Legendary Gustavus Tennis Coach Dies At 73

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The tennis world lost a legend Wednesday as long-time Gustavus Adolphus College tennis coach Steve Wilkinson died at the age of 73. Wilkinson had been battling cancer for nearly seven years.

He retired in 2009 after running the Gustavus men's tennis program for 39 years. He walked away as the winningest coach in college history with 929 career wins. Wilkinson had two teams win NCAA titles, in 1980 and 1982, as well as 35 MIAC titles. In his 29 seasons, his team compiled a record of 929-278 and a MIAC record of 334-1.

He and his wife, Barbara, started the Tennis and Life Camps in 1977. Wilkinson also played a key role in the fundraising and building of the tennis facilities at Gustavus.

Wilkinson and his wife had been married for 48 years. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, their two daughters, Stephanie and Deborah, their sons-in law Scott and Jon and four grandchildren.

There will be a memorial service for Wilkinson at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at Gustavus's Christ Chapel. A visitation will take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 30, at First Lutheran Church in St. Peter.