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Year completed: 1981

August 10, 2023
MUNCIE – As Ball State University men's tennis coach Bill Richards begins his 52nd season leading the school's men's tennis team, the Cardinals' tennis facility has been renamed in honor of his late, longtime friend Foster "Sparky" Adams and his family. President Geoffrey S. Mearns and Director of Athletics Jeff Mitchell hosted a dedication ceremony today on the site of the Foster Adams Family Tennis Complex.

The Adams Family has made a significant financial commitment renaming the Cardinal Creek Tennis Courts as the Foster Adams Family Tennis Complex and Bill Richards Tennis Courts.

"Sparky was a great friend of mine and a valued member of the Ball State Athletics family," said Richards. "I still miss him on campus and at away matches cheering on the Cardinals in his famous motor home. His spirit and enthusiasm were unmatched. I am forever grateful to Sparky and Peggy for their generosity, friendship and support."

A past president of the Cardinal Varsity Club who served on the BSU Foundation Board, Adams was a 1956 graduate of Ball State University who was the owner, founder and president of Society Corporation, an international distributor of cookware, kitchen and dinnerware. He was also president of Warner Supply and chairman of the board of Key Finance.

In 1982, Sparky established the Foster D. Adams Athletic Fund which currently supports university sports programs for football, men's basketball, baseball, men's swimming and diving, men's tennis, men's volleyball and men's golf.

"Given Sparky's friendship with Coach Richards," said President Mearns, "it is no surprise that we recognize these two valued members of the Ball State Athletics family—one whose philanthropy and commitment to our Cardinals made him a beloved figure on our campus and the other whose legacy as a coach endures through the many student-athletes whom he influenced during his decades-long career."

Adams' wife, Margaret E. "Peggy" Adams, is a 1959 graduate of Ball State who has been a generous supporter over the years, providing funds for the Briner Sports Complex and the renovation of Emens Auditorium. Sparky and Peggy had five children: Brian ('92), Amy, Valerie ('90), Susan ('94) and Sarah (deceased).

"Our father loved his family, friends and Ball State University," said Brian Adams. "Each one had a positive influence on his life. This gift is a fitting tribute to all three."

Richards, the winningest men's tennis coach in Ball State and Mid-American Conference history, was the first coach in school history to receive the President's Medal of Distinction when he received it at the 2012 Ball State commencement. He is a past member of the Cardinal Varsity Club Board and a member of the Fellows Society. His Ball State awards and honors include: 1993 Athletics Hall of Fame, 2006 Benny Award and the 2012 President's Medal. He and his wife, Suzanne, have two children: Robert ('92 and '94) and Kristen ('97).

"Ball State is a place of impact," said Mitchell. "The University impacts students, alumni, family and friends in diverse and unique ways while the reverse is also true. Today we are grateful for Sparky Adams and Bill Richards who have impacted the University in meaningful ways as a benefactor and coach, respectively. Going forward, that legacy of developing winners and leaders will be on permanent display at the Foster Adams Family Tennis Complex and Bill Richards Tennis Courts."

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