Edmund Gould

Edmund Gould

Athlete Class of 1948

In Southwest boys’ sports history, Cross Country and Hockey have dominated over the years with many State Tournament appearances. But back in the early years of Southwest sports, one young man put Southwest boy’s tennis into the limelight. His name was Edmund Gould, known as "Chief" to his family and friends.

The Minneapolis City Conference was the hub of high school tennis in the 1940’s winning 18 of a possible 20 singles and doubles titles during a ten year period. In 1946, sophomore Edmund Gould teamed up with his partner, Jack Thommen, to win the State Doubles Tennis Championship. He was also Runner-up in singles.

Not one to rest on his laurels, now a senior, Edmund came back in 1948 to not only repeat as the Minnesota State Doubles champion, but this time he also won the State Tennis Single championship, for a complete sweep. Thus making him a three time State champion and Southwest High School’s only State Tennis singles champion. He finished his distinguished career with four letters in tennis.

All of this was before the era of indoor tennis facilities and professional coaching. Tennis was played at the public park courts or at the country club.

In addition to his high school wins, Edmund won many other Northwest tennis tournaments that took place in and around the Midwest during the 1940’s. Later in life he gravitated toward golf and shot many rounds in the 70’s. Edmund had three children, three grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. He passed away in Santa Barbara, CA in January, 2019 at the age of 89.