Still no fix for Rhody tennis courts; Bjorn, Wood optimistic about options

04/17/09 - It has been a little more than three weeks since Quinnipiac University head coach Mike Quitko opted not to allow his team to play on the University of Rhode Island's tennis courts on March 26, citing the unsafe condition of the courts as a concern."I didn't think [the courts] were safe for my players to play on," Quitko said after the match was called.

Today, cracks continue to litter the playing surface and no official deal has been reached to fix the courts.

"It is my understanding that everyone is in agreement about the courts," women's tennis head coach Sandy Wood said. "It's absolutely crucial for the team. I feel that our caliber of a team deserves to have a first class, outdoor tennis facility and I think that's what we'll end up with."

The Rhody women had to move two of their home matches to North Kingstown High School, after other opponents complained about the unsafe condition.

"It certainly is a priority to get the courts fixed," athletic director Thorr Bjorn said. "This issue has risen to the top of our list as something that needs to be addressed."

Bjorn says the university has had a number of companies come in to address the situation of the courts and provide an estimated cost.

The companies have given URI three options to repair the courts. One involves temporarily patching the cracks as URI has done in the past, one involves grinding down the surface to its base and recycling the court material and one involves completely redoing the courts.

Patching the courts is the cheapest and also the least effective, costing the university $16,000-$18,000 for six courts. Bjorn says that is not an option at the moment because he is looking for a more permanent fix.

"The focus that I have along with other folks within the administration is that if we're going to do it, we need to do it right," Bjorn said. "Certainly there are challenges with resources but I really think we need to look at fixing them once and for all."

Bjorn says that grinding down the courts appears to be the most realistic option. The courts would still be redone entirely but instead of purchasing new court material, the existing court would be reused. This option will cost roughly $125,000.

"Yes, it's expensive, but it's not that expensive," Bjorn said. "It makes sense when you think about the fact that it will last for 20 years if it's done the right way."

Although ideas are in place, money has not yet been made available for the project. Bjorn says the university is relying on Asset Protection Services to grant them the necessary funds. If Asset Protection is unable to provide the money, Bjorn says the university has to look at other options.

"We're really hoping Asset Protection will be the way to go," Bjorn said, adding that other options have not yet been explored.

One thing Bjorn said he was sure about was that if the courts do get fixed, the number would be reduced from 12 courts to eight. Only six courts are needed for competition.

Bjorn says that by next week, all of the competing companies will have given their estimates and the university will then sit down with Asset Protection to discuss its options.