North Carolina State University Athletics
NC State Celebrates J.W. Isenhour Tennis Center Ribbon-Cutting
2/21/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
Feb. 21, 2005
RALEIGH, N.C. - On Saturday, Feb. 19, NC State University officially ushered in the beginning of a new era in Wolfpack tennis with the grand-opening dedication ceremony of the J.W. Isenhour Tennis Center. Named in honor of former men's and women's tennis head coach J.W. Isenhour, the 30,000-quare-foot complex brings an unprecedented advantage to both men's and women's tennis teams that neither squad has experienced in school history.
Amidst occasional sprinkles and cold weather, former student-athletes and fans of Pack tennis gathered outside the entrance of the new facility to pay homage to Isenhour and celebrate the opening of the new home of Wolfpack tennis, which bears his name. Following addresses from Director of Athletics Lee Fowler, Wolfpack Club Executive Director Bobby Purcell and NC State Chancellor Dr. James L. Oblinger, former red and white All-America recipient Andy Andrews addressed the crowd with a speech "from the heart." Referring to stories of the legendary coach to stress the focal point of his message, Andrews made it clear that NC State tennis exists because of Isenhour, and both programs will charter significant improvement in the complex named in his honor.
Isenhour, who began the day by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before the baseball teams' 8-5 win over San Diego State, was next to grace the podium. Grateful and extremely honored, the former coach thanked the supporting crowd in a very emotional address that covered his adventures both before and after NC State. Often recalling memories of former Pack players, Isenhour did his best to paint a clear image of the early history of a struggling tennis program, which he helped to dig out of the ground and turn into a legitimate Atlantic Coast Conference contender. Isenhour credited his wife, children, grandchildren and colleagues for all of his accomplishments before taking part in the ceremonial ribbon cutting and signaling a new chapter in Wolfpack tennis.
 J.W. Isenhour poses in front of the building bearing his name.  |
|
The facility, built on West Campus near newly renovated Doak Field, is one of the nicest indoor and outdoor tennis complexes in the nation. Designed exclusively for use by the men's and women's tennis program at NC State, the facility meets all of the standards set by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association.
The facility upgrades the outdoor complex by resurfacing the existing courts and adding an additional court to bring the total number of outdoor courts to seven. Renovation of the existing bleachers will open up spectator seating to more than 1,000. The indoor lighting system has also been designed with the players' interests and comfort in mind, as diffuse lighting will make the ball easy to follow while minimizing glare.
The main advantage for Wolfpack tennis is the four indoor courts. Having an indoor tennis facility is an instrumental part in any successful tennis program. Opening up on-campus, year-round facilities for practice use is very beneficial to the tennis family at NC State. Championship seating for 200 people will provide spectators a great view in all weather conditions. In addition, the complex provides locker rooms for men and women, coaches' offices and a luxurious players lounge complete with plush couches and a large flat-screen television.
In September 2004, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) honored the newly opened facility with the organization's 2004 Outstanding Facility award. One of only four collegiate complexes to receive the honor, the home of Wolfpack tennis finds itself among some top-rate playing venues.
When the idea of constructing a new home for Wolfpack tennis started floating around, former NC State netters were quick to recommend Isenhour's name to christen the hallmark facility. A former head coach of NC State men's tennis from 1968-81, Isenhour also led the women through three successful seasons, while bringing NC State tennis from near obscurity into the limelight. Isenhour's men's teams compiled back-to-back ACC championships in 1978 and 1979 and advanced in the NCAA Championships in 1978. The two league crowns captained by Isenhour remain the lone pair in school history, a stat that Wolfpack Nation hopes to erase, thanks in part to Isenhour's new namesake landmark.
