Glen Lake tennis serves up a state finalist and coach of the year!

by Daryl Lick
Sun sports reporter

In the early 80’s a young, confident high school tennis coach took a bunch of cocky, athletically gifted kids and a tennis dynasty was born. Four straight regional championships and some top ten state finishes were the norm. That last championship team in 1983 was led by its #1 singles player Mike Sutherland and coached by his oldest brother Tim.
Fast forward to 2002 – the stars aligned and now Laker head coach Mike Sutherland asked brother Tim to assist him for 2002 Laker tennis. In a storybook season culminated by a regional championship, another top ten state tourney finish, and G.L’s first ever state finalist Neil Kokowicz, a new chapter has been written in the long, successful history of Glen Lake athletics. Special recognition goes to a talented senior class that led the Lakers tennis team: Nate Reed, Betsy Netherton, Kokowicz, Keenan May, Jim Videto, and Patrick Mahoney.
All-Area honors go to Nate Reed, Betsy Netherton, and Neil Kokowicz, while Mike Sutherland was named All-Area Coach of the Year! Congratulations to all!!