Clyde Williams Field must stay. There should be no further discussion about constructing tennis courts on the historical and well-used field near the Union Drive Association.

Students in UDA and elsewhere feel very strongly about keeping Clyde Williams Field just the way it is. University officials considering the placement of the courts should listen to the students’ voice.

People can run on the track, play football, soccer, frisbee and baseball on the field; students can also practice karate or tai chi, make snow forts or snow angels, have snow fights and play a bunch of other sports.

But how many sports can you play on tennis courts? Tennis, badminton, roller hockey … hmmm, not much else aside from skateboarding.

Clyde Williams Field offers one of the only outdoor tracks on campus where students can run.

The field is in a beautiful place, one of a picturesque college atmosphere.

Then there is the historical aspect the field. The field used to be the Iowa State football field before Cyclone Stadium/Jack Trice Field was built.

University officials dealing with this matter should simply find another spot and leave the field to all of the students who love to go out and play in the grass and the snow.

We realize there isn’t a spot for more courts that’s going to completely satisfy everyone, and those charged to hunt for this mythical ideal spot really do have a tough task.

But if we’re sure of nothing else, we’re sure it just ain’t right to tear up Clyde Williams Field.Officials did say last week that the proposed location is ‘just an idea.’

It’s a bad one.