Welcome To Ann Arbor Huron Tennis
2003
captains: seniors Aaron Silver and Ryan Pirooz
2002
Ann Arbor Huron
2002 Varsity Tennis
Huron's Burdelski set to retire
Tuesday, May 28, 2002
Huron High School boys tennis coach Jim Burdelski has led
his team to a state championship and runner-up finishes on
five occasions.
But no matter where the River Rats place at this weekend's
Division 1 state tournament, it will be the last for Burdelski,
who is retiring after 14 seasons as head coach.
"It's been a lot of fun being with the kids and seeing them
develop from the ninth grade to the 12th grade," Burdelski
said. "I've enjoyed watching some of the kids go on to play in
college or continue tennis as a lifelong sport. The relationships
with the parents have also been nice.
"But I guess it's time to move on and give somebody another
chance to do this."
Burdelski, who is also retiring from his job as a vocational
counselor for special needs students, is literally moving on. He
and his wife, Paula, who retired earlier this month, are
relocating to Santa Fe, N.M. in June.
The multiculturalism of the Santa Fe area, the artistic bent of
the community and the outdoor opportunities were all part of
the lure of Santa Fe.
"This is a new adventure for us," Burdelski said. "It's a new
change of life."
Burdelski added that he hasn't ruled out coaching tennis,
either.
Pioneer head coach Tom Pullen, who is good friends with
Burdelski, said he'll miss his coaching rival.
Besides leading two of the premier high school programs in
Michigan, Burdelski and Pullen teamed for years as doubles
partners in the city tournament, winning six times.
"It will certainly be a lot different without him," Pullen said.
"He's a super guy and a great competitor. I enjoyed our
relationship very, very much
