Chanda Rubin helps Ana Benson with her swing Saturday morning prior to the ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opening the Glady Trahan Tennis Centre Saturday morning. Trahan is credited as being one of the main influences in promoting the sport in Crowley having built the courts in Hoffpauir Park when he was 35.
“I was wondering if anyone would be here with the Rice Festival going on but then I realized that there would be enough Trahans here to fill up the stands regardless of if anyone else showed up,” said Crowley Mayor Greg Jones to the laughter of those in attendance.
Any worries that Mayor Jones were unfounded as several dozen people including many local, state and federal dignitaries, as well as several citizens were on hand for the event.
And yes, the Trahans were all there as well. His children Pat (who served as emcee), Phil (who participated in the exhibition), Federal Judge John Trahan, Mary Ann Hundley, Tom Trahan, Pete Trahan, Mary Cumbus and Laura Frank. Also present, of course, was the matriarch of the Trahan family, their mother Mary.
“She really enjoyed herself,” said Judge John Trahan. “In fact, I believe she stayed there all day.”
“I knew Glady and his family very well and if he could be here today he would be exceptionally proud of these courts,” said U.S. Representative Charles Boustany, R-La. “I know that the Trahan family is very proud of this accomplishment.
Crowley Director of Recreation Tim Robicheaux was sure to thank the family of Ray Hensgens who dontated the land.
“None of this would be possible without him,” said Robicheaux.
One of Glady Trahan’s son, Pat, served as emcee for the grand opening. And introduced each speaker
Also on hand was former worldwide top ten tennis player Chanda Rubin who hit a few balls with area children to warm up for her exhibition match against former Senator John Breaux, which one spectator described as ‘Crowley’s version of Billy Jean King vs. Bobby Riggs.’
“But the senator wasn’t cocky like that Bobby Riggs was,” he laughed. For those who recall Bobby Riggs challenged, Billy Jean King to a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ in the early 70s proclaiming that no woman could defeat a man on the tennis court. King beat Riggs easily in straight sets in what is recalled as a historic moment in sporting history.
Sen. Breaux made no bones about who would win his and Rubin’s match. Often making some funny, self-deprecating jokes that delighted the crowd.
Others who attended the match included Judge Edward Rubin (Chanda’s father), Crowley Alderwoman Mary Melancon, Crowley Alderman Jeff Dore, Alderman Elliot Dore and Crowley City Judge (Judge’s John Trahan’s wife).
“My father would have been very proud of these courts, not because they were named after him but because of the children who will be playing on these courts and learning the game he loved so much,” said Judge Trahan.
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