Why Lenoir?
Even without his pre- and post-college achievements — which aren’t a factor here — Lenoir, who died in 2007 at age 64, deserves the honor.
Lenoir won the WAC singles title in 1963 and 1964, also winning the doubles title in both years, and was a three-time All-American. In 1961 and 1963, he made it to the NCAA tournament’s quarterfinals. In between, he advanced to the NCAA semifinals.
"Back then, people couldn't understand how I could hit with both hands," Lenoir told the Star in 1995. "People came to see me just to see my style. They'd always tell me that I couldn't be any good playing like that — and now everybody plays that way."
