Throughout his tennis career, Hal McGrath has been a king on the courts. As a teenager, McGrath proved he was among the best young players in the area after winning the New York State boys singles title in 1944.

 

In his freshman year at Syracuse University, McGrath won the 1951 Eastern Intercollegiate championship and was ranked 10th nationally. From 1951 to 1954, he was a team captain and the squad’s No. 1 player.

 

McGrath’s crisp serves and volleys helped his game stay at a high level in his adult years. McGrath played on Syracuse's Marsh Cup team and during a span of 20 years, he lost only one match. He is a respected player in the senior ranks and has won a number of titles including three straight National Senior Olympic men's double crowns with partner Bob Marquart.

 

McGrath was the first tennis player to be inducted into the Greater Syracuse Hall of Fame.

 

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

 

1943: Boys Singles Champion, Syracuse Recreation Department 

1944: New York State Boys Singles Champion 

1947-1949: Central New York Doubles Champion 

1949-1953: Four Time City Champions 

1951-1954: Syracuse University Tennis Team, #1 position, Eastern Intercollegiate Singles Champion, ranked tenth nationally. Won numerous New York State tournaments 

1951: Won Lawrence J. Skiddy Memorial Award - Outstanding Syracuse Athlete 

1956: Central New York Men’s Doubles winner 

1976: Chairman of "Jobs for Jocks", Chamber of Commerce program 

1977: Named S.U. "Letterman of Distinction" 

1979: Onondaga County Doubles Champion 

1980: Syracuse Tennis Association Men’s Doubles Champion 

1986: Mixed Doubles Champion-Limestone Tennis Club 

1987: State Seniors Men’s Double’s Champion 

1995: National Senior Doubles Champion, San Diego, Calif. 

1995: New York State Senior Games, Mixed Doubles Champion with wife, Rusty 

2005: With partner Bob Marquart, McGrath won three consecutive National Senior Olympic men's double crown (70-74 age group in Pittsburgh, Pa.) 

McGrath has also won a World Games Mix double title 

 

*Board member of the Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame and the Syracuse Sports Corporation.