A big white bubble covers six clay tennis courts year round and is home to the UOIT Ridgebacks tennis team.
The Campus Centre, located across from the main Durham-UOIT campus, was opened in 2003 when UOIT officially opened. The six clay courts are under the dome and never affected by weather, unlike outdoor courts. Two years ago the dome was taken down in better weather with the help of the Ridgebacks team, but because of the hard labour and upkeep of the courts the dome stays up.
“Two by fours and massive pegs hold down the dome. Taking down the dome was a hassle and only damaged it,” said Lee Cockerham, MVP of the UOIT Ridgebacks tennis team.
The dome is entered by a small trailer-like building. Inside change rooms, offices and a tennis shop surround the hallway to the outside dome entrance.
Inside, the six lit courts are constantly booked for lessons, clubs and fun. Ken Crosina and Kane Easter are always on these courts.
Crosina is the head coach for the Ridgebacks and Easter the assistant. Both are dedicated when it comes to the tennis team. Neither Crosina nor Easter are staff at the university, but their experience and drive gave them the spirit to lead the team.
“They’re a great team of coaches. Their charisma works together in favour of the team, ” said Shona Draper, a Ridgebacks player.
Crosina attended Florida State University on a tennis scholarship and was ranked fifth in Canada for singles three years in a row. He has not only been head coach for the Ridgebacks, but in 1989-90 he coached the Ontario Summer Games team to victory and was head coach for the Ontario provincial junior team. With all the experience under his belt he was top choice for the job of the Ridgebacks’ head coach.
“Ken’s experience definitely led the team in the right direction. He was always giving tips and just improving our game play. I look forward to his coaching next year,” said Cockerham.
Assistant coach Easter also has a pile of experience. He plays around the world as a member of St. Lucia’s Davis Cup team and went to the University of Kentucky. He is a trained tennis expert who led the Ridgeback women’s team.
“Kane was like my tennis mentor. He would study my faults and help me improve them. I owe that guy,” Anirudh Thommandram, a Ridgeback player said.
The team this season was made up of six men and women. Tryouts are held in early September and the season only lasts until mid-October.
“There wasn’t too much time for practice, only games.
Each week was either an away game or home and sometimes it was hard to keep up on my studies when we travelled far,” Thommandram said.
Any Durham or UOIT student has free access to the courts at the campus centre and it is open seven days a week.
