High school athletics give students the opportunity to showcase their talent in the classroom and on the court. Scholars spend their days practicing and studying, with hopes of one day having the opportunity to give back to all who have helped along the path to success.
Western High School students are no different.
Athletic director William Goldsmith Jr. has instilled many different values in his athletes. He encourages them to follow the motto "commitment to character," which was adopted when Ron Simpkins came back to coach football at Western. Simpkins played football at the University of Michigan and was later drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals.
"He is probably the most outstanding lineback in U of M’s history," says Goldsmith of Simpkins. "He set the curve for athletes in Detroit."
Simpkins is not the only former athlete to give back to his high school. There is a long line of athletically gifted alumni who have come back to coach long after their high school graduation.
Of course, Goldsmith realizes that not every student athlete goes on to the professional ranks. Programs are made available for scholars to see how they can still be involved in sports without actually playing them. They are encouraged to look at possible professions, such as athletic training and coaching.
"You never know where your talents might lie," says Goldsmith
It is this strong commitment to both sports and academics that makes Western special. Goldsmith says he is most proud when students succeed in both the classroom and on the playing field.
"Everything we do here is student-driven. We teach them how to be in charge."
Although Goldsmith notes that some people judge a school’s athletic program success by looking at the win/loss column, he says winning is not all-important at Western. The character the teen-agers develop through sports is key, he says.
"We are very proud of our athletes here, and we want them to be good people, good students."
As a result of this stress on character, many Western athletes devote time to their community. Some of the programs in which students are involved take place at Clark Park, which Goldsmith refers to as the "hidden jewel of the city."
Some graduates succeed in a profession that allows them to give back after the fact, including teaching.
Western’s commitment to character has produced a wealth of driven, successful students. Individually, these students and athletes are a success. But together, with the help of the teachers and staff, they make a phenomenal team.
"That is what we like to see. Success built through teamwork."