Stonington — The Board of Selectmen announced Thursday night that the high school tennis courts will be named in honor of outgoing First Selectman George Crouse. 

Crouse taught at the school for 37 years and has coached the school’s tennis team for 42 years, with his girls’ teams winning numerous ECC championships and often competing for a state title.

In 2010 he was named the United States Tennis Association New England High School Coach of the Year. In addition, Crouse has given tennis lessons to hundreds of local children over the years.

Crouse, who was appointed first selectman after Ed Haberek resigned last December, was defeated in last week’s election by Republican Selectman Rob Simmons.

Simmons is slated to take over next Tuesday.

Earlier Thursday, Crouse was packing boxes in his Town Hall office while taking care of town business. Thursday’s board meeting was the last for Crouse.

A resolution read Thursday night by Simmons and Selectman Mike Spellman praised Crouse “for his devoted service and dedication to the entire Town of Stonington.”

As the residents applauded, Crouse hugged both men.

“I guess you have to lose an election to get this,” joked Crouse.

He thanked both men, and said the courts are close to his heart.

“I’ve lived most of my life coaching on those courts,” he said.

Simmons said a plaque designating the courts in Crouse’s name will be unveiled at a ribbon cutting this spring.

j.wojtas@theday.com

Twitter: @joewojtas