The forge for better tennis courts in Cedar City continues with several fundraisers set up to raise awareness of the plight of local high school athletes and the conditions they face trying to play the sport they love.

The fundraisers were organized by the Southern Utah University Psychology/PSI Chi Clubs originally to benefit Cedar High School tennis coach Rebecca Henrie after the death of her husband following a single-vehicle rollover on Interstate 15 on June 12.

"We wanted to give back to her and her family because Joseph Henrie was a student at SUU and well liked within the department," said Natasha Lewis of the psychology club. "She said she didn't want the help for her family but if we wanted to help raise funds for the tennis students she would love that. Since Joseph was dear to those who knew him, we switched gears and decided to help the tennis students."

The Cedar City Council, Iron County School District, and coaches at Cedar, Canyon View and Parowan High schools have been looking into the possibility of a joint tennis court at a central location for all teams to play on.

But progress has been slow and the students are not able to host regional tournaments as a result of the dilapidated conditions of the courts.

Becki Bronson, vice president of ICSD Board of Education, said to be able to host regional tournaments, the schools would need a facility consisting of six courts.

"From what I understand, the school district has agreed to pay half, if the city would be willing to contribute the other half," Bronson said. "I say it is something we need to look at seriously. Not only would the high school students benefit but the city would have them as resources for the Utah Summer Games and other possible tournaments."

CHS Athletic Director Danny Lewis said the problem arises from the weather conditions in the area and the current construction of the courts.

"In the past, we have used asphalt courts and with the freeze-thaw cycles that exist in our mountain-desert climate, they just wind up needing new courts every 7-8 years," he said. "And they get expensive. Now we would like to see tension concrete courts similar to what SUU has that would last for two decades at least, and maybe longer."

In the meantime Lewis said students are using the courts at SUU.

In a September city council meeting, CHS Principal John Dodds said, "We have found that communities that put tennis programs together at a younger age are a lot more competitive. If we really want to compete with the schools in St. George, we have got to have the support of the city."

CHS students Taylen Lamoureux and Candace Taylor spoke of the conditions they faced playing the on the court.

"My freshman year our star player sprained her ankle on one of the cracks," Lamoureux said. "There are actually a lot of injuries like that."

Bronson said she commends Henrie for her resilience in the face of such tragedy.

"I hope to be the person Henrie is someday," she said. "She is so strong, courageous and tenacious. If anybody can get these courts built, it will be her."

How to help

Henrie has set up a GoFundMe account at gofundme.com/CHS-Tennis-courts.

"From discussions with the administration at CHS, we are working toward Cedar High courts since there is no common location if the city does not donate land," she said.

Lewis said he hopes the GoFundMe account will get the ball rolling and a solution can be found.

There will be a bake sale (today) Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Lin's Marketplace parking lot hosted by the SUU Psychology/PSI Chi clubs to raise funds.

There also will be a 5K race on March 19.

Follow Haven Scott, @HavenWScott. Call him at 435-865-4522.

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