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SIOUX FALLS — Aberdeen native Don “Woody” Boyd and Pierre native Paul Williams are slated to be inducted into the South Dakota Tennis Hall of Fame in July.

Boyd, who now resides in Highlands Ranch (Colo.), and Williams, who is now living in Mankato (Minn.), will be inducted on Saturday, July 20 during an hour-long induction ceremony that is set to start at 11 a.m. at the McKennan Park picnic shelter (located near the tennis courts).

McKennan Park has been the induction site since 1991, the initial year of the South Dakota Tennis Hall of Fame. A marker recognizing all inductees is featured near the courts.

The ceremony will be video recorded and displayed later on the website (sdtennishall.com). All tennis enthusiasts are invited to attend.

The 2024 South Dakota Adult Open will be played July 19-21 mainly at the new Greatlife Cares Foundation Tennis Complex at Tamar Park, just off south Minnesota Avenue in Sioux Falls.

Don “Woody” Boyd

Boyd starred for the Aberdeen Central tennis team in the early 1970s and has been a tremendous benefactor to different programs involving the Hall of Fame. He was a key member of the Golden Eagles’ three-straight state championship teams from 1972 to 1974.

In addition, Boyd created a grant program that recognizes and promotes the game of tennis throughout South Dakota called the “Don Grebin Love Serving Tennis” Award.

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Paul Williams

Williams joins his high school coach Phil Trautner (Class of 1992) and fellow Governor tennis player Mike Trautner ( Class of 2007) in the South Dakota Tennis Hall of Fame. Williams was a five-time state champion in South Dakota (one singles, two doubles and two team).

In addition to his outstanding prep career, Paul really came on strong as a college and adult player. He also has coached at the high school and collegiate levels in Minnesota. He and his family have a long association with the game of tennis.

S.D. Tennis Achievement Award

The Greatlife Cares Foundation Tennis Complex at Tomar Park in Sioux Falls will be receiving the South Dakota Tennis Achievement Award for 2024. Championed by the Sioux Falls Tennis Association, namely Carissa Dice and Lydia Healy, the complex boasts 12 courts where young and old alike can play the game they love.

The facility received the USTA Outstanding Facility Award in 2023 and is quickly becoming a tennis hotbed for the city of Sioux Falls.

Follow Watertown Public Opinion sports reporter Roger Merriam on X (formerly known as Twitter) @PO_Sports or email: rmerriam@thepublicopinion.com

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