Lynn "Lingo" VanDersteen, a 1972 grad, left an indelible mark on Grand Ledge High School athletics and is remembered as one of the school’s most versatile and accomplished student-athletes. He was the first All-State baseball player under Coach Patrick O’Keefe, setting a standard of excellence that would inspire future generations.

During his high school career, VanDerSteen excelled across multiple sports. He was the Varsity Quarterback for three seasons, leading the football team with skill and leadership. On the hardwood, he was a three-year starter on the Varsity Basketball team, making significant contributions to the Comets’ success. In baseball, he served as the starting center fielder on the Varsity team, showcasing exceptional athletic ability that earned him the opportunity to play the same position at Central Michigan University.

In the early spring of 1977, VanDerSteen approached Coach O’Keefe about assisting with the Grand Ledge baseball program. That year proved historic: it was the first season the team traveled to Florida for spring practice, and it culminated in the school’s first State Championship. Over the next 30-plus years on the coaching staff, VanDerSteen helped the Comets achieve a remarkable 895 wins and only 191 losses, for an 82% winning percentage. During this period, the team captured more than 40 combined League & Diamond Classic Championships, including 7 consecutive Diamond Classic Championships & 9 CAC titles in 11 seasons from 1986-1998; 23 District and 10 Regional Titles; 3 State Final Four finishes in 1990, 1994, 1996; 2 State Runner-up finishes in 1992 and 2001; and 2 MHSAA Class A / Division 1 State Championships, including the inaugural 1977 title and another in 1995.

VanDerSteen’s dedication to Grand Ledge athletics was formally recognized when the 1977 baseball team was inducted into the Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame in 1990, celebrating both the team’s historic achievements and his pivotal role in their success. His legacy extends beyond statistics and championships; it reflects a lifelong commitment to excellence, leadership, and the development of student-athletes, cementing his place as a central figure in the history of Grand Ledge High School sports.

Link: Lynn mentioned in LSJ article about Coach O'Keefe , Coach O'Keefe's 1000th Win