For Veterans Day, USTA Nebraska recognizes Verne Weber

Growing up in California, Verne Weber hated P.E. class but decided to try out for the tennis team when an advisor suggested it might look good on a college application. Back then, tennis was a year-round, mixed-gender sport in California.

“Tennis sounded like a good fit, plus there were girls on the team,” Weber said. “So, I took lessons during the summer before my sophomore year and made the team playing mixed doubles with a cheerleader!”

He continued his tennis career playing at College of the Sequoias in Visalia, Calif., then transferred to the University of California, Santa Cruz. His senior year he got a draft notice for the Vietnam War and instead joined the Air Force.

He spent four years at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota and 11 years at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, Neb. He explained why Veterans Day, which occurs annually on Nov. 11 in the United States, is important to him.

“I’m a veteran, but I’ve never been in combat or served in uncomfortable environments,” he said. “Those who do what most would not, on the behalf of all of us, deserve thanks and recognition. And I think that’s happening—even out of uniform I get 'thank you for your service' often when they see my military ID—so Veterans Day seems to mean a lot more now than certainly it did for those while serving in Vietnam.”

During his time in the military and after it in the private sector, tennis remained a constant in his life. Weber retired from playing tennis in his 50s because of back issues, but he stayed in the game by serving on USTA national committees and task forces.

He chaired the USTA Professional Tennis Council and oversaw committees related to pro tennis. He served on the USTA Officials Committee for 18 years and has chaired the USTA Missouri Valley Officials Committee for 20 years. He also chaired the USTA Nebraska Hall of Fame Committee and Awards Committee for 35 years.

“Tennis is a really big family, so you can go almost everywhere and make new friends,” he said. “Much of committee work is networking and teaming of a different form, so it’s a good chance to meet and collaborate with a lot of interesting, competent people while doing something that benefits the game.”

Looking back on his military career, Weber said the military can be a great opportunity to learn, acquire lifetime friendships and exposure to unique experiences, especially in an area that can apply to civilian jobs.

“The Air Force turned me into a pretty good programmer, paid for two master’s and now covers medical expenses and provides a nice pension,” Weber said.

Now his focus area at the section and national levels is officiating, ensuring fair play and trying to recruit and retain tennis officials. Individuals interested in learning more about becoming a USTA official can do so by clicking here.

November is designated as Officials Appreciation Month, and Nov. 10-16 serves as USTA Officiating Appreciation Week. We recognize the impact of all the excellent officials within USTA Nebraska, and thank you for your work!