Former Clemson Tennis Player confirmed to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Canada

May 27, 2005

CLEMSON, SC–S.C. State House Speaker, David Wilkins of Greenville, SC was confirmed Thursday by the U.S. Senate to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Canada. Wilkins, a longtime lawmaker in Columbia and former state prosecutor is set to replace Paul Cellucci, who left the Canadian post earlier this year.

The senate now notifies the White House so President Bush can sign an official appointment. Wilkins would then be sworn into the position.

Wilkins played tennis at Clemson in 1966-68 and was captain of the team in 1968. He earned a bachelor of arts degree at Clemson. He lettered in tennis in 1966-68 and compiled a 35-15 record in singles and a 24-12 mark in doubles. He was the ACC champion at number six singles in 1967 and was the ACC’s number two doubles champion in 1966 along with teammate Sammy Smithyman.