Seven Minutes
The Intercollegiate Tennis Association ( ITA ) has just released a video on the history of American college tennis. It can be seen on YouTube. Seven minutes of the production deal with the complex issue of International players ( beginning at minute 53 to minute 60 ). David Benjamin gives an accurate and fair summary of this conundrum.
Personally I am grateful for the concern I have expressed starting in 1972 is history.
I have concluded that some amount of tennis scholarship money should go first to Americans. How much ? 50% ? As the film suggests–”…that is the question”!
In 1982, having been voted down by the NAIA , I exited the meeting only to hear the NAIA CEO (Dr. Charles Morris ) whisper to me “….you are right, don’t quit “!
Once I questioned my own persistence to a respected professional. His adamant response was “… worth the effort? You’re damn right it is worth it. It’s our children. Child advocacy !”
The one point I take issue with is the suggestion only parents were concerned and disappointed. Young Americans are eliminated . 300 schools have dropped men’s teams for reasons Coach Benjamin cites. Many Coaches throughout the nation had nice local programs rendered unacceptable. Fans and students say who cares?
Still American Parents and citizens write the checks.
To have Parents and youngsters dismissed to go hunting for a fifth option for their higher education is not acceptable .
As mentioned the video can be accessed on YouTube. Or you can show it from the ITA website below:
I have included a letter to the ITA on this issue and others related
The Little Green Book of Tennis 