Issue link: https://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/977154
19 K irk and Diane Mellecker of Park City, Utah, have made a major gi commitment to establish the Mellecker Family Head Men's Tennis Coach Fund. is fund represents the first endowed coaching position at University of Iowa — held by head coach Ross Wilson — and is the first named position for men's tennis in the Big Ten Conference. "We are extremely thankful for this historic and generous gi from Kirk and Diane," said Gary Barta, who holds the Henry B. and Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics Chair. "e Melleckers are longtime supporters of Iowa athletics and have made an incredible commitment to the legacy of Iowa tennis. eir significant contribution will transform the lives of many Hawkeye student- athletes for generations to come." Kirk has always had a passion for tennis. As an Iowa freshman, he aspired to compete for the men's tennis team under coach John Winnie. "I was hoping to be a Division I student-athlete," Kirk said. "To get through college, though, I had to work my tail off. It wasn't in the cards, but I've always had a warm spot in my heart for the Hawkeyes." Kirk, who is semi-retired aer owning and operating a variety of food manufacturing businesses, understands the importance of retaining and attracting quality individuals. As someone who specialized in turning around struggling companies, he sees the value of having the right people on the front lines. "When you get good people, you need to take care of them," Kirk said. "Ross is one of those people and I believe continuity is important to the growth of the program. is gi is a way to make sure that we have the best possible people in the best possible situations, which creates the best possible chance for success." Wilson, who just completed his fourth year as Iowa's head men's tennis coach, has energized the Hawkeyes with highly rated recruits and an aggressive style of play. Wilson says he is extremely appreciative of continued support from the Melleckers that is helping student-athletes succeed in the Big Ten Conference. "Kirk and Diane have supported our program since the moment I arrived at Iowa," says Wilson. "ey are committed to giving our student- athletes the best experiences on and off the court. I look forward to continuing to build our program alongside them and celebrating the future success of our players." e $2.4 million commitment by the Melleckers includes the creation of an excellence fund that will address the most pressing needs of the tennis program. In the short-term, this fund is helping bring a United States Tennis Association Futures Tour event to Iowa City. e tournament, which will be held in July for amateurs and professionals, will provide current Iowa tennis players with elite- level competition on campus and will help bolster future recruiting efforts by the Hawkeye coaching staff. "We want to help Ross build a perennial top 25 program," the Melleckers said, who created a scholarship five years ago for Hawkeye men's tennis student-athletes. "We have the facilities, we have the people, and now we have the resources to compete at a high level."