LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - On a perfect November Saturday, the UNLV men's tennis program unveiled a plaque at its Fertitta Tennis Complex during a ceremony to honor local tennis champion Herman Ahlers.

The story of Ahlers' amazing senior career is now permanently available in bronze formp for fans and players alike to read when entering the facility. Now 80 years old, he has won USTA National Championships on three different surfaces - grass, indoor and outdoor hard courts - and was selected to represent the United States on the Crawford Cup Team (70-and-over players), the Blitsy Grant Cup (75-and-over) and the Gardner Mulloy Cup (80-and-over). In December of 2007 Ahlers reached the pinnacle when he was ranked No. 1 in the world in his age group by the ITF.

Having moved to Southern Nevada 15 years ago, Ahlers said he began to play competitive tennis later in life.

"Tennis lets you exercise every day and the competition is fair because of the age-group factor," he said. "I can compete with anyone my age in the world. It's a great system. It motivated me to get exercise every day and tennis is perfect for that."

Having played across the globe, he said his favorite country to compete in is located Down Under.

"I won a doubles championship in Perth and I really enjoy playing in Australia on the grass," said Ahlers. "They are very tennis-oriented there."

Local attorney and fellow UNLV tennis supporter Phil Aurbach was proud to help honor his friend.

"For him to achieve the success he has after not having grown up playing tennis his whole life is a tribute to how hard he works. I think he's an inspiration to all tennis players - especially those who are 40, 50, 60 years old. This is a sport of a lifetime and Herman is living proof of that. I think it's fabulous that the University decided to honor him."

On hand Saturday was the current Rebel team and staff along with a group of supporters to watch the unveiling and then play some tennis themselves.

"Today was a Thank You event for those who have helped out our program through the years," said UNLV men's tennis head coach Owen Hambrook. "The team comes out and plays matches with them. We have such a great group of guys so it is fun for everyone in such an intimate setting."

Hambrook said it was an honor for his program to install the plaque.

"From Andre Agassi to Andy Roddick to our own national champions to other top collegiate players, UNLV has seen some unbelievable tennis players compete here at the Fertitta Tennis Complex," he said. "To honor a Las Vegas resident who has reached ranking No. 1 in the world as well as been so generous in supporting our program, it's fitting that we can honor him here with something that players and fans will see for many years to come."