Legendary Tuskegee Tennis Titans to be Honored at Federation Cup
July 9, 2003
TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY, AL —Their impressive 14-year reign
in the American Tennis Association is exceptional. The groundwork they
laid for the future of African-American Tennis in this country is
unshakable. The legacy of athletic excellence they have left at their alma
matter is remarkable. And their contributions to the sport they love are
finally being recognized.
Tuskegee Photo
Margaret "Pete" Peters and Matilda Roumania "Repeat" Peters
Walker
Margaret "Pete" Peters and Matilda Roumania "Repeat" Peters Walker are
legendary for winning the 1938-1941 and 1944-1953 ATA titles, a streak
unmatched among women players in the association’s storied history.
The phenomenal women graduated from Tuskegee in 1941 with degrees in
physical education.
During the Federation Cup quarterfinals July 19-20, 2003, in the Peters’
native Washington, D.C., the United States Tennis Association will honor
the tennis titans with an achievement award.
Roumania died May 16, 2003, at the age of 85 after a bout with pneumonia.
Margaret, 88, is expected to be present to receive both awards.
The ladies will also be inducted into the USTA’s Mid-Atlantic Section Hall
of Fame Nov. 15, 2003, some 26 years after they were inducted into the
Tuskegee University Athletic Hall of Fame.
"Congratulations to the Peters sisters for doing their jobs with the
quality of excellence that we have come to expect at Tuskegee — whether in
the classroom, research labs, community service programs or on the
athletic playing fields," said Tuskegee University’s President, Dr.
Benjamin F. Payton. "We are always proud of those who have demonstrated
such athletic prowess that they get selected to turn their skills in this
area into a lifelong profession."
Tuskegee’s women’s tennis teams have upheld the Peters’ winning legacy
with Conference titles in 1977, 1978, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986 and
2001. Likewise, the men have worn the Conference crown 25 times since 1927.
"It is somewhat ironic that the Peters sisters are being presented this
award from the USTA an organization they could not be a part of during
their playing days simply because of their skin color," explained Camille
Riggs Mosley, a tennis enthusiast who is co-writing the history of Black
Americans in the sport. "Yet, their contribution to the sport transcends
racial lines and is something that we can all be proud of."
"The Peters sisters have set a measuring stick here at Tuskegee
University. Having them honored at the Federation Cup and inducted into
the USTA Mid-Atlantic Hall of Fame is a great accomplishment," explained
Gregory Green, head coach of the men and women’s tennis teams at Tuskegee.
"The present and future students are continuing their legacy because the
Peters sisters laid the tracks for everybody else."
"These ladies are truly trailblazers," said John Collins, president of the
Southern Region of the ATA. "They opened doors we are trying to reopen. It
shows our kids that there is a history, a foundation for successful tennis
competition. We are not reinventing the wheel—tennis has been played and
played well by Black tennis players in the past. That gives us the
confidence to advance forward."
So that both daughters could attend Tuskegee together, their mother
encouraged Margaret to wait until Roumania graduated high school. The two
were invited by legendary athletic administrator "Major" Cleveland Leigh
Abbott to play tennis at Tuskegee on full scholarships in 1937.
For their achievements, the Peters sisters were inducted into the Tuskegee
University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1977.
"When I learned about Roumania and her sister, Margaret, and what they
meant to the game — both at Tuskegee and on the national stage — I could
not help but be awed by their accomplishments," said Priscilla E. Madison,
’02, who played tennis at Tuskegee for three years.
"Pete" and "Repeat" competed in the 1938 and 1941 ATA tournaments at 14
tennis courts some with floodlights to illuminate the hard, red Alabama
clay surfaces during night competitions.
Frances Walker Weekes’ only regret is that her mother, Roumania, will not
be able to teach her children how to play the game their grandmother loved
so much.
Nonetheless, she has introduced her 5-year-old son, Cameron, to ping-pong
and plans to teach her daughter, Aunjeli, 2, the same. She is also
instilling in them the importance of family values, education and
self-respect, just as Weekes’ parents and aunt did in her life.
