Delco PIAA Tennis Champions

When the PIAA tennis championship began, Delco was its first king.

The year was 1942, square in the grips of World War II. Both champions at what was the known as Pennsylvania State College were provided by Delaware County. Robert Betson of Lansdowne High took home the first boys singles title, and the mixed school doubles paring of Upper Darby’s Ray Morris and Lansdowne’s Stan McCausland prevailed in doubles.

The early success hasn’t always held, a similar sweep in 1944 notwithstanding. But at least once a decade since the 1960s, especially with the expansion to include girls tennis in 1973, Delco has summoned a state champ.

(Data compiled via the PIAA championship archives; for corrections or questions, email sports@delcotimes.com.)