Making a Racquet in Marquette

Matson died in December 2019 and memorials for him were directed to the MTA by his wife Patty. At this time Havican, who was well connected throughout the school athletic system in his position as the JV basketball coach, remembered an earlier conversation with a high school PE teacher who was looking for a means to supply appropriate racquets for the high school PE classes; the high school courts had been upgraded but their equipment was still outdated.

Cook spoke with NMTA Executive Director, George Lowe, who was able to purchase racquets at a discounted price and she, Havican and Patty made the decision to honor Matson's memory by using the monies gifted in his name to purchase racquets for the Marquette Senior High School, Gary’s alma mater. Havican, Cook and Patty watched in astonishment as donations began to pour in. What started as a dream for the school quickly became reality.

On March 10, representatives from the MTA donated 35 new racquets to the physical education department at the school. Cook says the response from the students was tremendous, and they can’t wait for the opportunity to begin playing again.

Moving forward, Cook affirms that thanks to the generosity of the Matson Family and support from the NMTA, plans to purchase an additional 65 racquets for surrounding schools are already in the works. From one project to the next, the tennis community in the UP is creating opportunities one player at a time.