July 12, 2005

Hans Wichary, who guided the USD tennis program from 1973-1978, passed away on Friday, July 8th, at the age of 73. During his tenure as Torero tennis coach he produced and NCAA Division II championship team in 1974 and a co-champion in 1975. The teams were led by two-time singles champion Andrew Rae, who joined Russell Watts in winning the 1974 doubles crown for the Toreros.

Before 1973, when his team finished third, the Toreros had not placed higher than 10th in Division II men's play. Wichary also directed the women who placed among the top six in the state in 1977 and 1978. In addition to his time at USD, he was an accomplished age-group player and held various tennis director and head professional positions at tennis clubs.

Mr. Wichary, a Mission Valley resident in recent years, also operated two businesses into the mid-1990's: Quality Tennis Courts and Parkway Swim and Tennis Club in El Cajon. He was known throughout Southern California and Mexico for his talent to build and refurbish tennis courts.

Services are scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 16th, at El Camino Memorial Chapel, 5600 Carroll Canyon Road, San Diego. Donations are suggested to the Barnes Tennis Center, 4490 W. Point Loma Blvd., San Diego, CA 92107.