Sept. 19, 2012

Arlo K. Elkins Memorial Tennis Tournament Weekend Invite

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The University of South Carolina Department of Athletics will host the Arlo K. Elkins Memorial Tennis Tournament Weekend over Oct. 6-7 in Columbia, S.C. The event will honor and build upon the legacy of coach Elkins’ 29-year coaching career at the helm of the Gamecocks’ women’s tennis program.

Funds raised from the tournament will endow a women’s tennis scholarship in Elkins’ name. Coach Elkins passed away March 31 this year after a battle with cancer. His love for the game and student-athletes was evident throughout his 29 years as the head coach of the women’s tennis team.

Tennis alumni from throughout coach Elkins’ coaching career will be participating in the weekend’s events, which includes attending the South Carolina/Georgia football game. Rita Gladstone, a player for Elkins from 1984 to 1988 and the school’s all-time leader in singles victories, will be one of those in attendance.

“Arlo made such a positive impact on my life and the lives of so many players throughout his 29 years at Carolina,” Gladstone said. “I can think of no better way to honor his legacy than by endowing a scholarship in his name.”

The weekend kicks off with an alumni tennis tailgate before the football game on Saturday, Oct. 6, and continues with the Arlo K. Elkins Memorial Round Robin Tennis Tournament on Sunday, Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Carolina Tennis Center (1316 Heyward St. in Columbia). The tournament is open to the Columbia community, USC alumni and supporters as well as those who wish to honor coach Elkins.

Entry fee for the tournament is $100 per player and includes tennis, lunch and a Carolina hat. Those unable to participate in the tournament can make a donation in honor of coach Elkins.

For more information, please contact Wayne Hiott in the Gamecock Club at hiottw@mailbox.sc.edu or (803) 777-3271, or Christyn Lucas Cloninger at christyncloninger@gmail.com or (786) 797-7972.

To read more about coach Elkins and his career at South Carolina, please click HERE.