Page 19 - MGATODAY-Spr17-web

Jessica Whitley I n the fall of 2016, it was announced that
TYLER ROSENFELD Middle Georgia State University would have
a brand new home for the Knights men’s and
TYLER ROSENFELD women’s tennis teams. The John Drew Smith
Tennis Center in Macon and the University agreed
on a partnership to provide the teams with 23
lighted courts for practices and home matches.
“We are excited to have our tennis programs
playing in Macon with the great tennis
community that exists there,” said James Hagler,
MGA’s interim athletics director. “The John Drew
Smith Tennis Center is a fantastic facility that
will provide a great place for our teams to host
matches and work with the Macon-Bibb Parks
and Recreation and many others in the area for
great events.”
Tom Bates, head tennis coach, said,
“Practicing and playing at John Drew Smith will
have many benefits, including fewer missed classes
for players taking courses on the Macon
Campus and increased public awareness of the
many things MGA has to offer in intercollegiate
athletics. We are proud to represent Knights
athletics in Macon!”
Dylan Jones, one of the players, hopes the
fan base for Knights tennis will expand with the
move, because Macon is the hub of the sport in
the region. Also, “the increased court space will
allow for more efficient practices and matches,”
he said.
The Knights continued to hold practices on
the Cochran Campus during the 2016-17 season
while playing home games at John Drew Smith.
All tennis operations will be moved to Macon
fulltime beginning this fall. Tennis student-
athletes will also live in the Macon Campus
residence hall.
Tennis will join volleyball and cross-country
as Knights sports based on the Macon Campus.
Athletics based on the Cochran Campus include
basketball, soccer, baseball and softball, in
addition to two club teams – football and cheer.

More Knights and NAIA athletics news is at www.mgaknights.com.

Spring 2017 MGA TODAY 19