Tennis is known as a lifetime sport for many reasons including the longevity of players that can last many decades and continuous growth in talent and experience. This year the 2019 Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame inducted Jeff Cathrall and Randy Crawford for having distinguished themselves through their dedication and contributions to the sport.
The gala, held Saturday, February 9 at the Marriott Denver Tech Center, benefited the Colorado Youth Tennis Foundation (CYTF), founded in 1961 by the USTA to develop the next generation of U.S. tennis players. Co-emcees Andy Zodin and Christine Chang announced several youth and adult winners in many categories and entertained some 500 guests with their off-the-cuff comments and interaction. League players in Colorado USTA have sent many teams to the national competition this year and is the 2nd largest division in the nation.
USTA Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame inductees distinguished themselves through their dedication and many contributions to the sport. Colorado HOF inductee Jeff Cathrall, originally from Woodland Park, Colorado, excelled in the junior and collegiate ranks in the 1980s and 1990s. His teammates at Stanford University included Patrick McEnroe on the collegiate team that won NCAA titles for three consecutive years from 1988 to 1990. Inductee Randy Crawford became the No. 1 player at Texas Christian University and went on to coach Martina Navratilova in the late 1980s as well as doubles champion Gigi Fernandez. Currently, he is the tennis director at Maroon Creek Club in Aspen. Also recognized were Colorado high school state champions and USTA league teams that advanced to national championships.
Shelly St. John of the Auction Divas managed the live auction with Wayne Bryan. After the awards presentations live music entertainment was provided by The Saddle Rockers. Special thanks went to year-round sponsorship support from Subaru, MidFirst, KIND, Centeno-Schultz Clinic, LINE 3 and Sprouts.
The Colorado Youth Tennis Foundation offers financial assistance to organizations that reach youth across Colorado through tennis programming. Grants typically range between $100 and $1,000. To download an application for the CYTF scholarships due March 1, 2019 visit:
http://www.colorado.usta.com/cta/resources/financial_assistance/program_grants/
And, for more information on Colorado USTA visit: www.colorado.usta.com
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- Tennis coach and author Wayne Bryan (center) with his top-ranked Doubles Champion sons
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- Molly Carr and Rachel Heise (Game Set Match) with Kurt Desautels–USTA CO Director of Communications
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- Mridula Sugadhan, Judy Larson, Gonzo Garcia, Lulu Buck
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- Lori Preston, Michelle Wieber
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- USTA Colorado Associate Executive Director Lisa Schaefer with Mala Alvey and Jill Rogers of Proxy Sponsorships
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- Libby and Stephen Dietrich
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- Colleen McClary, Rachel Price, Jessica Mitchell, Matasha Yucker, Kris Hansen
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- Emcee Andy Zodin (center) with family and friends
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- USTA Colorado League Coordinator Kate James and Lyric Newsome
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- Nikki Hola, Jenni Willette
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- Auctioneer Shelly St John of the Auction Divas with Susan Walker
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- Top-ranked champions Dahlia Rappaport and Anna Fusaris of Cherry Creek
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- Kim Coie of TGA Douglas County and Alex Manwaring of Apex Park and Rec
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- Bob Ulrich, Ron Klump, Cincy MacLemore
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- Gus, Kathy, Eric Albright; Matt and Shannon Gaghen
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- Lindsay Windler and Heather Hallman
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- John Martinez, Michelle and Ed Anderson
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- USTA board member Susan Bolton, Teri Smith
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- Caryn Moller, Michele Crouse, Vilura Haas
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- The 19th Annual Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame attracted 500 guests
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- Laura Ray, Danielle Martines, Laura Downie
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- Colorado Youth Tennis Foundation President Cindy McLemore greets guests
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- Awards went to a wide variety of leagues
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- Andy Zodin served as co-emcee
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- Shelly St John and Wayne Bryan conduct live auction
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- Nico Jameson honored for sportsmanship
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- Jisele Boker honored for sportsmanship
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- Junior league players honored throughout the night
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- Scott Thompson and Tony Graziano representing Gala Sponsor Subaru
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- Event Emcee and Past KMGH TV anchor Christine Chang reads her notes
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- Keynote Speaker and Auction helper Wayne Bryan
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- Angela Finan with Susan Wright, honored for on-court achievement
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- USTA Colorado Board President Angela Finan welcomes guests
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- Angela Finan with Patrick Perrin, honored for on-court achievement
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- Andy Zodin recognizes Leslie Davis for service to the tennis community
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- Emcee Christine Chang
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- Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame inductee Jeff Cathrall
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- Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame inductee Jeff Cathrall thanked his mother and sister for his success
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- Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame inductee Jeff Cathrall shared his personal struggles while rising to top junior and collegiate status in the 1980s
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- Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame inductee Randy Crawford was grateful for support from the tennis community
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- Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame inductee Randy Crawford entertained the crowd with tales of his high school tennis playing days
