For Immediate Release
Contact: Lisa Shanley, Communications Director
269-415-5594
lisa.shanley@ppps.org
Paw Paw, MI – This week, the Paw Paw High School Boys Tennis Teams began the season by practicing on the courts behind Paw Paw Middle School, but not for long. In the last three months, construction crews have demolished the high school’s old tennis courts, built in 1997, and they have been replaced with a new layout and eight fresh, new courts that offer easier access for coaches, players, and spectators.
Tennis teams are expecting to get the green light any day that the new courts are ready for play, but even if the courts look ready, coaches are advising players and the public to hold off using them until the paint has time to dry and cure properly, also to avoid using the courts at all if they are wet over the next few weeks.
PPHS Tennis Coach Matthew Baleja and Assistant Coach Max Wagner stop by the new PPHS Tennis Complex regularly to see the progress, and not only are the coaches getting excited, but the players are also eagerly anticipating having the newest high school tennis complex in the county.
According to PPHS 11th Grade Tennis Player Mariela Pantoja, “The old courts weren’t looking the greatest, but now that we’re getting new courts, we’re going to be the school that everyone else compares their courts to!"
Coach Baleja and Assistant Coach Wagner share Mariela’s enthusiasm. Assistant Coach Maxwell said, “I am looking forward to having easier access to the coach the players. With walkways between courts, this will allow us to coach more efficiently.”
Coach Baleja adds, “It’s exciting! I am looking forward to having eight fully functional courts with a design that allows coaches to talk to players and gives spectators more seating options. With new seating on the west side of the courts, spectators will not have to look into the glare of the sun during evening matches. The flow of the design and the layout of the courts is so much better. Because of the new tennis complex, we are now able to host tournaments and regional competitions.”
Athletic Director Alan Farnquist had this to say about the new tennis complex, “I think it’s something we can be excited about and proud of for the kids and for the community. The new courts allow teams to compete without having to worry about the safety concerns we had before. Outside school hours, later in the evenings after practice, and weekends when not in use for school tournaments, we look forward to sharing this facility with the community."
The PPHS Tennis Teams are grateful for the generosity of the community and would like to invite families and residents to attend matches and tournaments at the new tennis complex. To follow Paw Paw’s tennis teams, visit “Paw Paw Tennis” on Facebook, or access their 2024-2025 season schedule on the district’s website.