Wilcher's evolution

For some reason, while waiting for the Pepper's announcement, I began thinking about the Detroit PSL-and this is where some of you east siders can help me - and Thomas Wilcher.

As a former coach, I can state honestly it took me about four to five years to be comfortable enough with myself to finally state "I GOT IT." Of course, I don't know if Tom, like myself had three years as an assistant, able to work with those with far more experience than myself or whether or not he was cast into the h.c. position right away. I did notice, however, that it took him thirteen years to get his team to the semis and once he got them that far he was able to display it wasn't just a one and done by following up with back to back state championships.

I'm interested in what the board thinks. We know he has sent corners to UM for years, but suddenly we're getting linemen and other skilled positions, notably I guess his future UM qb. What has changed? Has the school of choice finally persuaded the PSL players to opt for Wilcher and the Technicians? Has his assistants gotten better. We all know that Big Will got by with size and strength alone pretty much and that others like Gholston seemed to be ready from day one.

I think Season 5 is a good indicator of whether a coach is in the right profession, not necessarily being the head man because valuable assistants are every bit as valuable as we've learned from Mattison and the fact he is much better his second time around. That fact is actually useful in itself because it shows that one is always capable of learning, and it's obvious he has picked up many more tricks since his first job in AA back in the 80s.

Many of you are much more familiar with the east side high school picture and where the players are going. Is the economy finally hitting the east side as well in regard to its players? Although many students from the DCL come from families whose parents are executives and therefore the crunch hasn't hit them nearly as bad. The only reason I mention this is that at one time Muskegon Catholic was in the highest division in the state when we were only 4 divisions deep, but with the downturn of the economy and UAW no longer employing the majority of the work force here, it is now a Division 7 school, although still powerful in its respective class. Same coaching for two decades will do that I guess.

Inasmuch as it seems like Wilcher has always had some pretty decent players such as those mentioned above, along with Barksdale and others, my initial guess is he has employed some assistants that are much better teachers than those he replaced. He seems to be sending players from both sides of the line along with the skilled positions as mentioned above. This, however, normally doesn't take 13 years to achieve so I'm wondering what the take on the board is. I'm certain many haven't given it much thought, but for you in the know I would appreciate your feedback. Thanks.