Horace Rice
Class of 2019
For more than half a century, Horace Rice has been one of Huntsville’s most accomplished and enduring tennis competitors. From his early success as a junior player through decades of championship play in adult and senior divisions, Rice has built a reputation for skill, longevity and dedication to the sport.
A graduate of historic Councill High School, Rice first made his mark on the Huntsville tennis scene during the late 1950s and early 1960s. At a time when opportunities for African-American athletes were still limited, he emerged as one of the city’s most talented young players. As a high school senior he captured his first adult tournament title, signaling the beginning of a competitive career that would stretch across generations.
Rice continued his education at Alabama A&M University, where he remained active in tennis while preparing for a career in academics. Over the decades that followed, he became one of the most recognizable figures in Alabama tennis circles.
From 1975 through 2005 Rice consistently ranked among the top players in the state across multiple age divisions, competing in categories ranging from the 35-under division to the 65-under division. His ability to remain competitive against younger opponents reflected both his technical skill and his commitment to fitness.
Rice’s success extended to tournaments throughout Alabama. Between 1978 and 2010 he captured numerous singles, doubles and mixed doubles titles in Huntsville and at events in at least six other cities across the state. He also earned several gold medals in the Alabama Senior Olympics, continuing to add honors well into his later playing years.
Beyond the tennis court, Rice built a distinguished academic career as a member of the Alabama A&M University faculty, teaching business law and ethics to generations of students.
Widely regarded as one of Huntsville’s finest African-American tennis players, second only to former professional Bryan Shelton, Rice’s legacy is defined by both competitive excellence and lifelong dedication to the sport.
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