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Wayne State University Athletics

Inaugural Mike Kneale Memorial Doubles Tournament Graphic

Men's Tennis Matthew Jurek, Sports Information Graduate Assistant

Men's Tennis to Honor Mike Kneale at Memorial Doubles Tournament

The inaugural event will pay tribute for a former Tartar and GLIAC Champion.

DETROIT -- The Wayne State University men's tennis team will compete in its final fall tournament of the 2023-24 season by hosting the Inaugural Mike Kneale Memorial Doubles Tournament on Saturday, October 28.  The Warriors will honor and recognize Kneale, a former member of the WSU men's tennis program.

Play is slated to begin at 10 a.m. this weekend.  The Green and Gold will be joined by Tiffin University, University of Findlay, and Lawrence Tech University to form a 16-team doubles field.  Each tandem will play approximately four matches (whether in the main or consolation brackets) consisting of eight game pro-sets instead of the standard six common to dual matches seen in the spring and some fall contests.

Both the Duchene Athletic Facility and newly re-done WSU Tennis Courts will be used throughout the day.  Winners will stay indoors at Duchene, while consolation matches will be held outdoors.  Medals for overall and consolation winners will be provided at the conclusion of the afternoon.

The Mike Kneale Memorial Doubles Tournament was formed by Wayne State to honor the tournament's namesake Michael (Mike) Kneale, a member of the men's tennis team from 1979 to 1982.  He gained several notable achievements throughout a decorated collegiate career.  Kneale was a four-time men's tennis letterwinner, obtaining the achievement after each season of college. 

The Tartars were successful in the those four seasons, winning the GLIAC Championship in back-to-back years in 1980 and 1981.  An excellent doubles player, Kneale won league titles at the No. 2 doubles position in 1979 and 1980 with teammate Bob Jackson.  Ties to the current WSU squad can be seen through Jackson, as the 2005 WSU Hall of Fame inductee recently completed his seventh season as volunteer assistant coach in the spring of 2023.

Kneale was no slouch when it came to singles, either, as the Tartar won the singles No. 6 position title in 1981.  Following the 1979 and 1980 seasons, Kneale was voted team MVP for his efforts on the court in leading the Tartars to some of their best seasons.

A lifelong Detroit native and graduate of East Detroit High School (now Eastpointe High School), Kneale continued to support the tennis program at his alma mater through his presence and his generous donations to help maintain a strong tennis presence at Wayne State.

Saturday's tournament recognizes the Wayne State spirit he embodied throughout his life.  Members of the Kneale family will be in attendance for the proceedings, which will primarily occur before doubles play begins the morning.


Mike Kneale on 1980-81 Men's Tennis Team

Mike Kneale is third from left in the WSU team photo from the 1980-81 season.  Pictured (left to right): Oscar Gamarra, Sr., Jamie Mason, Mike Kneale, Dennis Royal, Bob Jackson, head coach Allison Tookes.

 
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