Gimme 5: Kopinski to Join Illini Ranks Next

Twice was nice for Stagg's Tim Kopinski.

He made his second straight trip to the IHSA boys state tennis tournament a successful one with a fourth-place finish that capped his senior season with the Chargers in style. As a junior, Kopinski placed second in the IHSA state tourney.

He departs Stagg as one of the top high school-age tennis players in Illinois, and he'll be trading his Charger navy blue and orange for that of the Fighting Illini.

Kopinksi had a racket in his hand since the age of 4, and he's been active playing tennis ever since, much of the time working year-round on his game.

When he does get away from the court, he enjoys video games and most any sport. In the cold weather, he'll lace up the ice skates and play ice hockey in his back yard.

He says he would like to go into dentistry, but is undecided on a major.