time to create the strong, unique, and competitive Trojan culture we all know and love. Central’s collective strength has opened doors for coaches to experience a dream job. Both Christensen and Lisa Seymour, the girls’ tennis coach, took a look at the opportunities and wanted to implement the destination into their careers. While Central’s tennis teams have their strong historical nature, the individual and team accomplishments demonstrate what it’s like to be a Trojan, showing Christensen and Seymour that players are dedicated to what they do. “These banners [at the courts] frame our accomplishments and symbolize Central culture,” Christensen mentions, referencing the many signs celebrating the Trojans around the facility.

The change might seem like that big of a deal, but the way it impacted the teams is really reflective of their performance. The reconstruction of the facility made players eager and excited to play on the courts. The players continue to support each other no matter the circumstances, and having a new facility has helped connect the teams and build a positive mentality. “[We] support each other no matter how we’re playing,” Kowal reflects. “No matter what the other teams are like, we have to go out there, and we have to play consistently. We have to play strong and keep the confidence up.” //