North Carolina Construction News staff writer
Belmont Abbey College has received a $1.4 million donation from alumnus Doug Ehmann, class of 1985, to complete the Reidy Tennis Center and Pavilion, a facility honoring the late Coach Michael “Mike” Reidy.
Ehmann, a longtime supporter of the college, has contributed to numerous campus projects over the years. A former member of the Board of Trustees, he helped build and coach the Abbey’s golf team, supported improvements to the Wheeler Center, and played a key role in the development of the tennis program. In 2008, he received the Br. Gregory Corcoran Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award.
Personally acquainted with Reidy, Ehmann said his latest gift was inspired by the coach’s legacy.
“Our mission in Abbey Tennis is to build up our student-athletes in mind, body, and soul,” said Belmont Abbey head tennis coach Mike Salomon. “We’re grateful for the generosity of Doug Ehmann and hope to exhibit the legacy of Mike Reidy on the courts for years to come.”
Interim President Joseph Wysocki called Ehmann’s impact “instrumental” to the college’s progress and success. “We are deeply grateful for his continued support of Belmont Abbey College,” Wysocki said.
Reidy joined Belmont Abbey in 1969 and coached the men’s tennis team for 31 years, leading the program to six conference titles and seven national tournament appearances, including the NCAA Division II Sweet 16 in 2001. He was named conference Coach of the Year four times and also guided the women’s team to a championship in 1999. His wife, Bonnie, played a well-known role in supporting student-athletes and remains a close friend of the Abbey community.
Abbot Placid Solari, O.S.B., said Reidy’s influence extended far beyond the court. “He taught his players that academics were first and that if you did not learn sportsmanship, you were not on his team. Countless alumni refer to him as a second father and acknowledge that they owe much of their success, personally and professionally, to Coach,” Solari said.
The Reidy Tennis Center and Pavilion will feature locker and shower rooms, restrooms, coaches’ offices, team meeting rooms, gathering spaces, and outdoor fan seating. Construction is expected to begin early next year.