written for WMUBroncos.com by Nathan Palcowski, WMUBroncos.com Staff Writer

KALAMAZOO, Mich. - Scott Frew, former Western Michigan tennis star and former men's and women's tennis coach at Ferris State and Albion, passed away at the age of 58 on Monday, October 8, after losing his battle with bulbar onset ALS, formerly known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Frew played at WMU from 1973-1976, where he mastered the art of tennis both in the singles and doubles game. The highlight of his collegiate career came in 1975 when Frew won the No. 6 singles championship at the Mid-American Conference tournament.

"I remember watching him every minute of that match," said former WMU head men's tennis coach Jack Vredevelt, who coached Frew from 1974-76. "I was so impressed with him."

Frew was already a member of the team when Vredevelt became head coach, and Vredevelt says he saw Frew's potential from his very first day on the job.

"He showed great improvement every year," said Vredevelt. "He was an excellent team player as well."

"He was always an outstanding and tenacious player," said Vredevelt.

Frew grew up in Mason and played No. 1 singles at Mason High School, where he compiled a career record of 20-5. In his first year at WMU, Frew transitioned from high school to college by playing both singles and doubles; as a sophomore in 1974, Frew helped the Broncos to a then program-best 5-0 start, and excelled in doubles play.

Frew proved that 1975 was his year in the MAC. Playing at No. 6 singles, he compiled a 9-4 season record, but the defining moment of the year came at the MAC Championships held at Kalamazoo College. Frew outlasted his opponent in a grueling four-set match to take home the No. 6 MAC singles championship.

"He was a gutsy kind of player that out-fought every opponent he played against," said Vredevelt. "To win that championship, I couldn't have been more proud."

In his senior season of 1976, Frew played No. 4 singles and No. 3 doubles, posting an overall record of 24-12. Although Frew's career at Western Michigan had come to a close, his passion for the game of tennis carried him in a new direction.

For the full piece on Frew,