Randy Gregson

Randy Gregson
Born J. Randolph Gregson
c. 1919
Arkansas, U.S.
Died May 23, 2010
New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Alma mater Arkansas State University
University of Texas at Austin
Occupation Tennis player and official

Randy Gregson (c. 1919 - 2010) was an American tennis player and official. He was the president of the United States Tennis Association from 1985 to 1986.

Early life

Randy Gregson was born circa 1919 in Arkansas.[1] He attended Arkansas State University, where he played tennis,[2] and he graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in petroleum engineering.[3] During World War II, he served in the United States Navy in the Pacific.[1] After the war, he moved to New Orleans, Louisiana.[1]

Career

Gregson became a successful tennis player in New Orleans, where he joined the New Orleans Lawn Tennis Club in 1948.[2] For example, he won the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championships in singles and doubles for the 45s and 65s age divisions.[1] He also won 25 Southern Championships in singles and doubles.[1] He competed in the semifinals at the 1965 Wimbledon Championships in doubles.[2]

Gregson served as the president of the United States Tennis Association from 1985 to 1986.[1][2] During his tenure, he also kept John McEnroe from competing in the Davis Cup on behavioral grounds.[1][4] Gregson explained that he focused on good teamwork as opposed to star players.[5] Gregson was also the president of the Louisiana Tennis Association and the Southern Tennis Association.[1]

Gregson was inducted in the Southern Tennis Hall of Fame in 1987.[3] He helped restore the tennis courts at the City Park and the Stern Tennis Center after Hurricane Katrina.[2] He won the 2005 Dixon Award from the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.[1]

Death

Gregson died on May 23, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana, at the age of 91.[2]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Simpson, Larry (May 23, 2010). "New Orleans tennis stalwart Randy Gregson dead at 91". The Times-Picayune. Retrieved July 9, 2017.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Randy Gregson, Former USTA President, Passes At 91". United States Tennis Association. May 24, 2010. Retrieved July 9, 2017.
  3. 1 2 "J. Randolph Gregson, Louisiana, 1987". Southern Tennis Patrons Foundation. Retrieved July 9, 2017.
  4. ↑ Alfano, Peter (February 2, 1987). "TENNIS; MCENROE'S CHALLENGE: REGAINING NO. 1". The New York Times. Retrieved July 9, 2017.
  5. ↑ "SPORTS PEOPLE; McEnroe Sounds Off". The New York Times. October 12, 1986. Retrieved July 9, 2017.
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