STAFF SPOTLIGHT--MR. ZACK LINDERMAN!
I grew up on the North Side of Chicago and its Northwest Suburbs. I earned a BA in History from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a Masters in Education from DePaul University in Chicago. This is my 21st year teaching history and coaching basketball. My family and I relocated to SW Michigan 4 years ago and we absolutely love it here. When I'm not teaching or coaching, my favorite thing to do is spend time with my wife Terrie and 9-year old son Ray. I am a huge sports fan and I love attending sports events that Ray participates in, which include soccer, basketball, and boxing. This is my first year at Watervliet and I appreciate so much how welcoming the community has been and how strong of an academic and athletic culture we have here. You might be surprised to know that Terrie and I got married at Soldier Field, which was incredible for two families full of lifelong Chicago Bears fans!
This week’s Press Box Player of the Week is Watervliet’s Jacob Schaefer.
Jacob is in the middle of his senior season on the Panther basketball team, playing a big role underneath
the basket, banging around with every opponent’s biggest and strongest. He’s had a busy year so far,
leading the Panther football team as their quarterback while at the same time leading the Panther
Marching Band to its first state championship as the band’s drum major. That last activity might be the
toughest as he gets judged and scored at every one of their marching contests while he is directing the
band through their performance.
His favorite moments in his sports career are all the times his teams have beaten their rival Comets. He
also enjoyed the interaction and impact the big football kids have with the younger football teams,
especially during homecoming week when they get to see all the young Panthers.
Outside of athletics and band he volunteers for National Honor Society activities, coordinates student
council events, enjoys weight training and spending time with his family and friends.
After graduation he intends to attend a university and study Kinesiology and exercise science while
playing basketball. He hopes to eventually own multiple businesses that service athletes and their
physical recovery.
Congratulations, and good luck Jacob!
