Tennis program perseveres through funding cuts

Josh Dillon, IVLeader Sports Editor

Tennis will continue at IVCC, but with little support from the school.
Although the IVCC board considered cutting the program totally, the board approved a model in May that was proposed by a group of local tennis advocates and parents of players. Under the new model, the women will play a fall season and the men a spring season without paid coaches or athletic waivers for freshmen.
Each team is expected to raise $2,000 for equipment and travel as well as a $2,000 contingency fund for post-season travel.
Julie Milota, a former IVCC tennis player, is currently serving as a volunteer coach for the women’s team.
The employment of men’s coach Lukas Burkon and women’s coach Bonnie Peterson was terminated May 18.
The college expects to save about $35,000 in tuition waivers, coach’s salaries and other expenses.
In May, the board approved a new procedure for awarding tuition waivers for volleyball, golf, men’s and women’s basketball, softball and baseball that could save an additional $50,000.