Springfield, Ohio – The Missouri Valley Section of the United States Tennis Association (USTA) has announced its 2014 award-winners, and a program formerly headed by Wittenberg University Men’s and Women’s Tennis Head Coach Nick Rohner is among the honorees.
The Pella Tennis Association (PTA), which promotes the sport and organizes a wide variety of activities, events and clinics for players of all ages in Pella, was named Outstanding Community Tennis Association for 2014 by the Missouri Valley Section of the USTA. Rohner, who is in his first season at Wittenberg after six years as an assistant at his alma mater, Central College, served as director of junior programming for the PTA from 2011-14.
Rohner, a licensed teaching professional by the United States Professional Tennis Association, coordinated many of the PTA’s activities in recent years and contributed significantly to the organization’s growth. The PTA earned the award thanks to the growth of its junior programs, which more than doubled in the last four years, the addition of 10-and-under tennis, new summer tournaments and adult leagues, and the resurfacing of courts around the city.
Rohner has wasted no time getting involved in the tennis scene in his new community, as he has already reached out to the National Trail Parks and Recreation Department (NTPRD) to re-tool the Wittenberg summer tennis clinics. He is also looking to extend current partnerships with the USTA.
“In my experience, no individual or organization can make tennis thrive by himself or herself,” Rohner said. “It takes a significant investment of time and community resources. I am thrilled to be a catalyst in that process, both previously in Pella and currently here in Springfield.”
Not only does Rohner see great potential for the growth of tennis in Springfield, but he hopes Wittenberg’s program reaps benefits from new programming in the area as well.
“The success of Wittenberg’s tennis program is tied to the Springfield community’s affinity for the sport,” Rohner said. “In particular, junior tennis growth creates buzz and contributes to improvement in the high school ranks that ultimately makes this a regional destination for tournaments and leagues that benefit the entire community.
“Whether by instilling community pride, creating new wellness programs, or experiencing increased retail profits, local tennis could have an incredible impact on Springfield.”
Wittenberg’s tennis teams both won their only dual match of the fall 2014 season. The Tigers will resume competition in February 2015, with the men opening the second half at Wright State on Feb. 22 before both teams open the six-week stretch run to the campaign with matches in Orlando, Fla., between March 9-13.
Written By: Ryan Maurer