Legendary Men's Tennis Coach Murphy Passes Away
5/19/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
TUCSON, Ariz. -- Former University of Michigan men's tennis coach William Murphy passed away Monday (May 16) at the age of 87. Murphy led the U-M tennis program from 1948-69 and guided the Wolverines to 11 Big Ten Conference championships and their only NCAA team championship in the sport in 1957. In recognition of his great achievements, Murphy was inducted into the Michigan Athletic Hall of Honor in 1983.
| | Murphy |
Following his career at Michigan, Murphy coached at Illinois State for two seasons before taking the head coaching position at Arizona. During his seven-year career at UA (1973-80), Murphy compiled a record of 101-44 and led the Wildcats to three Western Athletic Conference championships (1973-74, '78) and two top-10 finishes at the NCAA Championship (1973-74).
Murphy received his B.A. in economics from the University of Chicago in 1939 and his M.S. in physical education from George Williams College in 1941. As a player, Murphy was a Western, Illinois State, and Wisconsin singles and doubles champion, as well as a Big Ten doubles champion and NCAA doubles runner-up with his twin brother, Chet.
Murphy, who retired from teaching and coaching in 1980 at the age of 62, authored several books on tennis and was a frequent contributor of articles to leading tennis magazines on playing and teaching techniques.
William is survived by wife, Mary (Mimi); daughter Elizabeth; son Thomas; and brother Chet. Services will be held at St. Joseph's Hospital Chapel (Tucson, Ariz.) tomorrow (Friday, May 20) at noon.
Contact: Marc Ressler (734) 763-4423
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