Joseph F. Gill. tennis has played a major role in your life and you have played a major role in the development of many tennis players.

You showed your relentless desire to perform to the best of your ability while spearheading the Worcester State College men's tennis team to its first and only Massachusetts State College men's tennis championship in 1974. You did not start your tennis career until you took up the sport as a freshman at Worcester State while participating in physical education classes. You developed an instant love for the game and subsequently took tennis lessons. You competed as a varsity tennis player in your sophomore, junior and senior years and your determination drove you to become the college's number one singles player. Throughout your varsity career you inspired your teammates to reach for, and attain, their maximum potential.

You combined with Jack Either in the doubles to become one of the top MASCAC doubles teams, and you were the Massachusetts State College Tournament runner-up in singles in 1974. You were honored for your outstanding undergraduate achievements by selection to Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities.

You developed into a truly outstanding tennis player and you achieved the unique distinction of being the teaching professional at the Westboro Tennis Club from 1974 through 1980, you were also the teaching professional at the Greendale YMCA from 1980 to 1984.

You became a member of the New England Lawn Tennis Association and were ranked fourth in the men's "A" doubles with Tom Mott in 1980 and you were ranked 30th in the men's "A" singles in 1977. You were the number one "B" player in singles in New England in 1977.

The love for tennis you developed in those phys-ed classes has led you to your present occupation of tennis court construction and you are currently the owner of Westboro Tennis Surfaces Company.

Joseph F. Gill, it is with great pride that we induct you into the Worcester State College Athletic Hall of Fame.