In Memory of Ezekiel Davis

Ezekiel Davis was a young man of many talents and passions.  He loved playing chess, soccer, and tennis. 

It was as a tennis player that we first met “Zek.”  Having lost his grandmother to pancreatic cancer, he first came out to support the Mary Diaz & William Copeland Jr. Memorial tennis tournament in 2014 when he was just 15 years old. 

Immediately, he won us over with his quick smile, his subtle charm and his willingness to partner up and play in whatever division we needed him most.  In fact, his spirit was so generous, the first year he participated in the tournament he was awarded the Sportsmanship Award. 

We are grateful to Zek and will always remember and admire his commitment to helping create hope for those affected by pancreatic cancer. In July of 2024 we plan to celebrate Ezekiel's life at our 18th annual memorial tennis tournament and rename our sportsmanship award "The Ezekiel Davis Sportsmanship Award" in his honor. 

2023 Wrap up

A big shout out to everyone who helped make the 17th Annual Mary Diaz & William Copeland, Jr. Memorial Tennis Tournament a success.  (Tournament photographs here along with division winners and finalists)

Approximately 100 players came out for drills, pizza, and fellowship Friday evening, July 14th, at Northam Park.  The weekend continued with 140 players participating in round robin doubles play at the Ohio State University, Players’ Club and Elysium Tennis.  A special thank you to the Racquet Club for being on-call and available! 

Thanks to all of you we’ve raised over $72,000!  This year’s fundraising puts us over the million dollar mark in funds raised since we began our charity event in 2005.  The money raised helps support, treat and cure those affected by pancreatic cancer. 

2023 Honoree: Dave Gil-Martin Herold

This year, the Mary Diaz & William Copeland Jr. Memorial Tennis Tournament honors the life of Dave Gil-Martin Herold.  He passed away on May 28, 2021 at his home in Powell, Ohio, aged 57, following a brave battle with pancreatic cancer.  Dave was the treasured uncle of Caitlin Kelleher-Enchelmeyer, a long-term supporter of the annual event, now in its eighteenth year.

Upon Dave’s death, his wife, Gidgett R. Herold wrote,” I lost the love of my life, the man of my dreams, soulmate, and best friend.”  They were one week shy of their sixteenth wedding anniversary.  A long-time member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Gidgett noted that her husband was deeply religious and found great comfort in his spirituality.  Dave told her, “The day I pass, I will meet my maker and be reunited with my mom.”

One of five children, Dave grew up in Galion, Ohio.  He graduated from Upper St. Clair High School in 1982 and The Ohio State University in 1986.  Dave went on to have a successful career in sales.  He worked as a regional sales manager at Windmill Slatwell for almost 25 years.  His customer base spanned from Michigan to Alabama and the East Coast, including the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec.  His clients encompassed retailers, distributors, cabinet shops, trade show exhibit builders, architects, design firms, and contractors.

When Dave died, a neighbor, Kim Smith, remarked, “He was always there no matter what.  Dave left a mark in everyone’s life and will never be forgotten.”  Matthew Black, a long-time friend shared, “He had a fantastic laugh and a smile on his face, even in his battle with pancreatic cancer.  Dave was the kind of guy everyone should try to be.”  

He had a deep passion for playing golf, watching the Chicago Cubs, and never missed an OSU football game. Dave’s young cousin, Andrew Creeger, is certain he’s hosting a great tailgate party up in heaven.  His family recalls his sense of humor, kindness, and respect for all. Dave never met a stranger and enjoyed helping others. 

Cindy Kelleher, Caitlin’s mom and Dave’s “baby sister,” remembered, “He was the fourth child and I was the fifth.  He would joke that I kicked him out of his beloved crib when I arrived. When we were little, I found out he had wanted a little brother, not a sister. That made me want to prove to him that I could be just as cool. He must have realized I was okay because he always made me feel like I belonged. We would make forts, play catch, shoot hoops, swim, and hangout. He would even drive me by the house of my middle school crush and be my lookout.” 

Kelleher relayed that Dave never complained about his diagnosis and kept his faith in God until the very end.  He was nicknamed “the Warrior,” a fitting moniker for a man fighting pancreatic cancer. “Dave was my best friend,” Cindy observed.  “He will always live in my heart. I was incredibly blessed to have him as my big brother.” 

Our community holds the Herold/Kelleher family in the light as we celebrate Dave’s memory.  

2022 Wrap up

After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, we were thrilled to gather on the courts once again. Last month, nearly 100 players joined us for drills Friday, July 15th and 150 tennis enthusiasts came out for round-robin tournament play the next day. Thanks to them and our generous donors we raised over $80,000. These funds will help support, treat, and cure those affected by pancreatic cancer.

2022 Honoree: Terri Christine Jones

This year, the Mary Diaz & William Copeland Jr. Memorial Tennis Tournament honors the life of Terri Christine Jones.  In March, Terri, 59, passed away at home in Westerville, Ohio following an 11 month battle with pancreatic cancer.  More than 50 friends and family members have made gifts in her name to fund research, provide treatment and offer care to those impacted by the disease.   

Much beloved in the local tennis community, Terri served as Executive Director of Greater Columbus Tennis Association (GCTA) since 2009 and on its Board of Trustees since 2006.  She was U.S. Tennis Association Summer League Coordinator, Chair of the Arnold Sports Festival Committee, and a member of the U.S. Tennis National and Midwest Associations. Terri was the local lead for the 10 and under pilot initiative while bringing tennis to all the Columbus Public Schools. Columbus was recognized as one of the national leaders for this effort.

“Terri’s impact on tennis in Columbus cannot be overstated, but the impact she had on many of us in the tennis community is even more profound. Terri will be remembered for her legacy of giving back,” said Geoffrey Bibo, President of the GCTA.

Terri worked as an administrative assistant at Otterbein University Counseling Center, her alma mater.  A life-long resident of Westerville, Terri was a member of Church of the Master United Methodist Church, the Otterbein "O" Club, and Westerville South High School Athletic Boosters.  In addition to playing tennis and pickleball, Terri was an avid gardener, shopper and football fan.  She never missed a Buckeye game and was also a supporter of the New England Patriots.  Terri will be remembered by her neighbors for hosting porch parties and bringing people together.

"Terri’s willingness to always better tennis was unmatched and will live on forever. She was chosen as the Midwest Section Schools Committee chair because of her valuable insights and leadership skills. She was instrumental in implementing new initiatives if they could lead to the growth of tennis participation," stated Jim Amick, the Midwest Section Tennis Service Representative.

Terri leaves behind a large and devoted family including her spouse of 20 years, Nancy Swisher; a son, Sam Swisher; her parents, Suzi and Ron; a brother, Jeff (and Karen) Jones; a sister Penni (and Atticus) Myser; and several nieces and nephews.   

“Terri was a joy to work with - hard working, intelligent, efficient and the consummate professional.  She was largely responsible for Central Ohio winning the USTA award for the top community tennis association in the country,” reflected Phil Diaz, a GCTA board member.  “Terri's characteristics that stood out the most, though, were her kindness and grace.  Terri always treated others with compassion and respect.  Her grace was obvious in her everyday interactions, especially evident and truly remarkable in how she dealt with her illness. Terri was an extraordinary person and it’s meaningful to play in her honor.  In life and in death, she is still bringing people together.”

2019 Wrap up

Thank you to everyone who helped make the 15th annual tournament a success: together we raised nearly $70,000.  Please check out the photos from Friday and Saturday, along with some of our division winners and finalists.

Over 100 players came out for drills and dinner Friday night at the Northam Park Tennis Courts.  Special thanks to Norma Wagner and the Northam Park Tennis community for sponsoring Friday night dinner and drills.  We would also like to thank Fromuth Tennis for the donation of U.S. Open hats and Ty Tucker, coach of The Ohio State Men’s Tennis team, for donating tennis apparel as prizes. 

On Saturday 130 players competed in women’s, men’s and mixed doubles round robin play.  A shout out to the Crouser Family for providing breakfast courtside!  Morning tennis took place at the Ohio State University courts, but once again, thanks to Beth Fitzgerald of Elysium Tennis, we were able to move the tournament indoors in the afternoon to avoid the heat.

 This year, division prizes were generously donated by Tennis Warehouse and Cathy and John Benninger.  We are grateful for their generosity and the continued support of all our sponsors and in-kind donors.

DONORS

  • Adriatico’s Pizza

  • Tennis Warehouse

  • OSU Men’s Tennis

  • Crouser Family

  • Cathy & John Benninger

  • Kevin Houlihan

  • Northam Park/Upper Arlington

  • Rita’s Italian Ice

  • Aqua Systems

  • Elysium Tennis

  • Player’s Club

  • Trophy & Plaque Shack

  • McCarthy & Trinka

  • Fromuth Tennis

  • WG Grinders

  • Berwick Catering

  • USTA Midwest

  • Mike Haddow

MAJOR SPONSORS

  • Midland Metal

  • Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture

  • Hanover Insurance

  • North Development

  • Wolcott Group

  • Broadway Cares

2018 Wrap up

Thank you to everyone who helped make the 14th tournament a success: together we raised over $74,000.  Please check out the photographs from Friday and Saturday, along with some of our division winners and finalists.

Special thanks to Fromuth Tennis for the donation of U.S. Open t-shirts and Ty Tucker, coach of The Ohio State Men’s Tennis team, for donating tennis apparel as prizes.  Thanks, too, to Cameron Mitchell Restaurants for the donation of Rusty Bucket gift cards and bottled water. Division prizes were generously donated by Tennis Warehouse and Cathy and John Benninger.
Thanks to all our sponsors, major donors and in-kind donors for their generous support.

Over 75 players came out for drills and dinner Friday night. On Saturday 130 players competed in women’s, men’s and mixed doubles round robin play.  Rain kept us off the courts at Ohio State, but once again thanks to Beth Fitzgerald of Elysium Tennis and Heath Elliot at the Players Club, the tournament moved indoors.

Our honoree was David Howard.  The tournament was very grateful to have the Howard family as part of the 2018 celebration.

See you next July.

SPONSORS

DONORS

  • Adriatico’s Pizza

  • John and Cathy Benninger

  • Cameron Mitchell Restaurants

  • The Crouser Family

  • Elysium Tennis

  • Fromuth Tennis

  • HY Connect/Kevin Houlihan

  • Mike Haddow

  • Ice Aqua Systems

  • Jeff Montenaro

  • The Players Club

  • OSU Department of Athletics

  • Rita’s Italian Ice

  • Tennis LTD

  • Tennis Warehouse

  • Trophy & Plaque Shack/Charlie Pierce

  • WG Grinders

  • Dan and Sue Arends

  • Benoit/McConnell Family

  • Calvin Boender

  • Paul and Sherry Carbery

  • Tom Ferguson

  • Hanover Insurance

  • Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture

  • Jakobson Family Charitable

  • Gary and Linda Kennedy

  • Kewchang Lee

  • Liberty Mutual Insurance

  • Bernard and Suzanne McDonald

  • Midland Metal Products Company

  • Scott Miller

  • Nationwide Insurance

  • Michael Pace

  • Sue Simon

  • Jeffrey Stauffer

  • Tom Viola

  • Jim and Rose Wolfe

  • Mark Yesayian

2018 Honoree: David J. Howard

The 14th annual Mary Diaz & William Copeland Jr. Memorial Tennis Tournament honoree is David J. Howard.  David lived in Dublin, Ohio with his beloved family, wife Berni and daughters Kelsey and Chloe.  He passed away on February 10, 2018 after a sixteen-month battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 47.  David was well cared for by OSU’s James Cancer Center and Ohio Health Hospice.

David grew up in Chillicothe, Ohio. He graduated from Huntington High School in Ross County where he excelled in academics and football, basketball and track.  He first met his wife when they were teenagers in a pig barn at a county fairground.  David’s parents, Robert and Cynthia, sister Lori, brother-in-law Rick, and nephew Noah are among the many who mourn his loss.  

howard2.jpg

David continued his education at The Ohio State University where he graduated with a degree in Zoology.  Family was always the most important facet of his life, and he and Berni were thrilled to welcome their first child before David graduated.  Berni remembered they earned a combined total of $10.75 per hour in 1993, but they were self-sufficient and immensely happy.  To forge a living, David taught himself about the information technology field and became an IT consultant.  At the time of his death, he worked at Cardinal Health where he was greatly liked and respected by his colleagues.  David would always describe himself as a loner, but he was never alone as people were always drawn to him.  Berni laughed, recalling a grocery delivery man who would pull up a chair to sit with David whenever he came to their house.

David was a fan of OSU Sports and the Cincinnati Reds. He enjoyed biking on the many trails near his home.  He was the family cook, a skill he learned from his grandmother and great-grandmother, whom he considered his best friends.  Berni says her husband was a funny man and there was much joy in their lives.  Most of all, David adored being a father, with Kelsey and Chloe at the center of his universe.  He let Berni understand that he had everything he wanted and had no regrets.  

Berni shared that David was extremely humble and that she, Kelsey and Chloe have been uplifted by the care and support they’ve received.  David watched the tournament last year to cheer on his family.  He was especially pleased that Berni had found a hobby she relished and asked her to promise to keep playing.

2016 Wrap up

The 12th Annual Mary Diaz & William Copeland Jr. Memorial Tennis Tournament raised over $65,000!  Friday night, July 22nd, more than 50 enthusiastic tennis players came out to enjoy doubles drills in anticipation of tournament play the next day. Special thanks to Wilson Sporting Goods for donating a racket, t-shirts, hats and towels, also to Ty Tucker, coach of The Ohio State Men’s Tennis team, for donating tennis apparel as prizes. 

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2014 Wrap up

Thank you to all those who helped make the Mary Diaz and William Copeland Jr. 10th Annual Memorial Tennis tournament a rousing success! Over seventy family, friends, and tennis enthusiasts came out Friday night, July 18th to help kick off the tournament at The Ohio State University tennis courts.  The evening featured doubles drills and a delicious pizza dinner donated by Adriaticos.   Unhampered by rain on Saturday, the tournament moved indoors, thanks to Brian Heil and the gracious team at Elysium Tennis.  One hundred and twenty players competed in men’s, women’s and mixed doubles draws; champions were crowned in Open through Buddy divisions.

The 2014 tournament raised $62,000, making it the most successful tournament to date.  Thank you to all of our sponsors, in-kind donors, players and generous donors.  Your support is making a difference in the fight to cure pancreatic cancer!

Wilson donates a signed Venus Williams racquet

Wilson has donated a signed Venus Williams racket.  Special thanks to Wilson rep, Ron Rocchi, and teaching pro Greg Contro.  The racket will be auctioned off at the tournament.