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Virginia State University’s men’s and women’s tennis teams
opened the 2007-08 season by taking part in the Second Annual
Robert Walter Johnson Memorial Invitational Tournament, held
September 14 and 15 at the VSU Tennis Complex in Ettrick, Va.
This collegiate tennis event memorializes Dr. Robert Walker
Johnson, a mentor and coach who contributed to the tennis
development and achievement of Althea Gibson, Arthur Ashe, Jr.,
and other African American pioneers that won major tournaments
in the U.S. and around the world. Through his benevolent spirit
and love for the game, Dr. Johnson took players like Gibson and |
Virginia State University
Hosts Dr. Robert Walter Johnson Memorial
Invitational Tennis Championships
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Special guests were: l-r - NFL Hall of Famer Willie Lanier, Ms.
Waltee Johnson Moore, the daughter of Robert Walter Johnson, and
Brandon Moore, Johnson’s grandson.
Participating coches: l-r - D. Curtis Lawson (NCCU); Derrick
McMillan (Morgan State); Charlie Schoderbek (Winston Salem
State); Gene Thompson (Virginia State U.); David Nass (NCCU);
and Andy Smith NCA&T).
Ashe into his home and molded them into champions on the private
tennis courts in his backyard. As a pioneer, during a period in
American history when blacks couldn’t play the US Open, Dr.
Johnson formed a group, made up of ATA members, to fight for Ms.
Gibson’s approval to play the Open. Many of today’s training
camps |
Peggy Davis, Athletic Director
Virginia State University
Tournament
officials: Paul Branch and Marilyn Saunders |
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and junior development programs are structured after the Program
of Dr. Johnson. The tournament featured VIPs and
dignitaries from around the world of tennis as well as other
areas of the professional sports world.
The President of Virginia State University, Eddie N. Moore, VSU
Chief of Staff, Cortex Dial and Athletic Director, Peggy Davis
(a native of Texas) were special university officials in
attendance.
NFL Hall of Famer Willie Lanier was on hand to present a check
for $2,000 to VSU men’s head tennis coach Gene Thompson for
sponsorship of the tournament.
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