Black Tennis Hall of Fame Sends Condolences To The Family of Our Hall of Famer, Lendward "Lenny" Simpson Who Passed Away On February 9, 2024

 

In 1964, Simpson made history by becoming the first African American to win the USLTA Eastern Boy’s 14 singles title at Forest Hills. This was a particularly significant achievement because he defeated future pro tennis legend Dick Stockton in the finals. This extraordinary accomplishment enabled Simpson, ate the age of 15, to become the youngest male to ever compete in the US National Championships at Forest Hills in 1964. He also played in the US National Championships in 1965 and 1966. In 1967, he continued his extraordinary junior career by winning the ATA National Boys Singles and Doubles Championships. Simpson was able to use his exceptional tennis talents to enhance his education. He attended Cheshire Academy on a tennis scholarship and played #1 singles and, because of his extraordinary tennis accomplishments, was the first person inducted into their athletic hall of fame. In 1967, Simpson won the National Prep School Championship. He was one of the best players in the country throughout his junior career as evidenced by his being ranked in the top 10 nationally in the USLTA in every junior age group in both singles and doubles.

 

While at Eastern Tennessee State University, Lenny played #1 singles for three years and was ranked #1 in the Ohio Valley Conference for three consecutive years. In 1964 and 1965 Simpson and Luis Glass won the ATA Men’s Doubles Championship. In addition, Simpson and 2009 Black Tennis Hall of Fame Inductee Bonnie Logan won the ATA National Mixed Doubles Championship four consecutive times from 1967-1970.  

 

In 1974, Simpson made history once again by becoming the first African American to play World Team Tennis, signing with the Detroit Loves. He was inducted into the North Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame in 2012 and the Greater Wilmington Sports Hall of Fame in 2013. Simpson continues to give back to the tennis community and support future tennis champions. The not-for-profit tennis program that Simpson currently leads serves more than 200 children per week in the Wilmington, North Carolina community.

 

 

 

 

WINSTON-SALEM'S THE CHRONICLE: Class of 2021 Inductee Dr. James Ewers, Jr., "Hometown Hero Reflects On A Life Well Lived"

 

Author Timothy Ramsey, The Chronicle

 

Over the years, we have seen plenty of great athletes come from the city of Winston-Salem. Many have played one of the major four sports, but one mostly unsung hero from the city is finally getting his flowers while he is still here.

Dr. James Ewers Jr. was a star tennis player as a youth. His accomplishments from his high school and collegiate careers are truly remarkable. But it’s what he has done off the court that makes him the epitome of the American dream.  

Ewers is a Winston-Salem native and actually began his career in tennis as a teenager. His first experiences with the game came at the Skyland Elementary School tennis courts that were around the corner from where he lived. 

“I started playing with one of my dear friends named William Earl and he and I were really the only guys playing tennis at the Skyland School, because everyone else was playing basketball,” said Dr. Ewers. “I grew up playing basketball, and playing baseball, and swimming, and I did all of that stuff. But I think the draw that brought me to tennis was that it was different and I didn’t see a lot of people playing it.