It was a bittersweet moment for those in attendance at Tuesday night's dedication ceremony marking the opening of the third annual USTA Men's clay court tournament in Rochester, New York. The Futures tournament, which features up and coming professional tennis players, was re-named in honor of former Bills Vice President Linda Bogdan who passed away in late April.
Bogdan was an avid supporter of tennis as well as an accomplished amateur player. She was also instrumental in keeping the Futures Tournament alive three years ago when the Buffalo Tournament was canceled on short notice. Bogdan and the Bills organization agreed to be the Title Sponsor and provided the necessary resources to keep the event up and running.
Now the Tournament will return the favor by keeping Bogdan's memory alive.
On hand for the dedication Tuesday evening was Bogdan's sister Dee Dee Wilson.
The Futures Tournament attracts players from around the world ranked as high as number 300. The field contains 32 singles players and 16 doubles teams and runs from June 30th to July 5th at the Tennis Club of Rochester.
"This exciting tournament gives tennis fans a sneak peek at the stars of tomorrow and will give us yet another opportunity to showcase what our community has to offer," said TCR general manager Steve Pike. "More importantly we are proud to honor Linda in this fashion as she was such an integral supporter of this tournament and competitive tennis in general."
For more information on the tournament, visit www.tennisclubofrochester.com.
