CPRC Alumni inducted into the Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame
Colorado has a rich tradition of tennis, and the Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame recognizes the outstanding achievements of Colorado players, coaches or administrators and their contribution to the sport.
Tariq Abdul-Hamid (2007)
Tariq grew up playing tennis at Denver’s City Park, later playing at the University of Colorado-Boulder. His true passions are teaching and mentoring others, and he has dedicated much of his life to growing tennis, especially in City Park. He has coached hundreds of youngsters, many who became accomplished players and tennis teaching professionals.
He demands dedication and hard work from his students. These qualities and skills transfer into other aspects of their lives, opening the door to other opportunities, including attending college.
In 1995, Tariq was honored with the Colorado Tennis Association’s Arthur Ashe Award for his contributions to under-served populations. Two years later, he received the 9 WHO CARE AWARD to recognize his volunteer efforts in teaching underprivileged youth. He also received the 9 WHO CARE Prospector Award, acknowledging him as Denver’s top volunteer. Tariq was also recognized with the Urban League of Metropolitan Denver Community Service Award in 1998.
Chester Harris (2009)
An avid tennis lover and true advocate of the game, Mr. Harris (as he was known to everyone) was a fixture at Denver’s City Park for decades. He introduced scores of people to tennis, and was a powerful force in bringing minorities into the game.
Selfless in the gifts of his time and his talents, Mr. Harris received his compensation in seeing the growth of the sport in his community, as well as watching his students improve their game. He taught more than tennis. He wanted to develop good human beings, able to articulate and to concentrate in the classroom. He taught his students to be good citizens, many who have passed along these lessons to future players. His influence has helped bring new generations to the sport, and introduce players of diverse backgrounds to tennis long after his death.
In 1992, the City Park Racquet Club renamed its premier event, the Chester Harris City Park Open, in his honor.
Warrick Jones (2012)
A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Warrick was introduced to tennis at age 11 and took to the sport quickly, competing in USTA tournaments with good success. As a senior, he reached the finals of the Ohio State High School Championships. A recognized leader on and off the court, Warrick was selected to be a ball boy for the US Davis Cup squad on four separate occasions.
After graduating from Long Beach State, Warrick competed in professional satellite tour events, becoming a two-time champion at the American Tennis Association (ATA) Championships.He enlisted in the US Army in 1984 and was stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs. While in the Service, Warrick was a three-time Army Tennis Team member and won the Armed Forces Tennis Championships three times (one singles and two doubles crowns), and since coming to the state has won numerous Colorado State Open age division events.
On the national stage, Warrick has won five USTA National Championships—the National Hard Court Men’s 40 and 45 singles, the National Indoor Men’s 45 singles and doubles, and the National Grass Court Men’s 50s doubles. He was also a multiple selection to compete on the USA National Dubler Cup Team (M45).
