WINTER 2009 - the Colorado Tennis Association

WINTER 2009colorado tennis pa g e 7now introducing....the tenth class of inductees into thecolorado tennis hall of famechester harrisThe eldest of three children, Chester was born in Austin, TX in 1897. Hemoved to Denver in 1935, where he began working at a wide variety ofjobs to provide for his family.But it was through tennis that he made a discernable mark on the community.An avid tennis lover and true advocate of the game, Mr. Harris (ashe was known to everyone) was a fixture at Denver’s City Park for decades.He introduced numerous people to tennis, and was a powerful force inbringing minorities into game.Living only a few blocks away from City Park, Mr. Harris set up aminiature tennis court athis house where he wouldteach students shot-makingand tennis strategy. Hehad the knowledge tohelp players of all abilitiesadvance their skills,from rank beginners tothe top tournament players.A master strategist,Mr. Harris would dissectthe sport on a chalkboardin his home to help hisstudents better understandtennis strategy. He is alsowell remembered for histennis axioms, especially,"There is no right way todo the wrong thing," and"If you hate to lose in tennis,don't play."Mr. Harris was affiliatedwith the YMCA,Manual High School andmany other youth tennisgroups, including theYouth Tennis Foundation,the Youth EducationActivities of DenverOpportunity Program,the Presidents Council onYouth Opportunity operatedby Metropolitan StateCollege, as well as beingan active member of CityCLASS OF 2009Park Racquet Club.Selfless in the gifts ofhis time and his talents, Mr. Harris received his compensation in seeingthe growth of the sport in his community, as well as watching his studentsimprove their game. He taught more than tennis. He wanted to developgood human beings, able to articulate and to concentrate in the classroom.He taught his students to be good citizens, many of whom have passedalong these lessons to future players. His influence has helped bring newgenerations to the sport, and introduce players of diverse backgrounds totennis long after his death.A year after his death in 1991, the City Park Racquet Club renamed itspremier event, the Chester Harris City Park Open, in his honor. The eventcelebrated its 18th anniversary in 2009, the year of his induction into theColorado Tennis Hall of Fame. 3chester harrisplease Join us for thecolorado tennishall of fame galaand colorado tennisannual awards celebrationWe will honor the 2009 class ofHall of Fame inductees and theColorado Tennis Annual Award recipientswhose contributions have enrichedthe sport of tennis in Colorado.january 29, 2010marriottdenver tech centerEvent proceeds benefit theColorado Youth Tennis FoundationFor ticket information orto register for the Gala, please visitCOLORADOTENNIS.com.