North Dakota Tennis Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
On June 21 in Grand Forks, tennis enthusiasts will witness a significant milestone as Snookie Register and Joe Rubin are set to be inducted into the North Dakota Tennis Hall of Fame. The ceremony will take place at Choice Health and Fitness, commencing at 3 p.m., marking the occasion for both players to join the prestigious roster of honorees—becoming the 28th and 29th inductees.
Snookie Register’s Legacy
Snookie Register, who took up the sport later in life at the age of 42, has made an indelible mark on the local tennis community over the years. Now approaching her 90th birthday, she recalls her journey in tennis with gratitude and excitement, saying,
“Surprised, excited, floored, honored. Tennis has always been my thing.”
Register quickly became a formidable player, not only excelling in local and club competitions but also shaping the future of tennis in Grand Forks through her dedication to teaching and mentorship. She was known for discreetly funding lessons and travel for less fortunate aspiring players, ensuring that the love for the sport reached a wider audience.
Her efforts extended to organizing tournament participation, notably facilitating trips to the U.S. Open, and supporting the former WDAZ tennis tournament and the Grand Forks Tennis Center. The tennis courts behind Century Elementary are named in her honor, a testament to her significant contributions to the community.
Joe Rubin’s Achievements
Tom Wynne, a veteran tennis professional from Grand Forks, praised her impact on youth and high school tennis programs, highlighting how she played an instrumental role in the success of teams that dominated the local scene. Among her notable students is Joe Rubin, who holds the distinction of being the only North Dakota high school boy to secure three state singles titles in the past six decades, achieving this feat in 1985, 1986, and 1987. Wynne described Rubin as an exceptionally versatile player, stating,
“He could play whatever game style you wanted — baseline tennis, serve and volley. He had a lot of weapons — a good forehand, a good serve, really good touch. He was probably the best high school player in North Dakota.”
Following his high school career, Rubin continued to excel in college tennis at the University of Montana, where he played in the top two singles positions. After the program was discontinued, he transitioned to the University of Minnesota Duluth. His professional journey included serving as a tennis pro and coaching in various locations, including Duluth, Grand Forks, Fort Myers, and Augusta, Maine.
Celebrating Contributions to Tennis
The induction of both Register and Rubin celebrates their extraordinary contributions to the sport and the community they love. Register expressed her delight at sharing this honor with Rubin, saying,
“I’m so thrilled that Joe is going through it with me. He was one of my top kids.”
The North Dakota Tennis Hall of Fame continues to recognize individuals who have made significant impacts in the world of tennis, with previous inductees including influential figures such as Tom Wynne and Jerry Lyon in earlier years, further emphasizing the rich history and legacy of tennis excellence in the state.
