By SCOTT NOVAK
Niles Daily Star

After 22 seasons as the head coach of the Buchanan boys’ tennis program, Steve Bender has resigned to take over a similar position at South Bend St. Joseph, it was announced Friday afternoon.
Bender led the Bucks to 10 undefeated seasons in his 22 years
Buchanan had 16 conference championships and 14 regional titles during Bender’s tenure and the compiled a 200-16-8 overall record in those 22 years.
The Bucks were state champions in 2003 and had seven top four finishes at the state finals during that span.

“This decision was very difficult, but the opportunity for this great challenge was too god to say ‘no,'” he said. “South Bend St. Joe has a rich tennis tradition in Indiana.
“Also, I feel very good that my varsity assistant for the past few years, Sean Jesse, will lead the Bucks to further glory. He has been involved in Buchanan tennis for a long time and is a great motivator and role model. Those involved in the Buchanan tennis program learned that hard work pays off and that a school with only four tennis courts can compete with anyone.”
Bender also added that he hopes that “everyone involved in the program took away something special, because the program gave me so much. I will dearly miss them,” he said.

Buchanan athletic director Fred Smith, who announced the resignation Friday afternoon said, “Steve has left his mark on Buchanan tennis and will be missed. He has a great passion for the game and enjoyed working with our student athletes.”