Officials say these courts will enable the university to teach tennis classes to 2,000 students each year and to host numerous local, state and national tennis tournaments.

Naming the courts in honor of Omar Smith is a fitting tribute to the life of a great coach, educator and longtime friend of the university who was dedicated to both physical education and the tennis program at Texas A&M, they add.

Omar Smith was born in Sioux City, Iowa, in 1914 and attended Texas A&M where, as a freshman, he was awarded a letter in football and won the intramural boxing championship and also was a member of the tennis team.

After graduating in 1937, Smith served as a faculty member in the Department of Health and Physical Education at Texas A&M.  During his tenure as tennis coach (1960-1974), he compiled an impressive winning record including 13 winning seasons, two Southwest Conference doubles titles and a undefeated record at home against the University of Texas.  Under his direction, the Texas A&M tennis team was ranked 10th nationally.

Contact: Tanya Nading at Tnading@hlkn.tamu.edu or Tura King at (979) 845-4670, email tura-king@tamu.edu.