On June 18th we've partnered with Wayne State University Press and Source Booksellers to host author Keith Wunderlich for the release of his book Coach of Champions. During his 41 years at WSU Coach D.L. Holmes inspired countless athletes to become their very best selves, on and off the track. Come hear stories from the author that'll leave you inspired and motivated.
From the WSU Press:
An advocate of diversity, initiator of self-confidence, and driving force
behind winners.
In an era rife with racism and antisemitism, Wayne State University athletic
director and track coach D.L. Holmes emerged as a first-rate coach and mentor
dedicated to supporting athletes of all races. Throughout his forty-one years at
the public university in Detroit (1917–58), he welcomed thousands of
athletes—Black, Jewish, Eastern-European, and others—coaching 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achieve more than they ever imagined, despite the challenges of outdated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.
This uplifting account captures D.L.'s uncanny ability to discover and nurture
hidden talent and the motivation he inspired in scores of athletes, including
several inductees of Wayne State's Hall of Fame like Tom Adams and Leroy
Dues. Author Keith D. Wunderlich weaves team member interviews together
with historically informed narratives of Coach Holmes and his runners. Through
these stories of athletic greatness and resilience learned through defeat, D.L.'s
legacy reveals the enduring power of believing in others.
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