Sept. 27, 2007

CEDARVILLE, Ohio  -- NAIA Hall of Famers and longtime coaches Dr. Pam Johnson and Dr. Murray Murdoch received the ultimate recognition with the naming of the Cedarville University tennis facility in their honor. The site is officially known as the Pamela Diehl Johnson - J. Murray Murdoch Tennis Complex.

The announcement came at the end of a banquet recognizing Johnson for her 30 years as the Lady Jacket head coach before she stepped down this past spring. The proclamation was made on behalf of the athletic department with the approval of the CU Administrative Council.

Johnson, who is currently the Dean of the School of Social Sciences and Human Performance, coached the women's tennis team from 1977 through 2006. Her squad posted 280 victories and made 12 NAIA National Tournament appearances. The Lady Jackets won four NAIA Region IX titles, eight conference championships, and had 29 NAIA Scholar-Athletes. Johnson has served on the NAIA National Tournament Committee since 1985 and has been the national tournament director since 1989. 

Murdoch piled up 563 victories during a 29-year coaching career from 1966 through 1994. The Yellow Jackets were a dominant force with five undefeated seasons, 23 NAIA District 22 titles, and 23 Mid-Ohio Conference championships. His teams won 88 straight dual matches from 1972 through 1976 and had a best-ever 8th-place showing at the NAIA Nationals in 1989.  Murdoch, who is a Professor Emeritus of History at Cedarville University, continues his role as the NAIA National Tournament Director.

A plate affixed to the sign that has been erected at the south end of the tennis complex reads, "In grateful recognition of the Christian testimony and faithful service of Dr. Pamela Diehl Johnson and Dr. J. Murray Murdoch as Hall of Fame tennis coaches and leaders in the success of the NAIA and NCCAA Championships. Dedicated September 22, 2007."