Ben Press Honored with Tennis Court Dedication on His 89th Birthday

San Diego, CA - May 31, 2013 (Ben Press’ 89th birthday) - GSDCTC surprised him by getting the eight (8) court tennis facility where he attended middle school named, the Ben Press Tennis Center at Roosevelt Middle School. Ben thought the courts were going to be named in honor of event co-sponsor Bill Walton, but he was deeply moved by the special recognition. See below a photo of the moment an enormous banner was unveiled naming the courts after him. Ben’s daughter Andee Press-Dawson said this celebration was one of the best days of her father’s life!

Back Row (L to R): Bill Walton (NBA HOF), Franklin Johnson (past USTA President), Ben Press, David Gill & Matt Harvey, Front Row (L to R): Richard Barrera (San Diego Unified), Arturo Cabello (past Principal Roosevelt M.S.) & Lillian Shallow (Roosevelt student/leader)

The Press Family Tennis Pavilion

San Diego Tennis Legends Day at North Park Recreation Center (May 31, 2024)

“The true genesis of San Diego tennis was begun and nurtured at the three courts at University Heights, and the catalyst for that tennis meeting place was the incomparable Wilbur Folsom.” (Ben Press-2006)

Board Members: Geoff Griffin (Board Member) Roz King (GSDCTC – Treasurer)

Photo of Ben Press’ Dedication Plaque at North Park Recreation Center – 5/31/2024

Greater San Diego Tennis Council Celebrated for Community Impact and Inspiring Philanthropy in Tennis

San Diego, CA - January 2024, 2024 - Racquet Sports Industry Magazine wrote an insightful piece on the valuable work The Greater San Diego Tennis Council provides for the community. We thank Ken Oswald for taking the time to include the history of the organization and all the people who help make each project possible. The Tennis Council hopes to inspire others to give back to help keep the sport of tennis going strong throughout the country.

San Diego, CA - November 22, 2016 - The Greater San Diego City Tennis Council (GSDCTC) proudly announces the completion of a six tennis court renovation project in partnership with the George and Betty Harbaugh Charitable Foundation (Harbaugh Foundation) and the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD). In conjunction with the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the GSDCTC, the Harbaugh Foundation and the SDCCD were pleased to unveil a commemorative plaque honoring Ben Press and George Harbaugh, lifetime friends and tennis ambassadors. Joe Balla, Director of the George & Betty Harbaugh Charitable Foundation stated, "The Foundation is pleased to honor George Harbaugh and Ben Press in the re-dedication of this tennis facility at San Diego City College. More importantly, we are happy to help bring the ageless sport of tennis to new generations of college players.

RIBBON CUTTING CELEBRATION AT SAN DIEGO CITY COLLEGE CELEBRATING TENNIS

RIBBON CUTTING CELEBRATION AT EASTLAKE HIGH SCHOOL

Ben Press, Co-Founder GSDCTC, 5/31/1924 – 9/9/2016 RIP

San Diego, CA - October 22, 2016 - The Greater San Diego City Tennis Council (GSDCTC) proudly announces the completion of a three high school tennis court renovation project in partnership with the Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD). This project involved the renovation of 30 tennis courts at the following SUHSD school sites:

• Bonita Vista High School (6 courts) – work performed by CH Court Tech

• Eastlake High School (12 courts) – work performed by Ferandell Tennis Courts

• Montgomery High School (12 courts) – work performed by Ferandell Tennis Courts

Half of the courts at each high school site were lined for USTA “10 and under tennis” to enhance the enjoyment and development for younger children. The project was financed by a combination of the following funding sources: a family from Bonita Vista High School, Bowden Family Foundation, Farrell Family Foundation, San Diego District Tennis Association, Southern California Tennis Association, Randi and Charles Wax, GSDCTC and a majority funding grant from the SUHSD. Jack McGrory, former San Diego City Manager, served as Master of Ceremony. Mr. McGrory has been a long-time friend and generous supporter of GSDCTC. Jack McGrory stated, “My close friend Ben Press, cofounder of GSDCTC passed away last month at the age of 92. I am confident that Ben’s amazing legacy of community service will continue in the good hands of the remaining GSDCTC board members.”

EAST COUNTY CTA/HELIX HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETES 6 TENNIS COURT RENOVATION PROJECT

San Diego, CA - August 25, 2015 - The Greater San Diego City Tennis Council (GSDCTC) proudly announces the completion of a six tennis court renovation project at East County Community Tennis Association (ECCTA)/Helix High School. This project was financed by a combination of generous support from ECCTA, Helix High School, the Greater San Diego City Tennis Council (via foundations and private donors), and grants from the San Diego District Tennis Association and the Southern California Tennis Association. Ben Press, President of the Greater San Diego City Tennis Council said, “I was deeply honored to have a junior tennis tournament named after me at the freshly renovated ECCTA tennis facility. It was fun and exciting watching many of the matches and I was very impressed and pleased to see such a large entry turnout.” We’re grateful for everyone’s diligent efforts to ensure fun, exciting play at the ECCTA for years to come.”

From Left to Right: (Tom O’Brien, Ben Press, Tamara Sarafijanovic, Michael Metti, David Gill, Ben Gill and Rebecca Gill)

GRAND OPENING/RIBBON CUTTING CELEBRATION AND COMMUNITY TENNIS CLINIC CONDUCTED AT EL RANCHO DEL REY PARK

San Diego, CA – July 14, 2015 - The Greater San Diego City Tennis Council (GSDCTC) proudly announces the grand opening celebration of a two tennis court renovation project at El Rancho Del Rey Park. Both of the tennis courts have been lined for USTA “10 and under tennis” to enhance the enjoyment and development of younger children. This project was financed by a combination of support from the GSDCTC (via foundations and private donors), a grant from the San Diego District Tennis Association (SDDTA) and a contribution from the City of Chula Vista. Ben Press, President of GSDCTC stated, “It was exciting to see such an enthusiastic community turnout of youth and families. We are pleased to have established this partnership with the City of Chula Vista to enrich the lives of community members by providing these safe and enjoyable state-of-the-art tennis facilities for youth and adults alike.”

From Left to Right: (unknown, Agnes Bernardo, Tom O’Brien, Ben Press, Chula Vista Council member John McCann, Roz King, Geoff Griffin, Bill Molina, David Gill and unknown)

GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY AT COLINA DEL SOL COMMUNITY PARK TENNIS

San Diego, CA - July 24, 2014 - The Greater San Diego City Tennis Council (GSDCTC) proudly announces the upcoming renovation of the six tennis court complex at Colina Del Sol Community Park. On July 23rd, a formal ground breaking ceremony took place with the following representatives speaking at the celebration – Jack McGrory (Master of Ceremony and a San Diego Aviators owner), Herman Parker (Director of the San Diego Park & Recreation Department), Bill Kellogg (2014 Davis Cup Organizing Committee Co-Chair), Ben Press (GSDCTC President), Melanie Bischoff (representing the Southern California Tennis Association), Steve Kappes (San Diego District Tennis Association President) and Wayne Bryan (father of the Bryan Twins and Tennis Coach Extraordinaire). Roughly one hundred youth came out to participate in an inspiring, fun and informative celebration of tennis. Numerous local teaching tennis professionals generously volunteered their time and assisted with the tennis clinic. Mike & Bob Bryan, the World #1 Ranked Men’s Doubles Team and US Davis Cup Team stalwarts, spoke with participants and generously provided autographs and posed for photographs. We would like to thank the following contributors for making this Davis Cup Legacy Project possible: 2014 Davis Cup Organizing Committee, GSDCTC, San Diego Aviators, San Diego District Tennis Association, Southern California Tennis Association, Jack McGrory and Joan Ganz Cooney (in memory of her brother Paul Ganz).

(From left to right): Winston Strozier, Tom O’Brien, Roz King, Bill Kellogg, Bob Bryan, Mike Bryan, Ben Press, David Gill and Wayne Bryan

San Diego, CA – December 6, 2013 - The Greater San Diego City Tennis Council (GSDCTC) proudly announces the completion of a four tennis court renovation project at the Linda Vista Recreation Center (LVRC). Two of the four tennis courts have been lined for USTA “10 and under tennis” to enhance the enjoyment and development of younger children. This project was financed by a combination of generous support from the County of San Diego, the Greater San Diego City Tennis Council (via foundations and private donors), a grant from the San Diego District Tennis Association and a grant from the United States Tennis Association. Ben Press, President of the Greater San Diego City Tennis Council stated, “It’s with justifiable pride that our Tennis Council, with support from the County of San Diego and the San Diego District Tennis Association, has orchestrated the renovation of the four courts at the LVRC. Now hundreds of juniors and adults will be able to enjoy our favorite sport.” County Supervisor Ron Roberts was among the renovation’s supporters. Our Live Well, San Diego initiative is designed to promote exercise and playing tennis is a fantastic way to accomplish that goal. Who knows, maybe the courts will produce our next Ben Press!”

LINDA VISTA RECREATION CENTER COMPLETES FOUR TENNIS COURT RENOVATION PROJECT

San Diego, CA - May 2, 2012 - The Greater San Diego City Tennis Council (GSDCTC) proudly announces the completion of a six tennis court renovation project at Castle Park High School (CPHS). These renovated courts will provide an enhanced experience for the student body as well as the community. This project was jointly financed by a combination of generous support from the Sweetwater Union High School District, the Greater San Diego City Tennis Council (via foundations and private donors), and a grant from the San Diego District Tennis Association. Dr. Thomas Glover, the Principal from Castle Park High School, said, "We are incredibly grateful to the Greater San Diego City Tennis Council for their support in refurbishing our courts. It is a joy to have such a fantastic organization as a partner." Ben Press, the President of the Greater San Diego City Tennis Council said, “It is our Tennis Council’s pleasure to transform the six almost unplayable courts into six pristine courts conducive for the Trojan tennis teams, the rest of the student body and public.”