News

on July 25 at McKennan Park at noon. Preceding the ceremony will be a brunch by Spezia Restaurant.

Karen Bernard Heege, former High School and college great and winner of many titles

A spirited group of tennis enthusiasts gathered around the idea of two things in 1989: honoring the memory of longtime tennis contributor Ross Fenn, and starting a tennis hall of fame in the state of South Dakota.

The volunteer committee opened its doors to all who showed interest in working to preserve tennis history in SD. We wanted to recognize individuals who distinguished themselves either as players, coaches or contributors. Not surprisingly, many of the 48 inductees through 2010 excelled in all three areas. Since SD’s tennis history goes back to the early 1900’s, we knew we had “catching up” to do and continue to research names. Highest consideration is given to those ages 50 and over.

As a group we raised money to initially fund the start of the Ross Fenn Memorial Cup, given annually since 1990 to the men’s and women’s singles champion of the SD Adult Open. Donated dollars were used to construct a “SD tennis display case” still housed at Sioux Empire Fitness in Sioux Falls, along with plaques highlighting the tennis careers of our inductees.

We inducted our first class into the Hall of Fame in 1991, honoring Lefty Johnson and Buck Shane. Funding in the early years to support the Hall of Fame came just from private donations. We paired with the SD Adult Open from the start, having our recognition program at noon each Sunday in July before the singles finals of the tournament at McKennan Park in Sioux Falls. Our Hall of Fame monument has a prominent place near the courts.

*Having Dave Thompson and his restaurant business, Spezia, host a welcome brunch prior to our annual event.

*Receiving annual brochure sponsorship from Aberdeen native Woody Boyd of Highlands Ranch, CO. Then, in 2001 he proposed and funded through the SD Tennis Hall of Fame for several years the $1,000 “Love serving Tennis” community grant program to promote youth tennis. Now, that is funded by committee activities as we’ve endorsed the label: Preserving the past, promoting the future of tennis!

*Tom Weber and his late mother Lucile Weber established the SD Tennis Hall of Fame endowment, through the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation in 2000. The dream has come true that this fund, which annually supports our efforts through investment distributions, would be a safe, resting place for memorial and honorarium funds. Major gifts in 2010 were given in memory of Joan Griffin and Herman “Dutch” Schultz.

*The Barnes Group team tennis challenge, started in 2008, remains the leading annual fund raiser to support the SDTHOF. Around 80-100 players compete in this social, team tennis event under the watchful eyes of organizers Don and Kate Barnes, Thad Barnes and Andrew DeMore, and co-sponsor Volin’s Racquet and Soccer (Mignonne Schwebach).

*Agreeing to financially support the Spirit of Max Award for the state tennis tournaments through the SD high school coaches association.

*Establishing the SD Tennis Achievement Award, starting in 1997. Recognizing outstanding contributions to tennis by families, teams, associations or coaches.

*In recognition of our efforts, receiving $500 annual support from the Northern Section, USTA.

Ideas to improve our efforts can be sent to: terry_nielsen_sf@yahoo.com or Jamie Volin at: 1509 S Minnesota Ave, SF SD 57105.

Lucile Weber, matriarch of the R.H. Weber family, passed away on Friday, February 2, 2007. Lucile won many city and state championships in the 1940's and 1950's, and loved the game of tennis. She, along with the rest of her family, received the SD Tennis Achievement Award in 2001. Her sons, Dave and Tom, have both been inducted into the SD Tennis Hall of Fame. Memorials may be directed to The South Dakota Tennis Hall of Fame Endowment Fund c/o The Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation.