ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Escanaba High School dedicated its new tennis complex on Monday evening.
The school constructed four new tennis courts and resurfaced its four existing courts.
Boys tennis coach Tom Penegor says having eight courts is a major upgrade for the school’s tennis program. He says it allows Escanaba High School to host full matches in one location, rather than utilizing other courts throughout the city.
“We have a big team this year with 35, and I think with this facility, it’s just going to add that more excitement for the kids,” said Penegot. “It makes practices that much easier. The seating and the way we laid out the courts is very advantageous to the spectators, as well as the coaching staff.”
The school also dedicated the new Abrahamson Pavilion. The courts and pavilion were named in honor of the mother and son who donated a combined $300,000 to fund the project, Patricia and Jeffery Abrahamson. The school board contributed an additional $50,000.
Jeffery Abrahamson currently lives in Florida. However, he and his mother–who lives in Escanaba–felt it was important to enhance the students’ tennis program.
“We wanted to give back to the community,” he said. “Tennis is such a great sport. You can play it young, you can play it old. This will allow Escanaba to host important tournaments, so it’s kind of a game-changer I think for the community.”
Escanaba High School will host the Great Northern Conference Championship on the new courts on Tuesday, May 23. Escanaba won that championship in 2022 and 2021.
