“During Wayne Hirst’s tennis life, he was grateful for all those who helped him along the way. This scholarship, in memory of Wayne, represents how he would’ve wanted to give back to the game.” —Rob Braver, Hall of Fame Class of 2011
Wayne Hirst, 2003 Oklahoma Tennis Hall of Fame inductee, was raised in Oklahoma City and graduated from Harding High School. He was a 3-time Oklahoma State High School Doubles Champion, partnering with his brother, Jerry, and with Billy Buckley.
Possessing an outstanding serve, volley, and overhead, he dominated the Oklahoma State Open Tennis Tournament over the years. He won the Boys 16, Boys 18, Men’s Open, Men’s 35, Men’s 45, and Men’s 50 Doubles Championships.
Wayne graduated from East Texas State University where he was a two-time NAIA All-American. He was inducted into the East Texas State University Athletic Hall of Fame.
For five consecutive years (1998-2002), Hirst was selected to play for the United States on the Gordon Cup Team in Toronto, Canada. In 2000, he represented the United States on the International Friendship Cup Team in Myazaki, Japan.
In 1976, he founded Hirst Imports and used this business to sponsor charitable events to raise money for scholarships. The Hirst Hospitality Fund has raised $160,000 and provides 16 to 18 scholarships annually to the Oklahoma State University Hotel and Restaurant School.
The Oklahoma Tennis Foundation awards a $2,500.00 scholarship to a high school senior who will be entering college and who has participated in high school varsity tennis during the 2023-2024 school year. The scholarship is intended to assist with tuition and is NEED-BASED. Scholarship funds will be sent to the Bursar's office at designated university.
Applicants must provide:
1. Parent/Guardian tax return (page 1 and 2 of 1040 only)
2. Official Academic Transcript
3. Two letters of recommendation from counselors, coaches, teachers, etc., relating to leadership, dedication, integrity, teamwork, etc.
4. List of tennis history, extracurricular activities, community service, and job experience (if any)
5. A well-written paragraph (500 words)—“How Will This Scholarship Help You and Your family?”
Applications will open September 15, 2024, and the deadline is November 15, 2024.
