HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Everyone called him Tiger, and when it came to tennis, he burned brightly.
Dwayne “Tiger” Teusink died Monday, Sept. 6, 2021. He would have turned 85 tomorrow, Sept. 9, 2021.
A graduate of Holland High, Hope College and University of Michigan, Mr. Teusink’s career as a teacher and tennis coach included many awards, from multiple honors as Regional Coach of the Year to the 2009 with the Special Recognition Award by Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators. He was named State Coach of the Year times by the Michigan H.S. Tennis Coaches.
Holland Dutch Tennis officials wrote “Deeply saddened to hear the news that Tiger Teusink passed away today at the age of 84. His impact on Holland Tennis and tennis overall stretches far and wide. One of the best ever. Prayers for his loved ones.”
Holland school district officials responded with a heartfelt “Thank you Tiger Teusink.”
Lee J Lamberts, former Holland Sentinel sports editor, wrote on WHTC’s obituary notice for Mr. Teusink, “Very, very classy gentleman and one heckuva coach. As former Sports Editor of The Holland Sentinel, covering tennis matches was fun and interesting for me with Tiger on the sidelines. He would never, EVER say anything bad about his players and when he was angry about something — usually losing, although “usually” is not the right word to describe his career — he was quick to calm down and give me as much information and quotable quotes as I needed, usually — this time, appropriate — when I wanted to talk to him more than he wanted to talk. Those who knew him or even knew of him, or competed against him, will miss him.”
Mr. Teusink amassed many honors during his career as a teacher and coach, including being inducted into the Western Michigan Tennis Association‘s Hall of Fame. Holland Public School’s tennis courts were named for Mr. Teusink in 2016. He graduated in 1954 from Holland High and went on to be a long-time teacher, tennis coach the district’s athletic director.
His complete obituary and funeral can be found here: whtc.com/2021/09/07/duane-tiger-teusink.
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