Coach of Champions: D.L. Holmes and the Making of Detroit’s Track Stars, 15 October | Event in Commerce Township

Coach of Champions: D.L. Holmes and the Making of Detroit’s Track Stars

Commerce Township Community Library

Highlights

Wed, 15 Oct, 2025 at 07:00 pm

1.3 hours

180 E Commerce, Commerce Township, MI, United States, Michigan 48382

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Date & Location

Wed, 15 Oct, 2025 at 07:00 pm to 08:15 pm (EDT)

180 E Commerce, Michigan 48382

180 E Commerce Rd, Commerce Twp, MI 48382-4113, United States, Commerce Township

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About the event

Coach of Champions: D.L. Holmes and the Making of Detroit’s Track Stars
Register Here: https://commercetwp-library.libcal.com/event/14966908

Come join us for an evening with Keith D. Wunderlich, author of Coach of Champions, as he shares stories and pictures from of the life and legacy of his grandfather, Coach David L. Holmes.

Over 100 years ago, Coach David L. Holmes started all the sports programs at what was then called Detroit Junior College (now Wayne State University). He coached Track & Field and was Athletic Director at Wayne from 1917 to 1958. He used the hallways of Old Main for practice and track meets because he had no other indoor athletic facilities. His outdoor track was equally poor, not having enough space for a full 440 track. And, of course, synthetic tracks weren’t even a dream back then. They ran on dirt and later upgraded to cinders.

He welcomed thousands of athletes, many of whom would not have been accepted at other colleges because they were Black, Jewish, Eastern-European, or Catholic. He coached many to become Olympians, world record holders, and national and AAU champions. D.L.'s character, beliefs, and attention to detail allowed members of his teams to achieve more than they ever imagined, despite the challenges of outdated training equipment and the prejudice they faced. Through these stories of athletic greatness and resilience learned through defeat, D.L.'s legacy reveals the enduring power of believing in others.

Copies of Coach of Champions will be available for $25 cash. Keith Wunderlich, the author and grandson of Coach Holmes, will be more than happy to autograph books after the presentation.


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Ticket Info

Tickets for Coach of Champions: D.L. Holmes and the Making of Detroit’s Track Stars can be booked here.

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180 E Commerce, Commerce Township, MI, United States, Michigan 48382
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Commerce Township Community Library

Commerce Township Community Library

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Coach of Champions: D.L. Holmes and the Making of Detroit’s Track Stars, 15 October | Event in Commerce Township
Coach of Champions: D.L. Holmes and the Making of Detroit’s Track Stars
Wed, 15 Oct, 2025 at 07:00 pm