BERNIS DUKE

CLASS OF 2017
 

Bernis Duke was an outstanding college basketball player and champion heavy weight boxer.  In 1967 he became the first Oral Roberts University Tennis Coach and remained there for 32 years (1967-1999).    His team’s match record was 563-225 (71.4 winning percentage).  He retired in 6th place among NCAA Division 1 coaches in career wins.  His teams were undefeated at home during his first five years of coaching.  His first team went 24-0 and was ranked in the top 10 Nationally.  He was inducted into the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Hall of Fame in 2002.  The Oral Roberts University Tennis Center in named for Coach Duke.  One of his former players, Peter Van Lingen, reached the third round of the U.S. Open.  Another former player, Pekka Saila, reached the third round of Wimbledon.