Creighton Tennis Hosts Virtual Fundraiser

For close to 30 years, the Creighton men’s and women’s tennis teams held its annual fundraiser at Jim and Pat Manion’s home in Omaha.  It started out as a way to support the tennis team budgets and help fund the spring break training trips. Over the years, it has grown to be much more than that.

“We are using this fundraiser solely to increase the scholarship amounts for our programs,” said Tom Lilly, Creighton tennis head coach. “We are now recruiting higher caliber players since we are able to offer more money and able to spread the money out to more players when needed as well for depth. This is a very important event for us.”

However, because of the ongoing pandemic, the annual fundraiser has moved to a virtual format. It won’t be the same, but the need still exists.

“Tennis doesn’t produce any revenue for the athletic department,” said Dr. Jim Manion, Creighton supporter.“We’ve been assured that our fundraiser helps make a difference.”

Manion is an alumnus of Creighton University, and taught in the school of medicine as well. He’s been a supporter of Bluejay Tennis since he played on the team in the 1960s. He and his wife have held the fundraiser at their home for the past 27 years where donors could come and mingle with the players, and kids could hit with the student-athletes as well. 

“We would not be as successful without the Manion’s fundraiser,” Lilly added. “It’s sad that we can’t do it this year in person but we will make it even better for next year.  It is great for Creighton tennis and the tennis community in Omaha.”

Meanwhile, both the men’s and women’s teams continue to work hard even though COVID-19 has dealt everyone a challenging year. There is no tournament play this fall, but Lilly said the players are hitting it harder in practices and in the weight room.