Following his graduation from Allegheny in 1932, Bates went to work for Talon Incorporated in Meadville where he reached the position of price administrator.
He organized the first tennis team at Meadville High School in 1927. Following his retirement from Talon in 1974, Bates returned to Allegheny as an assistant tennis coach for three years. In 1977 he succeeded Dock Biddle as head tennis coach of the Gators.
Bates guided the fortunes of the AC men’s tennis team for six years. He led them to President’s Athletic Conference championships in 1980, 1981, and 1982, after the squad had recorded three straight second place finishes.
Bates’ teams dominated the conference in 1981 winning eight of nine possible titles. In 1982, the Gators won five individual titles. His name along with that of the late H.P. Way rank as the most successful tennis coaches in Allegheny College history.
Bates then stepped aside as Susie Fain became the head coach at Allegheny, but following her departure two years later, Bates returned as a tennis consultant working with current head coach Mark Fleming.
After returning to Allegheny, Bates also served as a statistical coordinator for both the football and basketball teams. He also coached a freshman tennis class.
