Sander and Rettke sign athletic scholarships at Bob Jones

Bob Jones swimmer Derek Sander (left) and tennis payer Vincent Rattke signed athletic scholarships Thursday (Record Photo/Lindsay Vaught)

MADISON- The early signing period started at Bob Jones with Derek Sander signing a swimming scholarship to Louisville and Vincent Rettke signing a tennis scholarship to Gonzaga.

Sander will join former Bob Jones swimmer Zach Harting on the Louisville swim team. Sander is the current state champion in the 100 and 200 yard freestyle. Bob Jones will go for back-to-back team championships in Auburn on December 4-5. Sander could also win more state titles. Bob Jones swim team is coached by Mike Gunner.

“Zach being there was a positive,” Sander said of Louisville. “He showed me around. We were great teammates, he always pushed me and I thought it was a great place for me.”

Sander said that he will be in the Honors Program and has academic scholarships he has earned as well. As he advances in college swimming his swimming scholarship will go up.

Rettke is the first Bob Jones men’s tennis player to sign to play college tennis in the four year tenure of men’s tennis coach Bill Bryant.

“I started at age 6 and played started playing competitively at 8. My dad played high school tennis and tried out for the team at N.C. State. He has helped me a lot. It’s great playing for Coach Bryant. He’s always supportive and lifts us up,” Rettke said.

Rettke got tennis lessons for many years from Willis Mbondi.

“He helped my footwork and more efficient strokes. I play matches around the area now.”

Gonzaga is located in Spokane, Washington.

“I had not considered Gonzaga until they contacted me. I visited and I loved it. Their academics attracted me and they have a good basketball team,” Rettke added.

Rettke is the current Class 7A state champion. He defeated Brooks Green from McGill-Toolen. Tennis is a spring sport and the state tournament is in May.

“I’m pumped about the tennis season coming up. I hope to play in some national tournaments also. One in Arizona and one in Florida.”

Rettke has taken computer science and engineering courses at Bob Jones and will pursue those careers at Gonzaga.