BMTA Board Member Spotlight: Roswell Henke 

What do you love most about playing tennis?

What I love most about tennis is that it has given me an opportunity to participate in a sport that is competitive and is still fun. I developed many friendships during my years of playing.

Favorite tennis memory(ies)

Some of my tennis memories include being on the same court as John Zuger. He was competitive, but he had fun, and he was always so complimentary. My good memories include winning a number of doubles tournaments, winning medals in the Prairie Rose State Games, playing in the Ellingson bubble winters before we had indoor tennis courts, winning the doubles league in the All Seasons Arena, winter trips to mInot to play indoors during the winter, playing doubles in tournaments with my Brother, Kim, the fun tournaments at the State Industrial School with lots of good food, winning a singles match in the Intermountain Tournament in Longmont, Colorado, and Irv Huffs tennis watch. I have also had the opportunity to watch many professional tennis players at the Indian Wells tennis tournament.

Describe your tennis story/background:

I began playing tennis while in college. In those days you could get out of taking Phy Ed if you were in a sport, so a high school friend and myself signed up for the tennis team. We never were good enough to play a match, but we got out of Phy Ed. I learned enough about the game to enjoy it for the remainder of my life from age 19 to age 86, and hoping for more. In about 1968 the marketing manager at Kirkwood Mall invited me to join the Bismarck tennis league, and I have been a member of a league ever since including membership in the Bismarck-Mandan Tennis Association.

Favorite Hobbies/Passions

My hobbies included bike riding until I got too old. I rode a number of Minnesota trails, and had the opportunity to ride the 110 mile Mickelson trail ride in the Black Hills.

Favorite Food(s)

My favorite food is the roast goose my mother frequently prepared for the holidays. I guess you could say finding interesting food places is also a hobby. I have been accused of being able to smell out the bakery in any town that has one, and have indulged in about 1000 blueberry scones at Brick Oven Bakery.

Travel Bucket List

My travel bucket list would be to ride more bike trails, but unfortunately, I don’t believe my age and balance will let that happen. A trip to the Ozarks and listening to lots of good Bluegrass music would also be welcomed.

Favorite Book(s)

I enjoy reading non fiction including presidential biographies. I also have read some excellent adventure books including “The Indianapolis.” However, the book with the most history and lessons for life is the Bible.

Favorite Season & Why?

My favorite season is definitely Summer, because I can play tennis outdoors, ride bike, and do more traveling. Plus, I can wear shorts and show off my 86 year old legs

Fun Fact

Some fun facts about me include that at age 65 I was selected as North Dakota’s Outstanding Older Worker, and was awarded the award in Washington, D.C. It was my most enjoyable trip as my wife and both of my sons were able to join me. Another fun fact is that I played the same Bariton Sax from college in 1957 through the age of 80. I also had the opportunity to act in a number of plays including the role of Joe Ferris in the Old Four Eyes drama in Medora for two summers. It was the predecessor to the Medora Musical, and was performed in the same amphitheater.

Anything else about yourself that you would like to share?

I graduated from Dickinson State College in 1961 with a degree in elementary education. I started my career as an elementary school teacher and taught for seven years in North Dakota including Hettinger and Bismarck, and one year in Shawano, Wisconsin. Following that I spent 52 years selling radio advertising in Bismarck, and kept active in education spending 15 years on the Bismarck School Board.

I credit tennis with keeping me active for so many years, and it is a great stress reliever. My greatest tennis success story is introducing my brother, Kim to the game, and he is now a tennis player and tennis coach in Colorado. He has tried to teach me the correct techniques, but I was too set in my ways to learn, so a lifetime hacker I am.

Thank you, Roswell, for serving on our Board and being a valued member of our tennis community! You MAKE a difference!