William and Anita Daehler Pledge $250,000 for New SSU Outdoor Tennis Facility

Pictured: Dr. WIlliam Daehler and Butch Kotcamp, SSU Director of Facilities

     Dr. William Daehler and his wife, Anita, have pledged $250,000 to Poised for Tomorrow, Shawnee State’s capital campaign, for the purpose of constructing a new outdoor tennis facility on campus, which is slated for completion by fall 2008. 

     The project is part of the campaign’s initiative to enhance the quality of life for the region.  A baseball and softball complex are also part of the goal to create shared recreational spaces for the campus and community.

     For Daehler, the campaign’s initiatives were a perfect fit with his desire to see Portsmouth have the best tennis courts in the region.  “I’m anxious to see a first class facility in Portsmouth, and Shawnee State seemed like the logical place,” Dr. Daehler said.  “Having a university oversee such a facility is a big asset.”    

     “I want to thank Bill and Anita Daehler for their generosity and vision in bringing to Shawnee State a tennis facility that will be the pride of the area,” said Shawnee State University President Rita Rice Morris.  “Not only will the new tennis facility be a tremendous resource for students, staff and the community, it will be a showcase for Portsmouth bringing tournaments and other tennis functions to our region.”

     William Levi, Shawnee State’s Women’s Tennis Coach, said the courts will definitely make a difference for his program.  “A very attractive home court is a great recruiting tool.”  Levi said the additional courts at the facility will also allow the team to expand to 12 or 13 players from its current nine.

     Jim Arnzen, Shawnee State’s Director of Athletics explained the courts will help attract other students to Shawnee State as well.  “Facilities play a major role when student-athletes are selecting a college.  Thanks to the Daehlers’ generosity, we will be able to make an even stronger case for these students to attend Shawnee State.”

     Daehler has confidence that, under Coach Levi,  the courts will improve Shawnee State’s tennis program.  “The program should grow and hopefully there will be community interest in matches like there is with softball and basketball.”

     Both Daehler and Levi hope the tennis program will someday expand to include a men’s team.  “It’s needed.  There’s a huge interest in tennis,” Levi said. 

     The facility will not just benefit tennis team members, Levi said.  “There are a lot of students who want to play tennis for the fun of it, not to mention tennis is great exercise.” 

     Daehler, who plays tennis three times a week, would also like to see the courts encourage others to take up the game he loves.  “Tennis is a good sport that you can play all your life.  And it’s not an expensive sport.”

     Levi appreciates the legacy that Daehler is leaving for both SSU and the community.  “His name on this project will last generations.  What a nice mark he leaves on the community,” said Levi.  “One day his great grandkids could visit Shawnee State and see their name.  How cool would that be?”

     Poised for Tomorrow is a $12 million capital and endowment campaign to support a broad array of campus initiatives.  Those initiatives include undergraduate research, new technologies, specialized studies, faculty development, scholarships, enhanced clinical experiences and an enhanced quality of life for the region.

     Anyone wanting more information about Poised for Tomorrow can call the Development Office at (740) 351-3284 or visit the university’s website at www.shawnee.edu.