By Greg Ellison

(March 18, 2021) After disbanding in December 2016, the Ocean Pines Racquet Sports Committee is back in action, with the advisory group now meeting on the second Tuesday of each month.

In addition to Director Camilla Rogers serving as board liaison, U.S. Tennis Association instructor Terry Underkoffler is also conferring with the Racquet Sports Committee.

“We’ve had two meetings so far and … it’s went well,” he said.

Looking to improve the Manklin Meadows Racquet Sports Complex, Underkoffler joined Tim McMullen, who was hired as facilities manager, in late 2019 to bolster operations.

In October, Rogers introduced a motion to reinstate the committee at the Board of Directors’ meeting, at which point Underkoffler pledged to consult with the group when it returned.

Underkoffler said a primary objective as he works with McMullen is to foster unity among various factions of players: tennis, platform tennis, timeless tennis and pickleball.

“We wanted it to be looked at as one place,” he said. “They’re part of one place, so it wasn’t like three sports battling for monies and … the passions of Ocean Pines.”

Previously, the users of the facility were divided on several subjects.

“I think the Racquet Sports Committee disbanded because they couldn’t find that unity,” he said. “There was too much infighting.”

By including representatives from the user groups, the committee’s intent is to give all camps a voice.

“All those camps can now ask questions and find out about things we’re trying to implement in 2021,” he said.

In addition to reviewing plans to expand court facilities, the committee is also now up to speed on recent maintenance issues, Underkoffler said, including lighting and fencing repairs.

“We had rusty pipes throughout the complex that had to be fixed,” he said. “We’ve been able to address things that were neglected in the past and we’re heading in a good direction as a site.”

While winter to early spring is not typically the peak season for players, it does provide an ideal window for upkeep and repairs.

“It’s the time we can really get in there and address it,” he said. “Many times the kinds of maintenance … and repair things that has to happen do occur in these months.”

With advisory committee input once again in the mix, Underkoffler envisions the upward trend continuing at the Manklin Meadows Complex.

“It will likely get stronger by joining forces,” he said. “People now are on board and see the benefits of what we’re trying to do.”