1976 - Present The Wolfe Park Tennis
Association (WPTA)
After finally succeeding in integrating the then clay courts, which were played on predominately by Whites at Wolfe Park located at the corner of Broad St. and Nelson Rd. in Columbus Ohio, a group of approximately 40 African American tennis enthusiasts claimed the park as their home. In the summer of 1976, the group held a tennis picnic and party in the park. Dr. Luther Ike, Rose McClure, Ethel Baldwin, Charles Wilkins, John Washington, and Willard Powell led the group. They were instrumental in starting The Wolfe Park Tennis Association (WPTA). Today, WPTA and the Wolfe Park Tennis Courts still serve as the hub for Black tennis in the Columbus, Ohio area.
The organizations’ mission statement which is to define, cultivate, promote, foster, develop, and implement physical and creative tennis programs that would appeal to and benefit all members, has not changed since its founding. WPTA’s membership exceeded 100 members between 1980 – 1995.
The Club, since its existence, has maintained an active indoor program. The first indoor program began at the now closed Columbus Indoor Tennis Club which was located at the corner of Joyce Avenue and 17th Street. WPTA moved from there to the Wickertree Tennis Club. For the last 25 years WPTA has called the Scarborough East Tennis and Fitness Club, on Alshire Road in Columbus its indoor home base.
WPTA has always benefitted from great leadership and the strength of its membership. It’s first three presidents were Dr. Luther Ike, Bert Watson, and Ed Amos. WPTA hosted its first general body meeting at the Paul Lawrence Dunbar Center, former home of the Columbus Academy. Approximately, 40 people attended the meeting.
Today the highly awarded WPTA organization continues the long-established social activities, started by the first African American Tennis Social Clubs in the country, by interacting competitively and socially with similar clubs in our Midwest region.
1995 - Present Ace with Love (AWL)
Junior Tennis Academy
The Wolfe Park Tennis Association (WPTA) began its history as most African American Tennis Social Clubs as an Adult only organization in 1976, not at all excluding juniors, but the primary focus was adult programs. Since its founding WPTA has had a number of junior programs under its umbrella.
In the Spring of 1995, a group of WPTA parents approached PTR professional Ed Amos and asked for another program specifically for juniors. The parents were Kathy McPike, Emma Suber and Daryl and Pat Brown. This request kick started the “Ace with Love” (so named later by Sandy Harris) Junior Development Program. Coach Ed was joined by John Artos who stepped up just to help out one Saturday and stayed on, followed by Daryl Brown. Those ten or so first group of juniors set the stage for what was to come.
The Program grew from those humble beginnings to an average of over of 85-90 juniors on any given Saturday morning down at Wolfe Park. Juniors ages 5-18 enjoyed the benefits of not two but an average of 8-9 PTR certified Professional Instructors and experienced coaches dedicated to the training and social growth of the junior tennis player. The program is run now year-round outdoors and indoors.
The AWL program has served over the past 25 years as the main feeder of top players into Columbus City high school tennis teams. The program has influenced and been instrumental in the initial preparation of juniors to play the game. Some of whom have gone on to every level of play in the sport from high school to college and beyond to professional ranks.
The AWL program has been recognized and received awards from many city, state and National organizations. AWL continues to be staffed by community volunteers with outstanding tennis credentials and professional certifications.
All rights reserved © Wolfe Park Tennis Association, 2022
Website created by Kenbur
All rights reserved © Wolfe Park Tennis Association, 2022
Website created by Kenbur