EAST LANSING, Mich. — Michigan State men’s tennis alum and ambassador for the sport of tennis, Rick Ferman, passed away last weekend at the age of 74.
Ferman played for MSU men’s tennis from 1968-71, lettering in 1970 and ’71. He was the Big Ten runner-up at No. 6 singles as a sophomore in 1970, posting a 10-0 regular-season record, winning 20 sets and only dropping two during the regular season.
A native of Grosse Pointe, Michigan, Ferman earned his bachelor’s degree in 1972 in social science and his master’s from MSU in 1973 in secondary education and teaching, administration of intramural sports and recreation services.
He was the 2002 recipient of the MSU Varsity S Jack Breslin Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring the Spartan varsity alumnus whose post college career has brought great honor to himself, and by reflection to Michigan State and its intercollegiate athletic programs.
Ferman then taught and coached, and eventually became an administrator and manager. He also was co-owner of athletic clubs Court One North in Lansing and Court One East in Okemos. In 1991, Ferman was named America’s number one tennis club professional and Court One was named as the nation’s “Member Organization of the Year” by the USTA.
He coached pro Todd Martin, beginning when Martin was a junior player and Martin went on to become a Top 5 player, two-time Grand Slam finalist and a dedicated representative for the U.S. in Davis Cup play. Ferman later developed the Todd Martin Development Fund that supports the Lansing chapter of the National Junior Tennis League.
Ferman developed numerous grassroots programs in Michigan, and on a national level, volunteered, worked and served at all levels of the USTA, including as USTA Midwest president. Additionally, Ferman served on more than 15 USTA National committees including as chairman of the Player Development Committee, Section Presidents Committee, and USTA Delegates Assembly. He was chairman of the USTA/Midwest Section Junior Tennis Council, Section Endorser, and member of the Education and Recreation Tennis Committee. He was vice president of the USTA Board of Directors from 1995-1996.
He then served as USTA Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer from 1996-2003,…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Michigan State University Athletics…