Coach Francis Baxter Statue Unveiled at Edmond Center Court

A titan of Oklahoma tennis is now a permanent part of the new Edmond Center Court tennis facility. A statue honoring former University of Central Oklahoma tennis coach Francis Baxter was dedicated during a special event on May 1.

Sponsored by the Oklahoma Tennis Foundation (OKTF), the event featured former players and associates impacted by the guidance and friendship of Coach Baxter and his wife, Jean. OKTF President Stan Swyden presided over the unveiling and spoke of Baxter’s incredible career, which includes 36 years of collegiate coaching and an induction into the Oklahoma Tennis Hall of Fame. 

Executive Director of OKTF, Carmen Bond, said “what a huge impact this man made to so many around this entire state and beyond. He spoke today with the humble wit and wisdom so many of us cherish.”

The statue, titled “The Father of Oklahoma Tennis”, can be seen at the Edmond Center Court facility, located at 601 W. 15th Street in Edmond, Okla.

Also included in the day was a tour of the Edmond Center Court facility. The day also centered around the Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAAA) Conference Tennis Championships taking place at the facility.  On the men's side, Northwest Missouri State took the conference crown, while Central Oklahoma captured its second-straight conference title.