Serving Up Success

By WILLIAM DANIEL Staff Writer
WHEELING — Marc White’s tennis programs at Wheeling and Oglebay parks may be the area’s best kept secret —but not for long.

Recently, Tennis Life recognized Oglebay Resort as one of America’s “Appealing New Options For Tennis Vacationers.” This puts Oglebay among the ranks of prominent tennis-destination spots such as the Evert Tennis Academy in Boca Raton and the Patrick McEnroe Tennis Center in Coral Gables. Satisfied customers also wrote in to Tennis Resorts Online, praising White, tennis director for the park system, and the quality of the tennis program.

White accepted the position three years ago and has made many improvements to the tennis program. His training academy offers lessons to elementary, middle and high school students as well as adults. The high performance division is for the most talented players in the community. These eight-week training sessions allow people of different skill levels to develop their talents and meet others interested in improving their game. Private lessons also are available.

“There’s a real design plan. Each week in academy, students work on different topics. It’s really designed as a curriculum,” said White.

Part of White’s revitalization of the tennis program was the revamping of the tennis bubble at Wheeling Park where players can enjoy tennis year-round without weather concerns. White brought in four brand new cushion courts which he said are more forgiving to the body. According to White, this is a superior surface to play on.

Also, instead of the standard green court, court surfaces inside the bubble are blue like the United States Open Courts. White said junior players appreciate this new look because they see their favorite professionals playing on a similar surface. New lights and a new heating system also were installed.

White also is a United States Professional and a Professional Tennis National Tester. White’s second distinction qualifies him to train potential teachers. This involves administering written tests as well as ensuring that the potential teachers use proper techniques. White also intentionally uses incorrect techniques and students must identify them.

Men’s Night is held from 8-10 p.m. each Wednesday at the tennis bubble throughout the year. Clinics and doubles play are offered. White said this program is very popular in the winter months and is an opportunity to improve your game. Participants also have the chance to play in a doubles round robin format with instruction. There is no pre-registration; interested men simply pay a cover charge at the door.

Throughout the summer, Friday is Ladies Day with a clinic from 10 a.m. to noon.

“What we’re doing at Oglebay is putting a high regard to learning and professional instruction but at the same time, making it fun and creating a tennis experience. In the Oglebay tennis experience, we now have great programming for juniors and adults in the community. We want them to be able to enjoy tennis forever. Tennis is the sport of a lifetime,” said White.

White stressed that Oglebay offers country-club style programming but is not a private club.

“We’re a public park. There are no membership fees. Oglebay’s tennis programs are very unique throughout the country. It’s one-of-a kind in the country.”

Courts may be used for an hourly fee and a tennis pass is available in the summer. Complementary introductory tennis clinics will be held throughout the summer.

Tennis packages are available through Oglebay Park. These packages include lodging, meals and court time.

White acknowledged that interest in tennis is declining, but he is taking Oglebay’s tennis program to local schools. Jackie McDermott and her sister are training in White’s academy and playing in the United States Tennis Association. In February, Jackie won in her division at a tournament in Beaver Valley, Pa. She was seeded number two and beat the number one seeded player.

Over the past two years, White’s students have gone on to play at West Liberty State College and Duquesne University.

Tennis Across America Month is being celebrated in May. White plans to hold a party at Oglebay’s tennis courts where people can play matches, win prizes and get to know others interested in the game.

J.C. Douglas Dalby, president and CEO of the Wheeling Park Commission is pleased with the recognition Oglebay’s tennis program received.

‘‘Anytime golf or tennis or anything is presented in a positive light, it’s beneficial to us, especially in terms of attracting guests who may be interested in tennis or golf. Those are our two main things, so it is meaningful when we receive a national distinction like this,’’ Dalby said.

Dalby also mentioned that Oglebay offers many other year-round activities for families, including tennis, golf and skiing. The Good Zoo and flower gardens, as well as the annual Winter Festival of Lights attract families each year. Crispin and the Wheeling Park golf courses are open year-round weather permitting. Speidel, the Arnold Palmer-designed course and the Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed course are now open. Expansion projects are continually being implemented throughout the park, making the facility more appealing to guests who have come to know the

‘‘We’re adding three cottages which will open early this summer. Each has eight bedrooms. We’re also adding a new spa to Wilson Lodge that will probably open some time in July. There will be six additional guest rooms at Wilson Lodge,’’ said Dalby.

‘‘I think the thing that makes Oglebay unique is the wide variety of activities available to our guests on a year-round basis.’’

For more information on any of Oglebay’s programs, call 304-243-4000 or visit www.oglebay-resort.com.