MaryKate Carter
It was called a hub drill. The participants were middle school age and middle age, some competitors, some beginners, but everyone was buzzing by at impressive speeds and aggressively pursuing tennis balls on each court. They were racing in a figure-eight pattern, hitting a long backhand, tagging the middle hub and switching back for a short forehand. Regardless of skill, everyone was encouraged to keep up the pace and try their best. Welcome to wheelchair tennis at MSU.
Chair users may approach sports differently, but the MSU Wheelchair tennis club proves that these individuals bring athleticism and talent to their sport. Chair or no chair, good luck keeping up with this lively bunch.
Wheelchair tennis offers individuals with mobility disabilities an opportunity to strengthen their bodies while mastering a sport, and at MSU this opportunity includes interaction and training with the Men's varsity tennis coach Gene Orlando and various team members every Wednesday night from 6:00 p.m., to 8:00 p.m. at the MSU Tennis Center.
Beth Redford and Bryan Wilkinson prepare for their game to begin.
Any wheelchair user is welcome to drop in with their racquets and sports chair without commitment to future sessions, and there is no participation fee. Athletes of any age are all welcome to enjoy conditioning drills and games together.
The instructors offer participants coaching and tips at whatever level they need. Whether picking up a racquet for the first time, or looking to perfect life-long skills, the evening sessions offer a chance to learn and improve. The program is broken up into drills that focus on technique, accuracy, cardio conditioning and mobility. At the end of the training session, everyone is paired up for point play.
Vocational Counselor and MSU Alumnae Elizabeth Crumb have been active with the club for two years. She described the experience as challenging and a good stress reliever and loves the inclusive environment Coach Orlando has created.
"What I like best about this is the wide range of ability," Crumb said.
Crumb says she is still working on the basics, but visitors to the February 22 session were from a competitive team in Grand Rapids. Everyone on the court clapped and cheered for everyone else. The courts were judgment-free and full of smiling faces.
Brad Dion, an elementary school teacher from Kentwood, MI stopped by just because he wanted to "capitalize on the opportunity to get on the tennis court."
Dion has been playing tennis for four years, and he was breaking in his new sports chair at the MSU session. He explained that at work, he prefers to use a walker because it offers more mobility, but his custom-fit athletic chair allows him to move across the court quickly and comfortably.
Even as a visitor, Dion picked up on the welcoming environment created during the drills.
Elementary school teacher Brad Dion waits for his turn to swing during a doubles match.
"Tennis is a great sport in that able-bodied or disabled bodied, you can grab a partner and just hit," Dion said.
The MSU Wheelchair Tennis program is growing. Anyone interested in participating is encouraged to stop by for an evening of conditioning and fun. The sport is adaptable to individual needs. Some participants choose to play in their motorized scooters.
"Our goal is to provide an opportunity for people who are disabled to be active and play the game of tennis," coach Orlando said.
The RCPD is dedicated to promoting a full campus experience for all students, and MSU wheelchair tennis extends this promise. For more information or to get involved, contact coach Gene Orlando or RCPD Mobility Specialist Virginia Martz.