Published: June 01, 2009 08:08 pm      

Bullard welcomed as new Mertz tennis pro

Andrew Bullard was welcomed as the new tennis professional for the Mertz Tennis Center on Sunday with a reception held in his honor.

Bullard played high school tennis for Kerens High School qualifying in the State UIL Tennis Championship. He said he went out for football his freshman year but on the last day of practice he tore his MCL.

“I was told I couldn’t play football so the tennis coach asked me if I wanted to play tennis to stay in shape for basketball and baseball. Basketball was really my sport.” said Bullard.

“After sophomore year I only played tennis. I played six hours a day, six days a week. I would hit baskets of balls or come here to Corsicana and play with other people,” he added.

Bullard recently graduated from Howard Payne University where he majored in political science and played varsity tennis. He said he originally planned to go to law school but as he was watching Alex Layfield of Kerens at the state tennis tournament he was approached by Lee McCleary about the Mertz position.

“I took private lessons from Lee in the past and he recommended me for the position. I always wanted to coach and I thought it would be good to take some time off from school and build some leadership qualities,” he said.

Sunday’s event also served as a kick-off for the City of Corsicana summer tennis programs and other tennis events and activities as well as a showcase of the many improvements recently made to the Mertz Tennis Center.

“We’re excited about having Andrew here,” said Sharla Allen, city parks and recreation director. “We’ve had the summer tennis camps for about the last 14 years and we think Andrew will bring some new ideas to the program.”

According to Lee McCleary, economic development director and former tennis pro, the changes were made possible through the funding and efforts of the City of Corsicana Parks and Recreation Department and director Sharla Allen, a grant from the Navarro Community Foundation chaired by Dr. David Campbell, and funding from the United States Tennis Association. Improvements include new surface, nets, posts, wind screens, and fencing around the courts to prevent vandalism.

“Those changes have been a long time coming,” Allen said. “It was about a three-year program to complete all the renovations.” Allen said she would like to try and do some more work to improve the lighting at the facility in the future.

Many activities are being planned at the Mertz Tennis Center this summer including a two week clinic, the Corsicana Open as well as lessons, tournaments and leagues.

The Mertz Tennis Center is located in Community Park on Oaklawn Drive.

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