June 12, 2013

BOISE, Idaho – Boise State men’s tennis coach Greg Patton was awarded the Key to the City Wednesday morning by Boise Mayor Dave Bieter.

Bieter called Patton a “force of nature” who deserves more credit than anyone for bringing the Davis Cup to Boise.

It was just the eighth ceremonial key Bieter has awarded in his 10 years in office.

Patton, who has coached 17 seasons at Boise State in two stints separated by his time coaching the U.S. national junior team, is the fifth-winningest active coach in Division I men’s tennis with a career record of 731-338. At Boise State, he has let the Broncos to 10 conference championships while garnering 11 conference coach of the year honors and was recognized as the NCAA Coach of the Year in 1997. It was these accomplishments that led to his induction to the Idaho Tennis Association Hall of Fame, May 31, 2013.

But it was his positive attitude and dogged determination that Bieter recognized Wednesday morning at his annual State of the City Address.

The inscription on the award reads, “His vision, tenacity, and boundless enthusiasm brought the 2013 Davis Cup Quarterfinals to Boise and have inspired young people to strive for excellence in tennis and in life.”

At the successful end of Patton’s 15-year effort to bring the international tennis competition to Boise, one of the smallest cities to ever host the event.