Detroit Public Schools Community District hosted its annual “Public School League (PSL) Media Day” event on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at the Randolph Career and Technical Center. While coaches and athletes didn’t have to do any warm-up drills or study plays, they did make sure that they were on their “A” game.
Student-athletes and their coaches within the district showed up for a fun and engaging day to look and be their best ahead of the upcoming season. Interviews were conducted by members of the media, players received team headshots, and teams engaged in sportsmanlike conversations about their season predictions. The coaches' poll raised some eyebrows and heightened the competition among players.
Regaining their PSL Blue Division Title, the “King Crusaders” are coming back
The “King Crusaders” are no stranger to the championship-like mentality. This season, the players and coaches are hungry as they fell short of the 2023 PSL victory against rivals Cass Tech. With the coaches' top pick, King is ready to bring home another PSL championship title. Damon “DJ” Stennis, a senior at King, reflects on the team’s 2022 Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) State Championship victory, as one of his most memorable moments. "It was my first time playing high school football" he explains. Stennis shares what it takes to be part of a team and the importance of having good grades. “A team helps each other grow. You and your teammates set goals and help each other reach them. Keep your grades up, because if you don’t have the grades, you can’t do anything athletic-wise.”
A repeat victory is possible for the “Denby Tars”
Reigning 2023 PSL Gold Division champions, the Denby Tars are the coach's top pick for this season. Senior Shawntez Bowie Jr, Denby High School, shares his most memorable moment of being an athlete in the PSL. “My favorite moment was winning the city championship.” With the Tars projected to win, Bowie knows it will be a team effort. “Never give up, keep going, and never stop.” With players and coaches, excited about the season, Coach Zachery Carr offers words to the community, “Football is not who we are, it’s what we do.”
Building Character and a Brotherhood Culture
With many first-year coaches on the roster this season, Coach Casey Smith at Henry Ford High School is excited and ready for a fun and competitive upcoming season. “I’d say football is the best teacher of life. It teaches you how to overcome adversity and how to handle problems that occur in real-time. It builds a brotherhood; a bond; a family outside your own family,” said Coach Smith.
Coaches from around the league are focusing on rebuilding, as there are many new young players ready to showcase their talent. Another priority for coaches is keeping their teams healthy and injury-free; maintaining well-being on and off the field is key to team success.
With the start of the season beginning Thursday, August 29, 2024, DPSCD is excited about Thursday Night High School Football.
For more information, visit DPSCD athletics and watch this clip for more details on the 2024 PSL Media Day.
