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Los Angeles, CA (SportsNetwork. Matt Beleskey Jersey .com) - Vic Braden, a former tennis player who became one of the nations top tennis instructors, died from complications of congestive heart failure at the age of 85. He died Monday at his home in Trabuco Canyon in Orange County, according to his wife of 43 years, Melody Braden. Braden, who played in the late 1940s and early 50s, began playing tennis in grade school in his hometown of Monroe, Michigan and captured the Class A state singles title in high school in 1946 and 47. The 5-foot-6 Braden was a 1951 graduate of Kalamazoo College in Michigan, where he was captain of the tennis team and later inducted into the schools athletic hall of fame. He was one of the top players on teams that won the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association championships in each of his four years. Braden turned pro after college at a time when there were only a few professional tennis tournaments. He eventually joined the legendary Jack Kramer on Kramers fledgling pro tour. Among those Braden played with were Jimmy Evert, the father of Hall-of-Famer Chris Evert, and George Richey, the father of future pros Cliff and Nancy Richey. Rest in Peace, Vic Braden., Chris Evert wrote on her Twitter account. Innovative, cutting edge kind of guy. Will miss his enthusiasm and knowledge of the game. Hell be greatly missed. Braden and Kramer later co-founded the Jack Kramer Club in Rolling Hills Estates, California, where future Hall-of-Famer Tracy Austin learned the game as a child. So sad to hear of the passing of tennis coach Vic Braden, a pioneer, innovator, & true legend in our sport! Austin tweeted. Braden was known for his innovative teaching style, and his application of technology to the basics of tennis instruction. He authored several books and articles on tennis instruction and was a licensed psychologist in California. Tennis has lost a treasure, Billie Jean King wrote on Twitter. he was always on the cutting edge of science in tennis & is an all-time great in our industry. Braden is also survived by children Kory Braden-Hittelman, Kristen Paul, Troy Davis and Shawn Davis, and four grandchildren. His daughter, Kelly, died 12 years ago from complications of lupus. Bradens body has been donated to the University of California, Irvine, for research purposes. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Fake Ducks Jerseys . -- Craig Anderson has quite a record against his former team, the Florida Panthers. Stitched Ducks Jerseys . The Braves optioned outfielder Jose Constanza to Triple-A Gwinnett. As expected, the Braves also called up right-hander Julio Teheran from Gwinnett to start Sundays game and optioned backup catcher J.The CFLs sack master is staying in Calgary. The Stampeders announced Hughes, last years league leader in sacks with 18, has signed a contract extension. "Charleston has firmly established himself as a premier defensive end in this league and is a key cog in our defensive unit," head coach and general manager John Hufnagel said in a team statement. "Im pleased that he has chosen to remain with the Stampeders and look forward to his continued excellence in the years to come." Hughes has spent ssix seasons in Calgary, and has been named a CFL All-Star two times. Sam Steel Jersey. He is third on the teams all-time sack list with 54 and came just one sack shy of tying Harold Hallmans single-season sack record for the Stamps. "I want to thank the entire organization for bringing me back," Hughes said in a team statement. "I love playing in Calgary and Im looking forward to getting back on the field and getting after another championship." Terms of the deal were not released. ' ' '