Chester Harris, Class of 2009

An avid tennis lover and true advocate of the game, Mr. Harris (as he was known to everyone) was a fixture at Denver’s City Park for decades. He introduced scores of people to tennis, and was a powerful force in bringing minorities into the game.

Selfless in the gifts of his time and his talents, Mr. Harris received his compensation in seeing the growth of the sport in his community, as well as watching his students improve their game. He taught more than tennis. He wanted to develop good human beings, able to articulate and to concentrate in the classroom. He taught his students to be good citizens, many who have passed along these lessons to future players.

His influence has helped bring new generations to the sport, and introduce players of diverse backgrounds to tennis long after his death.

In 1992, the City Park Racquet Club renamed its premier event, the Chester Harris City Park Open, in his honor.