Hall of Fame
Ken Ferrante was instrumental in bringing a men’s tennis program to the Mahwah campus, being labeled as founder, captain, player, player/coach. In 1972, before he even began his first college semester, Ken began developing the initial club mission and constitution for adoption by the Ramapo Athletic Department. It was the summer before his freshman year, when the news came that Ramapo would adopt tennis, and recruitment of members/players could commence. Ken spent much time and personal resources to ensure tennis would be recognized as a legitimate organization. He worked close with former Director of Athletics, Bob Hartman, to hire Juan Arroyo as the first men’s tennis coach. In January of 1974, Ken and Juan had proven to the department that they could represent Ramapo at a competitive level, competing first at the Glassboro Indoor Invitational as a varsity team.
The following year Ken earned the first ever men’s tennis MVP honor, after dominating in singles play that season. He registered the college’s first undefeated season of doubles play, with teammate Jay Rosenfeld. Together the duo bested all NJAC and independently scheduled opponents with an unbeatable blend of power and finesse.
Ken also played a role in the development process which subsequently led to the construction of Ramapo’s outdoor tennis complex.
Over the years Ken has enjoyed career experiences in education, alternative-energy and computer technologies, junior golf development, firefighting and writing. He and his wife Lynette, reside in Cape May County, NJ with their son, Brian, and daughter, Katie.
