Russell
FINK
Class of 2025
Posthumous
Biography
Russell was born in India in 1927 where his parents worked as Lutheran missionaries. He was raised in Pennsylvania, served as an army nurse in WWII, and became an ordained Lutheran Minister serving for more than 65 years.
Russell’s story is remarkable as he didn’t pick up a racquet until his mid-50s. At age 87, Russell Fink’s senior career highlight was winning a silver ball at the USTA National Men’s 85s Clay Court Championships singles final. This capped a year (2012) of top results; No. 3 in the country and No. 22 in the world for the 85 and over age division.
In 2012, he won nine tournaments including three National Category II events and three USTA Mid-Atlantic Championships. In the Mid-Atlantic Section (MAS), he ranked #1 in singles and doubles in the Sectionals and Maryland District. And he won Gold medals in singles in the Maryland and Pennsylvania Senior Olympics and a Gold medal in doubles in the Maryland Senior Olympics.
Russell was first CEO and president of the Annapolis Area Tennis School which promotes “Tennis for Everyone”, making tennis accessible and affordable for persons of all ages and physical capabilities. With his organizational ability, his love of the game and devotion to mentoring others, he organized the school and set it on the right path. Before his retirement from AATS, Fink spearheaded a drive to build a year-round tennis facility for the county and supported the Tennis Alliance in that continuing effort.
Russell Fink lived his motto, “Tennis for Life!”
External Links
- Russell Fink Obituary (March 10, 2019)
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