TC Foundation receives $10,000 to revitalize tennis courts

July 7, 2014, Texarkana, TX– The Red River Tennis Association (RRTA) presented a $10,000 donation today to the Texarkana College Foundation to revitalize the tennis courts located at the college’s Pinkerton Recreation Center.  The check presentation ceremony, held in the lobby of the Nelson Administration building, included representatives of the Red River Tennis Association who announced the newly formed collaboration to provide Texarkana College students along with members of the RRTA and the community greater access to quality tennis courts and recreational programs.

Bob Long, president of the Red River Tennis Association, said, “We are glad to support the efforts of the College to provide a quality tennis program to the community.  The courts are in great need of updating and members of our association recognize this effort as the necessary first step in making strides toward revitalizing the recreational tennis opportunities at the College.”

The RRTA will work alongside college officials to develop recreational tennis programs that will benefit the community as well as TC students.  The eight tennis courts are a part of the Texarkana College Pinkerton Recreation Center which provides students and community patrons with access to a full-service fitness and gymnasium facility that includes basketball and racquetball courts, an Olympic-size heated indoor swimming pool, a weight facility, and a fitness room.

“We are grateful to receive this generous donation to help update our tennis courts,” said Texarkana College President, James Henry Russell.  “The courts were built in 1969 and there are a lot of updates needed before they can be fully utilized again.  Throughout the years, the courts have been home to area and regional tennis tournaments and have provided an affordable and accessible facility where students and community members can practice and play. The Red River Tennis Association’s support will allow us to continue to offer this service and to develop additional recreational opportunities.”

The Red River Tennis Association currently has close to 300 members and was founded in 1998 to promote the sport of tennis in the Texarkana area.  Persons interested in learning more about the Texarkana College Pinkerton Center may contact Debby Steifer at 903-823-3413.  For additional information about the Texarkana College Foundation or to make a donation, please contact Katie Andrus by calling (903) 823-3125 or by email at katie.andrus@texarkanacollege.edu.

###

Photo Attached:  (From Left to Right)

Front Row: Jane Daines, Kaye Ellison, Katie Andrus

Back Row: Tony Flaherty, Mike Sandefur, Billy Power, Rusty Tarwater, and Bob Long