This is a synopsis of a story that appeared in the Sept. 10 Flint JournalLapeer East tennis coach Oscar Rodriguez notched his 100th win as a boys coach in a match with Lapeer West on Thursday, Sept. 9.
“It doesn’t feel any different, it’s like having another birthday," Rodriguez said. "It’s just another day.”
Rodriguez has led East's boys program to a 100-86-7 (.536) overall record since 1995.
He is the 22nd Flint-area tennis coach to reach the 100-win plateau coaching boys, the second from Lapeer.
The area record is held is by Rod McEachern, who tallied 338 dual-meet victories at Lapeer West and its precursor, Lapeer High, from 1958-89.
Rodriguez has an overall mark of 252-189-18 (.569), having led the Eagles' girls program to a 152-103-11 (.592) overall record since 1988.
The Flint native is only the eighth area coach to win 100 or more duals coaching boys and girls.
Thursday, East won three of the four singles flights — Nos. 1, 2, and 4 — and No. 4 doubles in three sets to beat the Panthers, 8-0, and improve to 2-2 overall and 1-1 in the Metro League. West fell to 0-2-1 in the Metro.
Capturing three-set victories for East were Henry Peabody (No. 1), Tony Wagner (No. 2), Aaron Marietta (No. 4) and Brandon Kelts and James Apfel (No. 4 doubles).
"I’m going to be around for a long time," Rodriguez said. "I love the opportunity and 'm having a great team. I'm glad I can say I coach at Lapeer East."
