Published: August 28, 2008

Admittedly, we here at the Observer sports section are quick to complain about the lack of athletic space here at Lincoln Center. But instead of more grieving, recognition is in order for a club that makes the most out of what our campus has to offer.

The FCLC tennis club was founded two years ago in order to utilize the two hard courts located next to McMahon Hall. The club takes a different approach to the “team” concept by putting less emphasis on competing in structured matches and focus more on simply getting out on the courts and playing. This includes informal singles and doubles matches along with lessons.

“We encourage exchanging contact info with other members that way when you want to play someone, you can at any time, not just when the tennis club meets,” said Sebastian San Miguel, FCLC ’10, treasurer of the club.

For match play, Federer disciples are able to get the competitive juices flowing at the fall and spring tournaments, too, busy academic schedule nonwithstanding. The brackets are flexible so no one is forced to miss out on the action.

“We want those with tennis experience to participate in this year’s tournament, because as we saw last year, Lincoln Center has a lot of talent,” said Paul Jonathan Jochico, FCLC ’09, tennis club president.

But even players who choose tennis due to a lack of other options are welcome to join.

“We’re happy to have people who’ve never picked up a racket before,” said Jasmine Mucha, FCLC ’09. “We’re always willing to teach people how to play.”

Extending invitations to novices comes with the offer of a tennis clinic being held early this semester. .

The tennis club is also a year-round project, taking their games indoors during the winter months to the Midtown Tennis Club on 8th Avenue. There, the club was able to hold sessions for small groups for one houe every week. The club expects to be able to hold similar sessions this year.

The Facebook group devoted to the FCLC tennis club currently boasts 37 members, and there is no reason why the club shouldn’t have that many players turn out this fall. With the proximity of the courts, the openness towards beginners and the community-building approach to the sport, FCLC tennis is a model example of athletics at our cramped urban campus.