Mel Timmons

Mel Timmons
(Inducted In: 2009)

Mel Timmons a lifelong tennis enthusiast, started in the park system on Chicago’s south side. He played #1 singles on his Parker High School team, and 1st singles on his I.I.T. College tennis team. He was captain of both his high school and college teams. Mel joined the Chicago District Tennis Association, and in addition of being a Director, he stood for election in all officer positions and was elected to the post as President of the CDTA in 1991-1992. Mel then turned to the Chicago Tennis Patrons organization which elected him to a term in each Officer position, and elected him three times as President of the Chicago Tennis Patrons, Inc. He was instrumental I the success of the Woodfield Racquet Club (Schaumburg) in the late 70’s as Executive Vice-President and later the Pheasant Run Racquet Club (St. Charles) where he was Vice President and General Manager. Mel was also owner and publisher of the “CrossCourt News” for many years, covering tennis and tennis people in all Districts of the Midwest Section. Mel directed the Annual Paddock Tennis Tournament, a grass roots event for over 26 years. This tournament had draws of 860 to a record high 1260 entries over the years in many age divisions. In 1989 he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Patrons, which is now called the Billie Jean King Award. In 1987 he received the Fred Burns Award from the Western Tennis Association (Midwest) which recognizes a journalist or newspaper which has contributed the most toward promoting tennis on the local, district, or section level. Mel served on the steering committee that created the Evening of Champions, which is the yearly awards banquet and fundraiser benefiting the Chicago Tennis Patrons. He initiated the concept of award sponsorship which helped defer some of the expenses for the event.

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February 2024

2024 Bill Wham Memorial Scholarship

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