Racquetball Tournament Honoring Denny's Memory Set for Dec. 13

Photo Submitted

George Denny

Online registration is open for the second-annual racquetball tournament at the University of Arkansas to benefit the George S. Denny Memorial Scholarship Fund.

The tournament, which is sponsored by the College of Education and Health Professions, is scheduled to start at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the racquetball courts in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Building at the University of Arkansas.

Denny, a professor of educational statistics and research methods, died June 13, 2013, at the age of 55. He joined the faculty of the College of Education and Health Professions in 1991. Denny published numerous research papers over the years and won many awards for his work. He won the college's STAR award in May 2013 for outstanding all-around faculty member.

In addition to being a valued and respected teacher, colleague and researcher, Denny was known for his devotion to racquetball and played with several of his fellow professors. Gary Ritter, professor of education reform, is helping to organize the tournament.

“Chris Goering, another faculty member in the college, had the original idea for the tournament because he, and I, and many others spent countless hours playing racquetball with George at the HPER,” Ritter said. “George was a wonderful colleague who always found time for his colleagues, whether it was on research projects or athletic endeavors.”

Last year’s tournament raised almost $1,700 for the scholarship fund. An article and pictures from last year are available to view online. The first scholarship was awarded to a graduate student for this academic year.

Online registration for the tournament is required. The entry fee is $20 for University of Arkansas students and $50 for all others. The deadline is enter is Friday, Dec. 12. Please read the tournament rules before registering.

New this year is a category for people who would like to come watch the action without competing. Lunch in a viewing gallery is the perfect option for people who just want to cheer on the competitors while contributing to the scholarship fund in a non-sweat-producing way. The cost, which includes lunch, is $25.

If you would like to support this cause but prefer to sleep in on Saturday morning, you may sponsor a player. Email Lori Foster at llfoste@uark.edu for information on giving without competing.

Contributions to the scholarship fund in honor of Denny may also be made directly by visiting the Online Giving website.