Often referred to as "Mr. Tennis," Ben has been teaching tennis for 58 years (Kona Kai, Hotel Del Coronado, and San Diego Hilton). He is credited for teaching San Diego’s only Wimbledon champions, Maureen Connolly and Karen Hantze Susman. Other notable former students were: Brian Teacher, Marita Redondo, Kristen Kemmer, Angelica Gavaldon, Steve Avoyer, Randy Thomas, and Alexandra Stevenson. As a player, Ben was a top ranking junior as well as a senior stand-out. His name is on the prestigious "champions list" of the 1951 La Jolla Tournament. He claimed three USTA Senior National doubles titles and represented the United States four times in the Gordon Cup, an International competition. Ben served two terms as President of both the SDDTA and SD division of the USPTA. And finally, he is recognized as the only San Diegan who has been awarded the National Community Service Award from both the USTA and the USPTA.
Bill Stack was born in Vienna and excelled in tennis, skiing, ice and field hockey, representing his country in international competition. He immigrated to the United States in 1941 and served in the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of Colonel. Bill retired from the service in 1965 and settled in Washington D.C. where he became Director of the Washington Hilton’s Racquet and Swim Club. He was ranked #1 in the 50 singles for the Middle Atlantic USTA section. After moving to San Diego in 1969, he became the Sales Director and Manager of the Point Loma Tennis Club. Although he had his own business, Stack Limited, which sold office equipment, Bill found time to completely immerse himself in San Diego tennis, as he founded the San Diego District Tennis Association, the San Diego Umpire’s Association and the Greater San Diego (City) Tennis Council. He also served as the President of the Balboa Tennis Club. Bill was ranked #1 in San Diego in the 55 singles in the 70’s and was a member of the Gordon Cup of international competition. Robin Harris Ogburn, Nancy Ornstein, Marita Redondo, Colleen Cleary Ferrell, Ann Lebedeff, Vicki Lareau, Liane Marquez Bryson and Larry Belinsky were all under his tutelage. San Diego tennis would not be where it is today without the big heart and tireless efforts of Bill Stack.
Inducted Into SCTA Senior Hall of Fame 2013. SDDTA Player of the Year 2008, 2013. SDDTA Sportsmanship Award 1993. City of San Diego Proclamation 2013. SCTA Service Award 2012. San Diego City Special Commendation 2002, 2012. Mayoral Appointment to City of San Diego Park/Recreation Board 1998-2012. World Team Queens Cup Winner 2013 (Austria) 2014 (Turkey) 2015 (Croatia). 2013 Gold Ball USTA National Champion. Claycourt, Indoor and Grasscourt (Singles and Doubles). World Champion of Womens 75 singles and doubles 2013 (Austria). European Senior Champion of Womens 75's singles and doubles (Austria). Wilson Friendship Cup Captain 2013 (Austria).
Director of Tennis Balboa Tennis Club since 1989. Over 20 year board member of the SDDTA. Past President of the USPTA San Diego Division. USPTA Board member for more than 20 years. Currently Vice President. Over 30 year member of the USPTA. Over 6 years as a Board. Member of the Southern California Tennis Association. Twice San Diego District Tennis Association Pro of the Year. 1993 and 2013. USPTA San Diego Division Pro of the Year. 2006. 2011 Channel 10 Leadership Award winner for efforts to bring tennis to wounded warriors around the country. USTA/USPTA National Community Service Award 2012. SCTA Community Service Award 2013. SCTA Family of the Year 2014. USTA National Adaptive Sports Award for my Wounded Warrior Tennis Committee. 2015. USTA National Tennis Family of the Year. 2016. In 6th year of offering tennis clinics to the wounded warriors at the Balboa Naval Hospital. Tennis Fest founder in the year 1999. 1000 participants, 25 courts of instruction for all ages and levels and 80 volunteer pros every year.
David was a former top ranked junior and adult tennis player in San Diego. He was also nationally ranked for many years. David was invited by Ben Press to join the Tennis Council during 2009 and has enjoyed working with his friends and fellow board members to revitalize tennis courts and to help promote tennis in San Diego. David served as a member of the 2014 Davis Cup Organizing Committee. He also spearheaded the Tennis Council’s efforts in a Davis Cup Legacy court renovation project including the upgrade of six tennis courts at Colina Del Sol Community Park in City Heights. David graduated from MIT with an MBA.