Saturday, October 12, 2024
John H. Ingram III, a longtime tennis professional at Pecan Plantation Country Club, was honored by the United States Professional Tennis Association Sept. 18 in Palm Springs, California, with the George Bacso Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes more than 50 years of dedication to the sport of tennis.
Ingram’s career is marked not only by his accomplishments in coaching, playing and teaching but also by his humor, love for costumes, and flair that he brings to every court he steps on.
Dressed in a pale blue suit with a French blue bow tie and a navy-banded white straw fedora, Ingram took the stage at the award ceremony with his trademark charm. “I brought a prop,” he joked, waving a vintage wooden tennis racket. Recalling advice from the late tennis legend Vic Brayden at his first USPTA convention in 1977, he shared, “When you’re making a presentation, hold a racket, and you’ll be a lot more comfortable.”
Ingram’s speech was peppered with humorous anecdotes and heartfelt gratitude. He reminisced about his early days in Houston, teaching tennis lessons for $3 an hour (though if you arrived in a nice car, it was $4). One of his first students, a beginner, ended her lesson by telling him, “I hope you get better, too.” Ingram laughed, then added, “Wouldn’t it be nice to go back to the first person you ever taught and say, ‘I’m sorry?’ We were just winging it back then.”
Despite the humor, Ingram’s speech reflected his genuine appreciation for those who shaped his journey. He began by thanking his parents, who gave him the means to take tennis lessons, and his brother Tom, a longtime USPTA member.
He also honored Karen Shannon, their children, son Jay, daughter Katherine — who was very instrumental in making the tribute video — and the family dogs, Charlie and Lucy, for their support.
His list of mentors was long, including icons like Vic Braden, Bill Tym and colleagues like Ron Woods, Dick King, and Ken McAllister, all of whom influenced his path.
“Because of USPTA, I think we all got better,” he said. “If you go to the conventions, you’ll make lifelong friends, and it’ll make you a lot better and more skilled at our craft.” He closed with a reflective thought, inspired by “It’s a Wonderful Life:” “You don’t know how many people you touch in the course of your lifetime.”
Ingram’s path to becoming a Dallas-area tennis icon wasn’t always certain. “I was going to go to law school,” he admitted, “but this tennis thing seemed like a pretty good gig. I thought I’d do it for a couple of years, but I guess I’ve never had a real job.” That “gig” turned into a lifetime, with Ingram mentoring countless professionals along the way.
Friends and colleagues are quick to praise his impact. Ron Woods, a fellow tennis pro, captured Ingram’s spirit perfectly: “It doesn’t matter how much you know or how great of a teacher you are — unless you make it fun for people, it doesn’t matter. And that’s what John does. He makes tennis fun.”
Katherine Ingram, his daughter, said, “He inspires me every day with his unyielding positive attitude, his kindness, and his dedication. I’m so proud of him.”
Ingram’s love for tennis isn’t just about technique; it’s also about having fun, often in costume. From Santa Claus to Scottish kilts, Ingram’s penchant for dressing up is legendary. Craig Bell, a close friend, joked, “He’s in the Hall of Fame for looking sharp and snappy. Whether it’s Halloween or the Fourth of July, John’s in costume and playing the role.”
USPTA CEO Brian Dillman also credits Ingram for shaping his career. “When John certified me in 1991, I was nervous, but it was a great experience. Because of him, I’m here today.”
Ingram remains humble despite his countless achievements. “I owe everything to the USPTA. I’ve made lifelong friends, but most importantly, I’ve learned so much.” Since 2015, he has been the Club Tennis Pro at Pecan Plantation Country Club, where his teaching continues to inspire.
His legacy, marked by achievements, costumes and friendship, is one that transcends trophies. As Craig Bell fittingly summed up, “Well played, J.I.3. Well played.”
To view the video of John Ingram's award ceremony, visit: https://youtu.be/kk4fC0jPE0c?si=NluqL00GnnNFM_FG
