Western New England University

Phil Sweeney, 86, served as the head coach of the Western New England College men's tennis squad for 18 years, amassing nearly 100 career victories. More importantly, he is credited with saving the program from elimination in the 1980's. Sweeney also was an adjunct faculty member teaching tennis for 10 years at the College. One of the top players in the area, he was the 1949 New England Public Parks singles and doubles champion. He also represented the United States against Canada in the Gordon Cup Championship (the senior equivalent to the Davis Cup) in the 1980's. Sweeney won tournaments in every decade from the 1930's to the 1990's. A native of Springfield, he is a former principal at both Commerce High School and Classical Junior High School in the city. In 1981 the City of Springfield honored Sweeney by naming the Commerce athletic fields in his honor.