Charles Oliver, Class of 2021

“Charlie” graduated at the top of his class at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, in 1949. He served in the Korean War in Japan, as chief of staff for the commander of USAF, Europe, and for many years as deputy director of the Department. of Athletics at the U.S. Air Force Academy, establishing the U.S. Olympic training center among his many milestones.

In addition to a B.S. in engineering, he attended the Wharton School, completed a master’s at Columbia and doctorate in education at the University of Northern Colorado.

Charlie was the number one tennis player in the U.S.A. from the time he was a freshman in high school under the early tutelage of tennis legend Don Budge, through his tenure at West Point, during which he beat three Wimbledon tennis champions.

Later he played an exhibition match in Denver with then world no. 1, Pancho Gonzales  losing in the third set, 15- 13. Charlie was ranked No. 8 in U.S. Men’s singles rankings in 1944.

After a 30-year service with many decorations including Legion of Merit and Bronze Star, he served as chief tennis pro at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, where he mentored future pros such as Lisa Raymond. He was a member of the U.S. Senior Davis Cup Team and inducted into multiple tennis halls of fame.