Bill Farris†
Inducted: 1990
Hometown: USA
College: The University of Georgia
Best Known for: Coach-Tennis
(1930-2006)
When it comes to Valley tennis, Farris was one of the giants of the sport, a highly successful coach whose teams won a state title and got close a few other occasions.
An Air Force vet who later earned a medical degree from The University of Georgia, he hit the Valley scene with a splash, coaching 17 straight district champs at La Feria High School starting in 1970.
Farris sent 35 players onto the state tournament and his team of Ivan Solis and David Fleuriet won it all in 1977. His tandem of Brad and Chad Wisdom lost in the semifinals in 1989.
He was named South Texas Coaches Association Coach of the Year and was twice picked as Kiwanis Man of the Year. A well-rounded teacher and coach, Farris passed away in December 2008 but will be recalled as a winner in everything he did.