McMinnville To Honor Tennis Star With Court-Naming Ceremony Saturday

McMinnville set to hold a ceremony honoring long-time community member and tennis star, Lester Cowell.

Parks and Rec Director Justin Scott said Cowell has been a fixture in McMinnville for over 60 years. He said Cowell picked up the sport while he was in his late 40s, and never stopped.

“He’s always been a part of it, he’s played in the leagues, he’s played in the tournaments, he’s just a guy who loves the game,” Scott said. “So it’s very fitting to name a court after him.”

Scott said in addition to being a good tennis player, Cowell is also a good person. He said it feels like Cowell is part of the community in a variety of ways, including serving as a Public Safety Unit officer.

Scott said that he’s proud to have Cowell’s name on Court 2 in the four-court David Dunlap Tennis Complex at the Milner Recreation Center. The ceremony will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. Scott said all are invited to attend.