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TENNIS
Tourney to honor Evanses
Friends and family of late tennis-playing couple to gather at Hillside Swim Club
Friday, August 17, 2007
ADVANCE STAFF WRITER
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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A celebration of the lives of Artie and Midge Evans will take place tomorrow at Hillside Swim Club in Bulls Head as friends and family of the late couple gather for a tennis tournament in their honor.
“Both of them would be happy to know that the courts and sidelines at Hillside are filled with people they love playing tennis, sharing memories and laughing loudly in honor of their lives,” said Kerry Sullivan, a lifelong friend of the Evanses.
Artie, a legendary track star on Staten Island, was on his way to play tennis at Hillside in 2003 when he suffered a fatal heart attack behind the wheel.
He developed into a track star while he was a student at St. Peter’s Boys High School, where he set a New York City high school record for a half-mile relay leg. He later attended Manhattan College, where he anchored a two-mile relay team that set a world indoor record at the 1961 Millrose Games.
He was still a student at Manhattan when he qualified for the 1960 U.S. Olympic Trials in Palo Alto, Calif. He competed in the 800 meters at those trials, but his bid for a spot on the U.S. Olympic team came up short when he narrowly lost his semi-final heat.
He taught math at Port Richmond HS for 35 years and in his 30s he took up tennis. He became an excellent player and served as the tennis coach at Monsignor Farrell High School for several years.
After retiring, Artie and Midge played three times a week at Hillside with friends.
Midge died of leukemia last October at 64, and, like her husband, lived every day with energy, even after falling ill.
Although she was hospitalized for last year’s tournament, Midge was insistent that it be held so she could view pictures and videos of the event.
This year’s tournament starts at 10:30 a.m., and for the second consecutive year will be held in conjunction with a health fair that starts at 1 p.m.
Staten Island University Hospital will host a blood drive, Richmond Medical Center will do blood pressure screening, and the Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucas Foundation will handle eye exams.
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Dear John,
I believe that Artie is a member of the Class of 1961.
May He and Midge Rest In Peace.
Mike
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